Strawberry Shortcake is the ultimate summer dessert, offering a delightful mix of juicy, macerated strawberries, a golden, fluffy biscuit base, and a rich, creamy whipped topping. Each bite is a celebration of the season’s best fruits, and it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties.
This simple yet elegant dessert can be made in under 30 minutes and easily customized by adding a variety of toppings such as chocolate shavings, mint leaves, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of textures – the softness of the biscuit, the sweet strawberries, and the lightness of whipped cream – makes each bite irresistible.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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2/3 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy cream, for whipped topping
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1 tablespoon powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Set aside for 15-20 minutes to macerate.
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
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Use a biscuit cutter to cut out rounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
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While the biscuits bake, make the whipped cream by beating 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
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Once the biscuits are done, let them cool slightly. Then slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
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To assemble the shortcakes, spoon some macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of each biscuit, top with whipped cream, and then place the top half of the biscuit on top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 servings
The Health Benefits of Strawberry Shortcake
While strawberry shortcake is undoubtedly a dessert indulgence, it does have some nutritional benefits, especially when made with fresh ingredients. Strawberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. They are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function, and they contain anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
When made with whole grain biscuits or a lightened version of whipped cream, strawberry shortcake can also provide a more balanced treat. Using less sugar or substituting it with alternatives like honey or maple syrup can make it a slightly healthier option, without sacrificing the flavor.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. Here are some ideal moments to enjoy this dessert:
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Summer Picnics and Barbecues: There’s no better way to end a sunny afternoon than with a fresh and satisfying serving of strawberry shortcake. The lightness of the dessert and the use of in-season strawberries make it the perfect treat for warm weather.
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Holiday Celebrations: Whether it’s for Independence Day, Memorial Day, or any special family occasion, strawberry shortcake can be a colorful and festive dessert to share with loved ones. The red berries can also make it a charming addition to your holiday spread.
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Afternoon Tea or Brunch: Strawberry shortcake pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for an afternoon snack or a brunch treat. Its light, airy nature makes it easy to enjoy alongside other finger foods or savory bites.
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Birthday Parties: What better way to celebrate than with a light, sweet dessert like strawberry shortcake? Its casual elegance makes it suitable for both kids and adults, and its simplicity means you can easily prepare a large batch to serve to guests.
Strawberry Shortcake Variations
While the classic strawberry shortcake is always a hit, there are numerous ways to customize this dessert to suit your personal tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for variations:
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Vegan Strawberry Shortcake: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the biscuits with plant-based butter and use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped cream. Vegan shortcake can be just as delicious as the original!
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Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make a gluten-free strawberry shortcake by using a gluten-free flour blend. There are also plenty of pre-made gluten-free biscuit mixes available that work perfectly in this recipe.
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Strawberry Shortcake Trifle: For a more decadent take on the classic, layer your biscuit pieces, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream in a large trifle dish. This makes for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for parties or gatherings.
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Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to your biscuit dough, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the shortcake. Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in heaven!
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that is both nostalgic and versatile. With its sweet, juicy strawberries, light biscuits, and airy whipped cream, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out one of the many variations, strawberry shortcake remains a beloved treat that never goes out of style. Perfect for summer picnics, holiday celebrations, or just as a special dessert at home, strawberry shortcake is a dish that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. So, the next time you have fresh strawberries on hand, don’t hesitate to indulge in this delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.