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Introduction

Who can resist a slice of Strawberry Shortcake? This classic dessert is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. Made with fresh, juicy strawberries, a soft and flaky shortcake base, and a generous dollop of whipped cream, this dessert is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a summer BBQ, a family dinner, or just a treat for yourself.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy this beloved dessert without hours in the kitchen. Fresh, light, and oh-so-delicious, this strawberry shortcake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box!

Why Everyone Loves This Dish?

• It’s simple but luxurious – The contrast between the light, fluffy shortcake, sweet strawberries, and creamy topping is irresistible.
• Fresh and seasonal – It’s the perfect way to use fresh, in-season strawberries.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a casual summer BBQ or a fancy dinner party, strawberry shortcake is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, add more fruit, or even try different toppings.

Where Did It Originate?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert with roots dating back to the 19th century. The combination of sweetened strawberries and biscuits or sponge cake has been enjoyed for generations. It’s especially popular in the summer, when strawberries are at their peak. Though its exact origins are debated, the dessert became widely loved in the U.S. after it appeared at events like the 1885 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your berries)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by prepping your strawberries. Hull and slice them, then place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices. This will help create a sweet syrupy filling.

Step 2: Make the Shortcakes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out shortcakes, then place them on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shortcakes are lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

While the shortcakes are baking, whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Shortcakes

Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, slice them in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of sweetened strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and place the top half of the shortcake on top.

Cooking Tips

• Use cold butter – Cold butter is key to getting a flaky texture in the shortcake.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Overworking the dough can result in tough shortcakes. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Adjust the sugar – Taste your strawberries before adding sugar. If they’re naturally sweet, you can skip the sugar or use less.
• Whip the cream just right – Whipped cream should be fluffy but not overly stiff. Soft peaks are perfect!

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the shortcakes – Watch them closely; overbaked shortcakes can be dry and crumbly.
• Not chilling the butter – Cold butter is what creates those flaky layers in the shortcake. Don’t skip this step.
• Overwhipping the cream – This can turn the cream into butter. Stop whipping once it forms soft peaks.

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately – These shortcakes are best served fresh. The longer you wait, the more the whipped cream will soften.
• Add a twist – You can add a little lemon zest to the whipped cream or the strawberries for a refreshing citrus touch.
• Serve with fresh mint – A few sprigs of mint make the dessert look even more elegant and add a pop of color.
• Pair with iced tea or lemonade – This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cold, refreshing drink on a warm day.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Strawberries – High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help support the immune system and promote healthy skin.
• Whipped cream – While indulgent, it provides a source of healthy fats from cream, which can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.
• Butter – Contains vitamins A, D, and E, which are essential for overall health when consumed in moderation.
• Heavy cream – Rich in calcium, it helps support bone health and provides an energy boost.

Interesting Facts

• Strawberry shortcake has been a traditional dessert in the U.S. since the 19th century, evolving from early versions made with biscuits, sponge cake, or even ladyfingers.
• In England, a similar dessert called “strawberries and cream” is often served during the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
• National Strawberry Shortcake Day is celebrated annually on June 14th in the United States!

Summary Recipe

Ingredients: Flour, butter, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, strawberries, whipped cream.

Steps:

1. Make the shortcake dough and bake until golden.
2. Whip the cream and prepare the strawberries.
3. Assemble by layering strawberries and whipped cream between shortcake halves.
4. Serve fresh and enjoy!

This strawberry shortcake is an absolute must-try, offering the perfect combination of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy your baking, and let the sweet simplicity of this dessert bring joy to your table!

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