Strawberry Shortcakes – A Forever Classic
This is definitely a recipe my grandmother and mother made often. The shortcakes are simple to prepare with basic pantry items, and when strawberries are in season, they become the perfect pairing for this delightful dessert. A little whipping cream goes a long way in making something taste special, and it’s amazing how such simple ingredients can create a dessert that feels indulgent. Whether for a casual family gathering or an afternoon tea with friends, strawberry shortcakes always bring a sense of nostalgia and joy to the table. The blend of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake is truly timeless and never fails to impress.
Did You Know?
Did you know that strawberries, the star of the classic strawberry shortcake, are not just delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits? These vibrant berries are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. They also contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body. Eating strawberries regularly may contribute to heart health by improving blood vessel function and lowering blood pressure. Including strawberries in desserts like strawberry shortcake can be a tasty way to enjoy these health benefits while indulging in a delightful treat.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
Shortcake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
2/3 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten
Strawberry Topping:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Shortcake:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and beaten egg until just combined.
Personal Tip: Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to keep the shortcakes light and flaky.
Bake the Shortcake:
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet to form 8 shortcakes. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool.
Personal Tip: If you prefer a more uniform look, you can shape the dough into rounds before baking.
Prepare the Strawberry Topping:
In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate.
Personal Tip: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the strawberries.
Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Personal Tip: For faster whipping, chill the bowl and beaters beforehand.
Assemble the Shortcakes:
Leave whole or split each shortcake in half. Spoon strawberries and juice over the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and place the top half of the shortcake on top. Add more strawberries and whipped cream on top if desired.
Personal Tip: Serve the shortcakes while the strawberries and whipped cream are still cool for the best contrast of textures.
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Personal Tip: For a fresh twist, garnish with a sprig of mint or a drizzle of chocolate.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330 | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Carbohydrates: 37g | Fiber: 3g | Sugars: 18g | Protein: 5g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:
- Selecting Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Buying in bulk during peak season or from local markets can save money while ensuring freshness.
- Preparing the Shortcake Dough: Use cold, cubed butter when making the shortcake to achieve a flaky texture. Handle the dough gently to prevent overmixing, which can toughen the shortcake.
- Baking Tips: Ensure the oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) and bake the shortcakes until golden brown for a light and airy texture.
- Macerating Strawberries: Enhance the sweetness of strawberries by macerating them with sugar and lemon juice. This softens the berries and creates a natural syrup, intensifying their flavor.
- Whipping Cream: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping heavy cream for faster results. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste, whipping until soft peaks form for a fluffy texture.
- Assembly Techniques: Split cooled shortcakes horizontally and layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream for a balanced dessert with layers of sweetness and texture.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover shortcake components separately—shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and whipped cream in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Variations and Additions: Customize your shortcake with toppings like fresh mint leaves or chocolate sauce. Experiment with different fruits such as raspberries or blueberries for variety.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Use pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter to create a cost-effective dessert. Shortcake is versatile and pairs well with various seasonal fruits, making it budget-friendly for any occasion.
- Health Benefits: Incorporating strawberries into desserts adds essential nutrients like fiber and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and combating oxidative stress.
Let’s Learn More About Strawberries – The Dirty Dozen
Strawberries often rank high on the "Dirty Dozen" list, which identifies fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues. For this reason, choosing organic strawberries is always the best option if available. However, if organic strawberries are not accessible, you can still reduce pesticide exposure by washing them thoroughly. Soaking strawberries for 10 minutes in a solution of 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar helps break down pesticides and remove dirt. After soaking, rinse them well with clean water before use. This method ensures that your strawberries are as clean as possible, making them safe for your recipes while retaining their sweet, juicy flavor.