Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful concoction that dances on your taste buds with its sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery cake that could make even the most stoic person break into a happy jig. The aroma wafting from the kitchen as you bake this classic dessert is enough to lure anyone in, almost like a cartoon character floating through the air on the smell of freshly baked pie.
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and you’ve just returned from a strawberry-picking adventure. You’re covered in berry juice and laughter, and all you can think about is creating the ultimate strawberry shortcake to impress your family or friends. This recipe will not only fulfill that sweet craving but also become an essential part of your summer gatherings, BBQs, or just because it’s Tuesday. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This homemade strawberry shortcake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor profile combines fresh sweetness with creamy richness that’s simply irresistible
- Its beautiful layers create a visual feast fit for any special occasion or casual get-together
- You can serve it as a fancy dessert or enjoy it for breakfast—who says you can’t have cake in the morning?
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor; they should be bright red and fragrant.
Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of strawberries while helping to create a syrupy topping.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your shortcake; sift it to ensure a light and airy texture.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving your shortcakes that lovely rise.
Heavy Cream: For whipping into luscious cream; make sure it’s cold for better volume.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the shortcake; use unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth to both your cream and cake; choose pure vanilla for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
Wash, hull, and slice about two cups of fresh strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with sugar—this helps release their juices and creates a sweet syrup while you prepare everything else.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—trust me, it makes cleanup much easier!
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, two tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Cut in six tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in three-quarters cup heavy cream until just combined.
Step 4: Shape Your Shortcakes
Turn your dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just until smooth—about five times should do! Pat it into a rectangle about one inch thick and cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter or glass. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop those delightful rounds into your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. The smell will be heavenly!
Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Once cooled slightly, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Layer fresh strawberries and whipped cream between each slice before topping with more berries and cream on the top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with strawberry syrup for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite of this homemade strawberry shortcake; trust me when I say it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one serving.
You Must Know
- This delightful homemade strawberry shortcake recipe offers more than just sweetness; it brings joy to any gathering
- With its fluffy texture and burst of berry goodness, it’s perfect for warm summer evenings or family celebrations
- Prepare to impress your guests with this classic dessert!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the shortcake layers first while you whip the cream. Once they cool, slice the strawberries and let them marinate in sugar for a juicy finish. Assembly is key, so be ready to layer like a pro!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different berries like blueberries or raspberries for a twist. You can also add lemon zest to the cream for a zesty kick or drizzle some chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry shortcake components separately in airtight containers. The shortcakes stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature, while the whipped cream and strawberries should chill in the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your homemade strawberry shortcake, ensure your strawberries are perfectly ripe for optimal sweetness
- Use heavy cream for fluffier whipped topping, and don’t skip chilling your mixing bowl before whipping to enhance volume
Sharing this recipe takes me back to a picnic with friends where we devoured an entire cake before even finishing our sandwiches. The laughter and crumbs were unforgettable!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
To make a delicious Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, gather fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. The strawberries are the star of this dessert, so choose ripe and sweet ones for the best flavor. You will also need sugar to macerate the strawberries and create a syrupy mixture. The shortcake itself requires basic baking ingredients like flour and baking powder. Whipped cream adds the final touch, making this dessert indulgent and delightful.
How long does it take to prepare Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
Preparing Homemade Strawberry Shortcake typically takes around 30 minutes. This includes washing and slicing the strawberries, mixing the shortcake dough, and baking it in the oven. While the shortcakes bake, you can whip up the cream. Once everything is ready, assemble it into layers. Chill the strawberries if desired; this can enhance their sweetness. Overall, you can enjoy this scrumptious dessert in less than an hour from start to finish!
Can I use frozen strawberries for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake if fresh ones are unavailable. However, keep in mind that frozen strawberries might be softer when thawed and may produce more liquid than fresh strawberries. To use them effectively, thaw them ahead of time and drain any excess moisture before combining them with sugar. This way, you will still achieve a delicious dessert without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How should I store leftover Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
To store leftover Homemade Strawberry Shortcake properly, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed fresh but can last for about 2-3 days when stored correctly. If you expect leftovers after serving guests, consider keeping the components separate—store strawberries and whipped cream separately until you’re ready to serve again. This method helps maintain freshness and texture.
Conclusion for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake :
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful treat that combines fresh flavors with indulgent textures. By using quality ingredients like ripe strawberries and freshly whipped cream, you ensure a mouthwatering experience. The shortcakes are easy to prepare and bake quickly. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy every bite over a few days. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as a simple dessert at home, this classic recipe is sure to impress everyone who tries it!
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is a quintessential summer dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with fluffy whipped cream and tender, buttery cake. This delightful treat comes together easily and is ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a family barbecue or a casual weeknight indulgence. Each layer offers a burst of fresh flavor, making it an irresistible favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for shortcakes)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Toss sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar in a bowl and set aside to macerate.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in heavy cream and mix until just combined.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, roll into a rectangle about 1 inch thick, and cut into rounds. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly, slice shortcakes in half, layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream before topping with additional berries and cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake (101g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
