Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Name: Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup whole milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced); 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

February 11, 2025

Updated:

February 11, 2025

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Have you ever experienced the sheer joy of biting into a fluffy strawberry shortcake? This classic dessert is not just a feast for the eyes; it tantalizes your taste buds with layers of sweet strawberries, light whipped cream, and buttery cake. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings.

As you prepare to make this delightful treat, imagine the aroma of freshly baked cake mingling with the sweetness of ripe strawberries. This recipe evokes nostalgia and excitement, making it perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, strawberry shortcake always steals the show. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet scrumptious dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake

Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baking expert, this strawberry shortcake recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a holiday gathering, this dessert fits seamlessly into any event.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding different fruits or flavors to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a light and fluffy cake. Be sure to measure it accurately for best results.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten both the cake and the strawberries. Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it soft.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cake without making it salty.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened before mixing.
Milk: Whole milk works best in creating a tender crumb in the cake.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries for natural sweetness; they will be macerated with sugar before serving.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whip this cream into soft peaks for topping your shortcakes; add sugar if desired for sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter

Add softened unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Milk

Gradually pour in the milk while mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; some lumps are okay.

Step 5: Bake Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare Strawberries

While baking, hull and slice fresh strawberries. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with sugar; let them sit so they release their juices.

Step 7: Whip Cream

In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can add sugar during whipping if desired.

Step 8: Assemble Dessert

Once cooled, slice the cake in half horizontally. Layer one half with whipped cream and strawberries before placing the other half on top. Top with more cream and berries.

Transfer to plates and enjoy this delightful treat!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries will elevate your dessert’s flavor significantly.

- Don’t Overmix Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cake; stop as soon as everything is combined.

- Make Ahead Options: You can bake the cake ahead of time; just store it wrapped at room temperature.

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add vanilla extract or lemon zest for an extra flavor boost.

Mistakes to avoid

Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to a soggy and less flavorful strawberry shortcake. Choose firm, ripe strawberries that are vibrant red and fragrant. This ensures that the flavor is fresh and not overly sweet or mushy. Take the time to inspect your berries before using them. If you must use overripe strawberries, consider cooking them down into a compote instead of using them raw.
Skipping the Chilling Time: Many people rush the chilling process for their whipped cream or cake layers. Chilling these components allows flavors to meld and helps maintain structure when serving. Allow your whipped cream at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving, as this helps it hold its shape better. Similarly, cool your cake layers completely before stacking to prevent melting and condensation.
Not Using Fresh Whipped Cream: Store-bought whipped toppings may seem convenient, but they often lack the rich flavor of freshly whipped cream. Making your own whipped cream takes just a few minutes and elevates the taste of your strawberry shortcake significantly. Use heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract for a delightful homemade topping that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: Enhance the dessert’s creaminess by adding a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each slice.
Fresh Berries: Serve with additional fresh strawberries or a mix of seasonal berries for an extra fruity touch.
Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea complements the sweetness of the Strawberry Shortcake perfectly, making it an ideal summer treat.

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in Strawberry Shortcake?

The key ingredients for a classic Strawberry Shortcake include fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, and heavy cream. The strawberries are typically macerated with sugar to release their juices and enhance their sweetness. For the cake component, you can choose between shortcakes made from scratch or store-bought options. The whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the dessert beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating this delightful treat.

Can I make Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components of Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time. You can slice the strawberries and refrigerate them with sugar up to a few hours before serving. The shortcakes can also be baked in advance; however, it’s best to assemble the dessert just before serving to maintain freshness. Whipped cream can be whipped and stored in the refrigerator but may lose some volume over time. For optimal results, assemble everything right before enjoying to ensure each bite is light and fluffy.

How do I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake?

To store leftover Strawberry Shortcake, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Place it in the refrigerator where it should last for about 1-2 days. If you have unassembled components left over, keep the strawberries separate from the cake and whipped cream until you’re ready to enjoy them again. This helps preserve the texture of each ingredient for future servings.

Can I substitute gluten-free ingredients in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily make a gluten-free version of Strawberry Shortcake by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged. This adaptation will still yield a delicious and tender cake without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake

In conclusion, Strawberry Shortcake remains a classic dessert that delights many due to its simplicity and vibrant flavors. With its layers of fluffy cake, sweetened strawberries, and rich whipped cream, it’s perfect for any occasion—especially during strawberry season. By following our recipe tips and serving suggestions, you can create your own delightful version at home. Remember that freshness is key; using ripe strawberries will enhance your dessert’s overall taste profile. Enjoy this timeless treat with friends and family as you savor every delicious bite!