Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Easy Strawberry Shortcake: A Classic Dessert Made Simple 🍓🍰✨

1. Introduction

Craving a delightful, summery dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further than our easy strawberry shortcake recipe! This classic treat combines sweet, juicy strawberries with tender, crumbly shortcakes and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. It’s the perfect way to celebrate berry season! This recipe truly shines when you’re looking for something quick yet impressive. If you’re in the mood for more fast and easy desserts, you might also enjoy our No-Bake Eclair Cake. Perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion, this simple strawberry shortcake is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and satisfying. We break down each step to ensure success, offering tips and tricks along the way. This isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating memories with every bite. Get ready to enjoy a taste of summer with this homemade strawberry shortcake!

2. What is Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert consisting of a sweet biscuit or cake-like base, topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The “shortcake” component is traditionally a crumbly biscuit, made with flour, sugar, butter, and a leavening agent. The strawberries are typically macerated (softened in their juices) to enhance their flavor, drawing out their natural sweetness and creating a luscious syrup. The combination of the tender shortcake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream makes for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This quick strawberry shortcake is a delightful treat for any occasion.

The beauty of strawberry shortcake lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While traditionally made with biscuits, variations include using sponge cake or even angel food cake for a lighter take. Regardless of the base, the star of the show remains the fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s a dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort, perfect for warm summer evenings or cozy gatherings. Thinking of making it for a summer barbecue? It would pair perfectly with some recipes from our dinner section!

3. Why This Recipe Works

This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is designed to be simple and accessible. By using straightforward ingredients and clear, concise instructions, anyone can achieve perfect results. We focus on techniques like keeping the butter cold for a tender shortcake and macerating the strawberries to maximize flavor. These little details make a big difference in the final outcome. The key is to keep the ingredients cold, especially the butter, to ensure a tender, flaky shortcake. Macerating the strawberries ahead of time allows their natural sweetness to shine. This recipe offers a delicious dessert without requiring advanced baking skills. For other easy baking ideas, be sure to check out our baking category.

What sets this recipe apart is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the sweetness levels to your preference or experiment with different toppings. A sprinkle of lemon zest in the shortcake dough adds a bright, citrusy note, while a dash of vanilla extract in the whipped cream enhances its flavor. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity and allows you to tailor it to your specific tastes. The result is a delightful homemade strawberry shortcake that everyone will love.

4. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for whipping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)

A note on ingredients: quality matters! Using fresh, ripe strawberries will make a world of difference in the final taste. Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the shortcakes. And don’t skimp on the heavy cream – it’s what gives the whipped cream its luxurious texture. If you want to get the best possible understanding of our brand, you can check our about page.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to create small pockets of butter within the flour, which will melt during baking and create a flaky texture.

Step 2: Combine and Cut the Dough

Gently stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough shortcakes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out the shortcakes. Aim for even thickness to ensure uniform baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Gently toss and let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to macerate. The sugar will draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a delicious syrup. Stir them occasionally to ensure even maceration.

Step 4: Bake and Assemble

Place the shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. While the shortcakes are baking, whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar for extra sweetness, if desired. Once the shortcakes are cooled, split them in half. Spoon the macerated strawberries over the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and place the top half of the shortcake on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your simple strawberry shortcake!

For a slightly elevated twist, you can brush the tops of the shortcakes with melted butter before baking. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a richer flavor. Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping. For another delightful creation, try the Breakfast Brunch recipes.

6. Tips for the Perfect Shortcake

• Use cold ingredients to ensure a tender, flaky shortcake.
• Do not overmix the dough; mix until just combined.
• Macerate the strawberries for at least 30 minutes to enhance their sweetness.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the shortcake dough.
• Serve the shortcakes fresh, as they are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
• Consider using a food processor to cut the butter into the flour for speed and efficiency.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk, but the shortcakes will be less rich.

7. Variations and Add-Ins

• Try using different berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.
• Mix a tablespoon of lemon juice into the macerated strawberries for a tangy twist.
• Sprinkle the shortcakes with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy top.
• Add almond extract to the whipped cream for a nutty flavor.
• Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make these shortcakes for Valentines’s Day

For inspiration and a slightly different take, check out this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe on Allrecipes.

8. Serving Suggestions

Easy strawberry shortcake is best served fresh, shortly after assembly. It’s perfect as an afternoon treat, a dessert after a light meal, or a sweet finale to a barbecue. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing combination. This quick strawberry shortcake is sure to be a hit at any gathering! If you want to work with us, you can check the work with me page.

Strawberry shortcake is also a wonderful addition to brunch spreads. Its bright flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dish. For another fruity dessert idea that is amazing, try our desserts.

9. Conclusion

With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this easy strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The combination of tender shortcakes, sweet macerated strawberries, and creamy whipped cream makes for an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, this homemade strawberry shortcake is sure to bring smiles. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake this classic dessert today! If you liked this recipe, revisit Super Daily Recipes website for delicious recipes.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the classic taste of summer with this easy strawberry shortcake recipe! Tender, crumbly shortcakes topped with sweet macerated strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Perfect for a quick and delightful dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus more for whipping
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gently stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut out shortcakes with a biscuit cutter or knife.
5. Place shortcakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. While shortcakes bake, combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a medium bowl. Let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Whip remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
8. Once shortcakes are cooled, split in half. Spoon macerated strawberries over bottom half, top with whipped cream, and place top half on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use cold ingredients for a tender, flaky shortcake.
• Do not overmix the dough.
• Macerate strawberries to enhance their sweetness.
• Add lemon zest to the dough for extra flavor.
• Serve fresh for the best taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 shortcake
• Calories: 350 Kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, easy dessert, homemade dessert, summer dessert, strawberry recipe, shortcake recipe, baking, fresh strawberries, whipped cream