If you love strawberries, you’ll adore this easy strawberry shortcake recipe. It’s quick, simple, and so tasty! You can whip it up in just a few steps with fresh ingredients. From the soft, fluffy shortcake to the luscious whipped cream, every bite is a delight. Get ready to impress your family or friends with a treat that feels fancy but is super easy to make. Let’s dive in and create your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
For this easy strawberry shortcake, you need fresh strawberries. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Start by combining these two in a bowl. The sugar helps draw out the juices from the berries. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This makes the strawberries sweet and syrupy.
Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s move on to the dry mix. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, whisk these ingredients together. This step is key for fluffy shortcakes. The baking powder helps the dough rise.
Wet Ingredients
Finally, we need the wet ingredients. Gather these items:
– 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for the cream)
Add the cold butter into the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Next, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes light.
These ingredients create a delicious foundation for the best strawberry shortcake. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
To start, wash and hull the strawberries. Cut them into slices. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. This helps the berries release their juices. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This makes the strawberries sweet and juicy. The sugar draws out the natural juices, creating a syrup. You will love how this adds flavor to your dessert.
Making the Shortcake Biscuits
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, add the cold, diced butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it. You want the mix to look like coarse crumbs. Then, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir just until everything is combined. The dough should feel a bit sticky but easy to handle.
Now, turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times before patting it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a floured cutter to make round shortcakes. You should get about eight rounds. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 12-15 minutes. They should be lightly golden on top when done. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Whipping the Cream
While the shortcakes cool, it’s time for the cream. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream. Beat it until soft peaks form. This should take a couple of minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, or it may turn into butter! The whipped cream adds a light, sweet touch to your strawberry shortcake.
Once everything is ready, you can assemble your shortcakes. Enjoy this delightful treat! For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Shortcake Texture
To get the best shortcake, focus on the dough. Start with cold butter. This keeps the texture light and flaky. Mix the butter until it looks like small crumbs. Don’t overmix the dough. A few lumps are okay. This gives the biscuits a nice texture. After cutting out the shortcakes, let them chill for a few minutes before baking. This helps them rise better.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shortcakes fresh. Layer them with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a twist. For an extra touch, use fresh mint leaves as a garnish. This makes the dish look pretty and adds a fresh taste. Try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun twist.
Alternative Sweeteners for Strawberries
If you want a healthier option, use honey or maple syrup. Just use less than the sugar called for in the recipe. Start with half the amount and adjust to taste. You can also use agave nectar for a vegan choice. This keeps the sweet flavor while reducing refined sugar. Enjoy experimenting with different sweeteners to find your favorite!
Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this easy strawberry shortcake.
Variations
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works well for baking. This swap allows you to enjoy the same great taste. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. You may need to adjust the liquid a bit. Gluten-free flour can absorb more moisture, so add a splash of extra milk if needed.
Strawberry Shortcake with Other Berries
Feel free to mix in other berries! Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work well. Combine them with the strawberries for extra flavor. You can also use just one type of berry if you prefer. Each berry brings a unique taste and texture. This variation adds fun to your dessert and keeps it fresh.
Flavoring Whipped Cream
Add some extra flair to your whipped cream! You can use vanilla extract for classic flavor. For a twist, try adding a splash of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest. You can also fold in cocoa powder for a chocolate version. These small changes can make a big difference. Experiment to find your favorite flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Shortcakes
You might not finish all your shortcakes. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place the shortcakes on a paper towel to absorb any moisture. This helps keep them fresh. They will last for up to two days on the counter. For longer storage, move them to the fridge. Just remember, they taste best fresh!
Freezing Guidelines
Want to save some shortcakes for later? You can freeze them! First, let the shortcakes cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their warmth.
Best Practices for Keeping Strawberries Fresh
Fresh strawberries are key for this recipe. To keep them fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in a container with a lid, but do not wash them until you are ready to use them. Washing can lead to mold. Use them within three days for the best taste. If you have extra strawberries, you can slice and freeze them. Just spread them on a baking sheet to freeze before storing to prevent clumping.
FAQs
How to make strawberry shortcake from scratch?
To make strawberry shortcake from scratch, you need fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, vanilla, and heavy cream. Start by mixing the strawberries with sugar to let them sit and form juices. Then, make the shortcake biscuits by mixing the dry ingredients and cutting in cold butter. Add milk and vanilla to form a dough. Shape and bake the biscuits until golden. Whip the cream when the biscuits cool. Finally, layer strawberries and cream between the biscuit halves. For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe.
Can I use frozen strawberries for shortcake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for shortcake. They work well, but the texture may be softer. Thaw the strawberries first and drain excess liquid. You can also add a little sugar to enhance their flavor. Frozen strawberries save time and are often available year-round. They still make a tasty dessert when fresh berries are out of season.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy whipping cream, you have options. You can use coconut cream, which is thick and creamy. Another choice is to combine milk with butter; use 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup melted butter to make 1 cup of cream. You can also try Greek yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth for a lighter alternative. Each option brings a unique flavor, so choose what suits your taste!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious strawberry shortcake from scratch. We discussed fresh strawberries, dry and wet ingredients, and provided clear step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to perfect the texture and suggested variations, like gluten-free options. You also learned how to store leftovers and keep your strawberries fresh. Strawberry shortcake is easy and fun to make. With these insights, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Enjoy your sweet creation!
