Description
Elevate classic strawberry shortcake with a refreshing lemon twist! This easy recipe features flaky shortcakes, sweet macerated strawberries, and luscious lemon zest whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings and a delightful dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus 1 1/2 cups for whipped cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Gently toss and let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Shortcakes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup heavy cream and milk. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Lemon Zest Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, combine the remaining 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes: Split the shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon macerated strawberries and their juices over the bottom halves. Top with lemon zest whipped cream, and then place the top halves of the shortcakes over the cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use very cold butter for flaky shortcakes.
- Don’t overmix the shortcake dough.
- Macerate the strawberries for enhanced flavor.
- Chill bowl and beaters for stable whipped cream.
- Adjust lemon zest to taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake
- Calories: 450 cal Kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, shortcake recipe, strawberry shortcake dessert, easy strawberry shortcake, lemon zest, summer dessert, berries, homemade dessert, unique strawberry shortcake, baking recipe