Flaky Strawberry Shortcake with Almond Cream

This delightful Strawberry Shortcake is topped with a luscious almond cream that adds a warm, nutty twist to the traditional recipe. The flaky, golden shortcakes provide the perfect base for the fresh strawberries and creamy filling.

Ideal for spring or summer gatherings, this dessert is simple to make but impressively delicious. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just treating yourself, the combination of sweet, ripe strawberries and delicate almond flavor is sure to make it a hit. The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility — you can enjoy it as a snack, a side dish for a light meal, or even for special occasions.

Full Recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/4 cup almond flour

• 1/2 cup strawberry jam

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for strawberries)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add the cream and vanilla extract, and mix until just combined.

5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times before rolling it out into a 1-inch thick circle.

6. Use a round cutter to cut out shortcakes and place them on a baking sheet.

7. Sprinkle the tops of the shortcakes with sliced almonds and a little extra sugar.

8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

9. While the shortcakes bake, prepare the strawberries by tossing them with 1 tablespoon of sugar and letting them sit.

10. Once the shortcakes are cooled, slice them in half and spread a layer of strawberry jam on the bottom.

11. Top with the macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other half of the shortcake.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake: A Perfect Summer Dessert

Frangipane strawberry shortcake is a delightful twist on the traditional shortcake, featuring the rich, nutty flavor of frangipane combined with sweet, juicy strawberries. This variation of a classic dessert offers a more refined and luxurious option for those seeking to elevate their baking game. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. In this article, we will explore the origins of this dessert, how to make it, and how to serve it for maximum enjoyment.

The Origins of Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a dessert with deep roots in American history, particularly popular during the strawberry harvest season in late spring and early summer. The shortcake is a British invention dating back to the 16th century, originally made with a biscuit-like base topped with whipped cream and fruit. Over time, the American version evolved, incorporating lighter, fluffier biscuits or sponge cakes paired with fresh strawberries and a dollop of cream. The key to a successful strawberry shortcake lies in the balance between the sweetness of the fruit, the richness of the cream, and the lightness of the base.

However, the frangipane strawberry shortcake adds a unique dimension to the traditional dessert. Frangipane is an almond-flavored cream typically used in tarts and other pastries, and when added to the shortcake, it introduces a subtle yet indulgent almond flavor. This combination of almonds and strawberries creates a delightful contrast that elevates the dish, offering something special for those who appreciate a more sophisticated dessert.

What is Frangipane?

Frangipane is a sweet almond cream made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs, with a touch of flour to help bind the ingredients together. It is traditionally used as a filling for tarts, pies, and pastries, adding a rich, smooth texture and a deep almond flavor. In the context of a strawberry shortcake, frangipane acts as a luxurious filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing a creaminess that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the strawberries.

The addition of frangipane to strawberry shortcake brings an extra layer of flavor and richness to an otherwise simple dessert. While the traditional shortcake relies on the contrast between the light biscuit and the sweet strawberries, frangipane adds depth and complexity, making each bite feel more decadent.

How to Make Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake

Making a frangipane strawberry shortcake is not significantly more difficult than preparing a traditional shortcake, but it does require a few extra steps to make the frangipane. To start, you will need to prepare the shortcake base, which can be made using a simple biscuit or scone-like dough. This dough is rolled out, cut into rounds, and baked until golden and flaky.

Once the shortcakes are baked and cooled, the frangipane is prepared by combining ground almonds, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The mixture is then spread onto the shortcakes, followed by a layer of fresh strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a touch of strawberry jam or syrup for extra sweetness, depending on your preference.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. The frangipane can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, and the shortcakes can be baked earlier in the day. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble the dessert and enjoy the delightful combination of flaky shortcake, rich almond cream, and sweet, juicy strawberries.

Serving Suggestions for Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake

Frangipane strawberry shortcake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some suggestions for serving this treat to your guests:

• For a classic presentation, serve the shortcake with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, a handful of fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of strawberry syrup. The whipped cream complements the sweetness of the fruit and adds a light, airy texture to balance out the richness of the frangipane.

• For an elevated twist, garnish the shortcake with some toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios to add texture and an extra layer of flavor. The crunch of the nuts pairs beautifully with the creamy frangipane and the juicy strawberries.

• For a more decadent option, serve the shortcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cream. The creaminess of the ice cream or mascarpone elevates the dessert and provides a cool contrast to the warm shortcake and strawberries.

• As a party treat, cut the shortcakes into smaller, bite-sized pieces, and serve them as mini desserts on a platter. This is a great option for entertaining guests at a party or gathering, allowing everyone to enjoy a small taste of the delicious dessert without the need for formal plating.

Variations on the Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake

While the traditional frangipane strawberry shortcake is already a delicious dessert, there are several variations you can explore to make the recipe your own. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Mixed Berries: While strawberries are the classic choice for shortcake, feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. The tartness of these berries pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the frangipane and the lightness of the shortcake.

• Fruit Compote: Instead of fresh strawberries, you can make a fruit compote with mixed berries or peaches, which will add an extra layer of depth and richness to the dessert. Cook the fruit down with some sugar and lemon juice to create a sweet, syrupy filling.

• Gluten-Free Version: For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make a gluten-free version of this dessert. Use a gluten-free flour blend for the shortcake base and ensure that the frangipane is made with gluten-free flour as well. The results will be just as delicious, with a slightly different texture but still full of flavor.

• Vegan Frangipane: For a vegan variation, substitute the butter in the frangipane with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg, and use a non-dairy cream for whipping. This makes the dessert suitable for those following a vegan diet without sacrificing the delicious almond flavor.

Conclusion

Frangipane strawberry shortcake is a luxurious and sophisticated dessert that offers a unique take on the traditional strawberry shortcake. The almond-flavored frangipane adds depth and richness, making it the perfect treat for those looking to elevate their dessert game. Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a handful of toasted nuts, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering. With its versatility and delightful combination of flavors, the frangipane strawberry shortcake is a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet, indulgent treat during the summer months.