Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for Summer Bliss

The moment you bite into a slice of strawberry shortcake, you enter a world where fluffy cake meets juicy strawberries and freshly whipped cream. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as the cake bakes, creating a sensory experience that makes you feel like you’re in a dessert paradise. This delightful treat is perfect for summer picnics, birthday parties, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something sweet. For more inspiration, check out this cake recipes collection recipe.

Every time I make strawberry shortcake, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom and I would whip up this dessert on sunny days. The laughter, the mess of flour on our faces, and the anticipation of indulging in something so delicious have stuck with me. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Trust me when I say that each bite of this strawberry shortcake is an adventure worth taking! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This strawberry shortcake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for even the busiest bakers
  • The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweet strawberries and light vanilla cake
  • Its visual appeal makes it an Instagram-worthy centerpiece for any gathering
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served at brunch or as a dessert after dinner

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum sweetness; they are the star of this show!

  • Granulated Sugar: A couple of tablespoons will help macerate the strawberries and enhance their natural sweetness.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a fluffy cake; sifted flour helps keep it light.

  • Baking Powder: This magical ingredient makes your cake rise beautifully.

  • Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors in your cake and strawberries.

  • Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for rich flavor and moist texture in your shortcake.

  • Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.

  • Heavy Whipping Cream: For luscious whipped cream that crowns your dessert perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling about two cups of fresh strawberries. Slice them into halves or quarters depending on your preference. Toss them with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This process creates a delightful syrup as they release their juices.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). While it’s heating up, grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour, two tablespoons of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well blendedβ€”think of it as giving your dry ingredients some quality time together.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together half a cup of unsalted butter and three-quarters of a cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm workout with a whisk!

Step 5: Add Milk

Gradually mix in one cup of milk into the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined. Then fold in the dry mixture gently until just blendedβ€”overmixing can lead to tough cakes.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool before slicing.

Step 7: Create Whipped Cream

While waiting for the cake to cool down completely, whip one cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks formβ€”this should take about five minutes if using an electric mixer.

To serve, slice your fluffy shortcake horizontally in half. Layer those luscious strawberries topped with syrup between the two halves along with generous dollops of whipped cream. Finish off by placing the top layer back on and adding more whipped cream on topβ€”because why not? Transfer to plates and drench with any remaining strawberry syrup for that extra oomph!

Enjoy every bite of this homemade strawberry shortcakeβ€”a perfect blend of nostalgia wrapped up in each delicious slice!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Strawberry Shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of sweetness
  • With layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries, it brings joy to any occasion
  • Perfect for warm summer days or cozy gatherings, this treat will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the shortcake layers first; they need time to cool. While those are in the oven, slice the strawberries and whip the cream until soft peaks form. Finally, assemble your masterpiece with alternating layers of cake, strawberries, and cream.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for an extra kick or sprinkle some lemon zest on top for brightness. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake fresh, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to avoid sogginess. Enjoy within two days for optimal flavor and texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect Strawberry Shortcake, use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
  • Don’t overwhip the cream; it should be light and fluffy
  • And always taste your strawberriesβ€”sweet ones make all the difference!

There was that one summer barbecue where I decided to impress my friends with my baking skills. Let’s just say my Strawberry Shortcake became the star of the show! Everyone loved it so much that I ended up giving out my recipe like it was a secret family heirloom.

FAQs :

What are the key ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake?

To make a classic Strawberry Shortcake, you need fresh strawberries, sugar, heavy cream, and either homemade or store-bought shortcakes. The shortcakes can be made from scratch using flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, and milk. Freshly whipped cream adds a luscious texture to the dessert. Using ripe strawberries enhances the flavor profile of your Strawberry Shortcake. For an elevated experience, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.

How do I prepare strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake?

Preparing strawberries for your Strawberry Shortcake involves washing them thoroughly under cold water. After rinsing, remove the green tops and slice the berries into quarters or halves, depending on their size. Toss the sliced strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar to draw out their natural juices. Allow them to macerate for about 30 minutes. This step intensifies the sweetness and creates a syrupy sauce that complements the cake beautifully.

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare elements of your Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time. You can wash and slice the strawberries a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the dessert just before serving to prevent sogginess in the shortcakes. If making whipped cream ahead of time, keep it chilled and covered until ready to use. This approach ensures you enjoy a fresh-tasting dessert while saving time during preparation.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Shortcake?

To serve Strawberry Shortcake perfectly, start by slicing the shortcake horizontally into two layers. Layer one half with a generous amount of macerated strawberries and some whipped cream. Place the other half on top and add more strawberries and whipped cream atop it for presentation. For an extra touch, garnish with a whole strawberry or mint leaves for color contrast. Serve immediately for an unforgettable dessert experience that highlights all its delicious flavors.

Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake :

Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful treat that combines fresh strawberries with creamy whipped topping and fluffy shortcakes. By selecting ripe strawberries and preparing each component carefully, you create a dessert that is both beautiful and delicious. Remember to layer your ingredients just before serving to maintain that perfect texture without sogginess. With these tips in mind, you’ll impress guests with this timeless dessert that celebrates summer’s bounty in every bite!

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Strawberry Shortcake


  • Author: Ethan Brooks
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Description

Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines fluffy vanilla cake, sweet macerated strawberries, and rich whipped cream. This classic treat evokes nostalgia and is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With its beautiful layers and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for strawberries)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for cake)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for whipped cream)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the strawberries by tossing sliced berries with 2 tablespoons of sugar; let sit for about 20 minutes to create syrup.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  4. Beat together softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Gradually add milk to the butter mixture, then fold in dry ingredients until just blended.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan; bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown; allow to cool.
  7. Whip heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.
  8. Slice the cooled cake horizontally; layer with strawberries and whipped cream between layers, then top with more cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, include a splash of vanilla extract in the whipped cream. - Experiment with different fruits like blueberries or peaches for variations. - Store components separately in airtight containers for freshness.

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