Introduction
Nothing says summer quite like a delightful homemade Strawberry Shortcake! With fluffy, buttery biscuits cradling juicy, sweet strawberries and clouds of whipped cream, this dessert is a celebration of flavors and textures. Perfect for a sunny picnic or a cozy evening on the porch, these shortcakes will transport you straight to berry bliss. Let’s gather our ingredients and craft this timeless treat together!
Ingredients
To create these scrumptious strawberry shortcakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- For the strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your biscuits don’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar, creating a light and airy mixture.
- Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mix. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, gently work the butter in until it resembles coarse crumbs, reminiscent of sandy beaches.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until just combined. Remember, overmixing is the nemesis of fluffy biscuits.
- Lightly turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it a couple of times, just enough to bring it together. Then, pat it out into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
- With a round cutter, cut out your biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and have that lovely baked aroma. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss them gently to coat and allow them to macerate for about 10 minutes, releasing their sweet juices.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a heavenly whipped cream.
- To assemble, take a biscuit and slice it in half. Layer the bottom half with a generous helping of strawberries, add a dollop of whipped cream, and then top it with the biscuit’s upper half.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors in every bite!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for a burst of brightness.
- If you prefer a sweeter whipped cream, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste!
- These biscuits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves a few essential techniques that every home cook should master:
- Cutting in butter: This technique is crucial for achieving flaky biscuits. The cold butter helps create steam as the biscuits bake, resulting in those delightful layers.
- Macarating fruit: Allowing the strawberries to sit with sugar helps to draw out their natural juices, creating a luscious syrup that enhances the flavor of the shortcake.
- Whipping cream: Beating the cream until soft peaks form is key to achieving light and airy whipped cream that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
FAQ
Can I make the biscuits in advance? Yes! You can prepare the biscuit dough and freeze it before baking. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What is the best way to store leftovers? To keep your shortcakes fresh, store the assembled biscuits in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s best to keep the strawberries and whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
There you have it! A classic Strawberry Shortcake recipe that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. With each bite, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of flaky biscuits, sweet, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped goodness. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh, seasonal strawberries. So gather your ingredients and let’s bake these delicious treats together!