Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that combines fresh strawberries, light and fluffy cake, and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for any season, this homemade strawberry shortcake recipe is easy to make, and will surely impress your friends and family. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make a simple, mouth-watering strawberry shortcake from scratch.
Why Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake?
Making strawberry shortcake at home offers several benefits:
- Fresh Ingredients: You can choose the freshest strawberries and make the cake from scratch for a rich, natural flavor.
- Customization: Adjust sweetness or toppings according to your preferences.
- No Preservatives: Unlike store-bought versions, homemade shortcakes don’t contain any artificial preservatives or additives.
- Affordable: Homemade strawberry shortcake is budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For this easy strawberry shortcake recipe, you’ll need:
For the Biscuits (Cake Base):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional, for sweetening)
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into thin pieces.
- Sprinkle with sugar and set aside to let them macerate for about 20 minutes. This will draw out the natural juices and create a strawberry syrup.
2: Make the Biscuits (Cake Base)
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and use a round cutter to cut out biscuits.
- Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
3: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream.
4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes
- Slice the biscuits in half horizontally.
- Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries on the bottom half of the biscuit.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top biscuit half over the cream.
- Optionally, add more strawberries and whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the Cream: Ensure your whipping cream is cold for better results when whipping.
- Use Buttermilk: For an extra tender biscuit, substitute the milk with buttermilk in the recipe.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs About Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
1. Can I use store-bought biscuits for strawberry shortcake?
Yes, you can use store-bought biscuits for convenience, but homemade biscuits add extra flavor and texture.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the biscuits are best served fresh, you can prepare the strawberries and whipped cream a few hours in advance. Assemble the shortcakes just before serving.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for their sweetness and texture. However, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
4. Can I make strawberry shortcake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free strawberry shortcake.