Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries. This easy recipe will show you how to make Strawberry Shortcake from scratch, so you can impress your friends and family with a homemade treat that is sure to please.

Ingredients

For the shortcake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the strawberries:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the whipped cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut out 4 rounds with a biscuit cutter or a glass.
6. Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While the biscuits are baking, prepare the strawberries by tossing them with the granulated sugar and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes.
8. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. To assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes, slice each biscuit in half and top with whipped cream and strawberries. Replace the top half of the biscuit and add more whipped cream and strawberries on top.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

• Vegan Strawberry Shortcake: Use vegan butter and almond milk instead of dairy butter and whole milk. Use coconut whipped cream instead of dairy whipped cream.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
• Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for the shortcake and serve with chocolate whipped cream.
• Lemon Strawberry Shortcake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dry ingredients for the shortcake and serve with lemon whipped cream.

Conclusion

This homemade Strawberry Shortcake recipe is easy to make and will impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and whipped cream is irresistible. Whether you serve it for dessert on a summer day or as a sweet treat any time of year, this classic recipe is sure to please.

FAQ

What is a Strawberry Shortcake?

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert consisting of a sweet biscuit or scone, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can use a variety of fruits in place of strawberries. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches would all be delicious options.

Can I make the shortcakes in advance?

Yes, you can make the shortcakes up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can use any type of whipped cream you like. You could try using coconut cream for a dairy-free option or adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a vegan biscuit recipe and coconut cream instead of whipped cream.

Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While almond flour can be used in many baking recipes, it is not recommended for this recipe as it will result in a denser, crumbly shortcake.

Can I add sugar to the biscuit dough?

If you prefer a sweeter shortcake, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the biscuit dough before baking.

Can I use a food processor to make the biscuit dough?

Yes, you can use a food processor to make the biscuit dough. Just be sure not to over-process the dough or it will become tough.

How long will the whipped cream last in the fridge?

Whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid.