This buttermilk strawberry shortcake is a perfect balance of sweet and rich, with the buttery, flaky shortcakes providing the ideal base for the juicy, slightly tangy strawberries and soft whipped cream. The lightness of the shortcake makes it a refreshing treat, while the whipped cream and strawberries give it a deliciously indulgent finish.
Perfect for any summer gathering or special occasion, this dessert is quick to make yet feels elegant and comforting. Whether you’re celebrating with family or entertaining friends, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You can also adjust the sweetness of the strawberries and cream to suit your taste, making it as decadent or light as you’d like!
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
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3/4 cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
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1 tablespoon sugar (for strawberries)
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
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Add the cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, stirring gently with a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 1 minute until it comes together.
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Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a round cutter to cut out shortcakes. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
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While the shortcakes bake, mix the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and let sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.
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In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, split them in half. Spoon some of the strawberries and their juice over the bottom half of each shortcake, top with whipped cream, and place the other half of the shortcake on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Allure of Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake
Buttermilk strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that continues to charm people of all ages. Whether served at a summer barbecue, a holiday feast, or simply as an indulgent treat on a warm afternoon, this dessert brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that blends nostalgia with freshness, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess. What makes buttermilk strawberry shortcake so irresistible? It’s the combination of tender, flaky shortcakes topped with juicy strawberries and airy whipped cream that creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. But more than that, it’s a dessert that has a rich history and evokes memories of good times shared with family and friends.
The History of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake has been a beloved treat in America since the 19th century, with its origins dating back even earlier to Europe. The dessert as we know it today evolved over time, drawing influences from various cultural recipes. In England, for example, “shortcake” referred to a rich, buttery biscuit-like pastry, while in America, the concept of “shortcake” became synonymous with layered cakes, biscuits, or scones. The early versions of strawberry shortcake involved layering strawberries and cream between biscuits or sponge cakes. Over time, Americans began to adopt the strawberry shortcake as a summer tradition, particularly during strawberry harvesting season, which typically falls in late spring to early summer. The addition of buttermilk to the shortcake recipe is a more recent innovation that lends a tangy richness to the pastry, elevating the dessert’s complexity.
The Magic of Buttermilk in Shortcakes
The use of buttermilk in the shortcake dough may seem simple, but it makes a world of difference in the final product. Buttermilk, with its slight acidity and rich texture, tenderizes the dough and adds a depth of flavor that regular milk or cream can’t achieve. When combined with baking powder, buttermilk reacts to create a light and airy texture in the shortcakes. This is essential because shortcakes need to have a delicate balance between being firm enough to hold the whipped cream and juicy strawberries, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. The tanginess from the buttermilk also complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a harmonious contrast that makes each bite satisfying.
Fresh Strawberries: The Heart of the Dish
At the core of any good strawberry shortcake is, of course, the strawberry. Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert, offering a burst of natural sweetness and a touch of tartness that balances out the richness of the buttermilk shortcakes and the whipped cream. The key to making this dessert truly exceptional lies in selecting strawberries at their peak of ripeness. Look for strawberries that are deep red, firm, and fragrant. If you can, buy them from local farmers’ markets where the strawberries are often fresher and more flavorful. To enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries, they are often tossed with a bit of sugar, which draws out their juices, creating a syrupy topping for the shortcakes.
Whipped Cream: The Perfect Topping
The crowning touch of any strawberry shortcake is, without a doubt, the whipped cream. Its light, fluffy texture and delicate sweetness provide the perfect contrast to the rich, tangy shortcakes and juicy strawberries. While store-bought whipped cream can do the job, homemade whipped cream is the real showstopper. Made with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract, homemade whipped cream offers a creamy, smooth texture that complements the other components of the dish without overpowering them. Whipped cream is also highly customizable; you can make it sweeter or less sweet, or even flavor it with other ingredients such as lemon zest, almond extract, or a hint of liqueur to add a unique twist to your dessert.
The Versatility of Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake
One of the best aspects of buttermilk strawberry shortcake is its versatility. While the traditional version calls for shortcakes made with buttermilk, whipped cream, and strawberries, you can experiment with the components to suit your tastes. For example, you can swap the buttermilk shortcakes for sponge cake or even angel food cake if you prefer a lighter texture. Some people even make individual shortcakes by shaping the dough into small rounds or biscuit-like portions, making it easy for guests to grab and enjoy their own personal serving. You can also substitute strawberries for other fresh fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of different seasons. For a more decadent touch, consider adding chocolate shavings, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Buttermilk strawberry shortcake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer, fresh ingredients, and togetherness. It’s the perfect treat to serve at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings, where the beauty of fresh strawberries and whipped cream can be appreciated in the company of loved ones. The vibrant colors of the dessert add a festive touch to any table, making it an ideal choice for holidays like the Fourth of July or a Mother’s Day brunch. But beyond its visual appeal, the experience of sharing this dessert with friends and family brings people together and evokes feelings of nostalgia. It’s a dish that reminds us of simpler times—of enjoying the bounty of the season, of taking time to savor life’s sweet moments.
Conclusion: A Classic Dessert for All Seasons
Buttermilk strawberry shortcake is much more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of summer’s fleeting beauty and a reminder of the joy that comes from enjoying simple, fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy at home, this dessert has a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories. The tender shortcakes, juicy strawberries, and airy whipped cream come together in perfect harmony, making each bite a little moment of joy. This classic dessert, with its timeless appeal and versatility, will undoubtedly remain a favorite for years to come. So, the next time you find yourself with a pint of fresh strawberries, consider whipping up a batch of buttermilk strawberry shortcakes—it’s a recipe that’s sure to delight, no matter the occasion.