Strawberry Shortcake for Easter Dinner

Strawberry Shortcake for Easter: A Sweet Springtime Celebration 🍓🌼🍰

1. Introduction

Looking for the perfect finale to your Easter feast? This Easter strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, ideal for celebrating the joys of spring. Imagine biting into a fluffy, homemade biscuit, bursting with the sweetness of in-season strawberries and topped with a cloud of whipped cream – that’s the experience this recipe offers. Combining the light, buttery texture of homemade shortcake biscuits with the fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries and creamy whipped topping, this strawberry shortcake for Easter is both simple to make and utterly irresistible. The bright colors and refreshing taste perfectly embody the spirit of the holiday. Whether you’re searching for easy Easter dessert recipes or innovative spring dessert ideas, this recipe promises to be a showstopper that will impress your family and guests alike. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making. If you’re in the mood for something different, check out our other dessert recipes.

2. Why Strawberry Shortcake is Perfect for Easter

Strawberry shortcake for Easter is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of renewal and the vibrant colors of springtime. Strawberries are at their peak season, making this dessert both flavorful and seasonally appropriate. Finding the freshest strawberries at your local farmers market can truly elevate this dish. Unlike heavier, richer desserts, strawberry shortcake offers a light and refreshing finish to your Easter dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different toppings or variations to suit your preferences. The combination of tender biscuits, juicy strawberries, and fluffy cream makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. Try serving it after your Easter meal; for some ideas, see our dinner section for inspiration.

3. Key Ingredients for Easter Strawberry Shortcake

Let’s break down the essential components that make this Easter strawberry shortcake recipe so special:

• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor. Look for strawberries that are fragrant and have a deep red color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the shortcake biscuits. Using high-quality flour can make a difference in the texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides the lift for the biscuits, making them light and fluffy. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• Sugar: Sweetens both the biscuits and the macerated strawberries. Consider using a finer sugar for a smoother texture.
• Cold Butter: Essential for creating flaky layers in the shortcake. The colder the butter, the better!
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the biscuit dough, and is whipped for the topping. For an extra-rich topping, try using a high-fat heavy cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert. A good quality vanilla extract makes a big impact.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors. A pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easter Strawberry Shortcake

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create the perfect strawberry shortcake for Easter.

1. Prepare the Shortcake Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and flaky shortcake. Remember to use cold butter and work quickly to prevent it from melting. This is the foundation of your strawberry shortcake for Easter. If you enjoy baking, be sure to explore our other delicious baking recipes.

2. Add Liquid and Combine

Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly sticky. For best results with this Easter strawberry shortcake recipe, handle the dough gently. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and results in a less tender biscuit. Consider exploring other Easter brunch recipes for more delicious ideas.

3. Cut and Bake the Biscuits

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it down to about 1 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out the shortcakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown. Using parchment paper prevents the biscuits from sticking and ensures even baking. These perfectly baked biscuits are key to a successful strawberry shortcake for Easter.

4. Prepare Strawberries and Cream

While the biscuits are baking, slice the strawberries and toss them with sugar. This allows the strawberries to macerate and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Use an electric mixer for best results when whipping the cream. Assemble your Easter strawberry shortcake recipe by splitting the warm biscuits, spooning the strawberries and cream over the top, and serving immediately.

5. Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Here are some pro tips to ensure your strawberry shortcake for Easter is a smashing success:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and heavy cream are essential for creating flaky biscuits. Cold ingredients prevent the gluten from developing too much.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in tough biscuits. Mix until just combined.
• Fresh Strawberries are Key: Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. The better the strawberries, the better the shortcake.
• Serve Immediately: Strawberry shortcake is best served warm, right after the biscuits are baked. The warm biscuits melt the whipped cream slightly, creating a delicious effect.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other berries, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added flavor and texture. Get creative with your toppings!

6. Variations and Add-Ins

Looking to add a unique twist to your Easter strawberry shortcake recipe? Consider these variations:

• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the biscuit dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. The lemon adds a wonderful brightness to the shortcake.
• Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor. Almond extract pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Other Berries: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the strawberries for a mixed berry shortcake. A combination of berries adds depth of flavor.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: Use buttermilk instead of heavy cream for a tangier biscuit. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream to make a vegan version of this strawberry shortcake for Easter. This allows everyone to enjoy this delicious dessert.

7. Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake for Easter is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. It’s equally delicious whether served casually or presented with elegance.

• Classic Style: Split the warm biscuits and layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. This is the traditional, time-tested method.
• Individual Cups: Layer the ingredients in individual parfait cups for an elegant presentation. This is a great option for a more formal Easter gathering.
• Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. The cold ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm biscuit.
• Grilled Shortcake: Grill the shortcake biscuits for a smoky flavor. This adds a unique, unexpected twist to the classic dessert.

8. Perfect Pairing

To elevate your Easter strawberry shortcake recipe experience, consider pairing it with:

• Sparkling Wine: A light and bubbly sparkling wine complements the sweetness of the dessert. The bubbles cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea is a perfect pairing for a warm spring day. Especially on Easter, a sunny day calls for a sweet tea to match. Learn more about pairings in our Breakfast & Brunch section.
• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the shortcake. The bitterness of the coffee cuts through the richness of the dessert.

9. Conclusion

Celebrate Easter with a delightful twist on a classic dessert! This Easter strawberry shortcake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the best flavors of spring in one irresistible treat. With its light, buttery biscuits, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, it’s the perfect way to end your Easter dinner on a sweet note. Enjoy this delicious and easy strawberry shortcake for Easter with your loved ones! Don’t forget to explore other Easter dessert recipes and spring dessert ideas to make your holiday celebration even more special. If you have leftover strawberries, explore our recipes using Salads or Soups, for more options.

Strawberry Shortcake for Easter Dinner

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

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Description

This Strawberry Shortcake recipe is the perfect dessert for your Easter dinner! Light and fluffy biscuits topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and sweet whipped cream make for a delicious and festive treat. It’s an easy and impressive way to celebrate springtime.

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Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound, hulled and sliced
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Baking Powder: 4 teaspoons
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, plus more for strawberries
• Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cut into small cubes
• Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup, plus 1 cup for whipping
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add 3/4 cup heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it down to about 1 inch thickness.
6. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. While the biscuits are baking, slice the strawberries and toss them with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Let them macerate.
9. In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. To assemble, split the warm biscuits, spoon the strawberries and cream over the top, and serve immediately.

Notes

• For the flakiest biscuits, use very cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible.
• Macerating the strawberries for at least 30 minutes will enhance their flavor and create a delicious sauce.
• Serve the shortcake immediately after assembling to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.
• Customize your toppings with lemon zest, other berries, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 shortcake
• Calories: 420 Kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, Easter dessert, spring dessert, easy dessert, homemade biscuits, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, Easter recipe, spring recipe, shortcake recipe