# Delicious Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
*Meta Title: Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe – Delicious & Easy*
*Meta Description: Dive into the mouthwatering world of strawberry shortcake with this ultimate recipe. Perfect layers of fluffy biscuits, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream await!*
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You know that feeling when summer hits, and you can almost smell the ripe strawberries beckoning you from the market? That sweet aroma, combined with the sun’s warmth, creates an irresistible craving for something delicious and refreshing. For me, nothing encapsulates that daydream better than a classic strawberry shortcake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration! Whether it’s for a picnic in the park, a family gathering, or simply to relish an afternoon treat, this Strawberry Shortcake recipe brings a bit of sunshine to every occasion.
In this delightful article, I’m thrilled to share with you my ultimate strawberry shortcake recipe — an easy-to-follow method that results in rich, flaky biscuits, luscious macerated strawberries, and heavenly whipped cream. Get ready to create a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious!
## What is Strawberry Shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that dates back to the 19th century in the United States. It traditionally consists of layers of **flaky biscuits** or sponge cake, fresh, sweetened **strawberries**, and **whipped cream**. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; each component shines while harmonizing beautifully to deliver a delightful mouthful.
The texture of a perfect shortcake should be light and crumbly, offering a slight crispness on the outside that gives way to tenderness inside. Each bite brings together the sweet juiciness of sun-ripened strawberries with the richness of whipped cream—a flavor combination that truly embodies the bliss of summer.
## Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake
What makes this particular recipe stand out is not just its breathtaking taste, but how incredibly simple and quick it is to prepare. You don’t have to be a master baker to create this stunning dessert. Just consider these reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. **Fresh Ingredients:** Using seasonal strawberries enhances flavors and nutrients, making each bite burst with freshness.
2. **Customize to Perfection:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary preferences, whether you want to switch up the berries or substitute dairy with coconut cream.
3. **Incredibly Versatile:** Strawberry shortcake is not just reserved for dessert; it can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet snack anytime!
4. **Budget-Friendly:** It utilizes simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
If you savor tender biscuits paired with sweet berries and luscious cream, then this ultimate strawberry shortcake is your new go-to recipe.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Shortcake Biscuits:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour:** This is the base of the biscuits; look for a high-quality brand for the best texture.
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness to the shortcake and enhances the strawberries’ flavor.
– **1 tablespoon baking powder:** This is essential for giving the biscuits that light, airy lift.
– **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Balances sweetness.
– **1/4 cup unsalted butter:** Use cold, cubed butter for a flaky texture.
– **3/4 cup heavy cream:** This will make the biscuits moist and tender.
### For the Strawberries:
– **4 cups fresh strawberries:** Select firm, ripe strawberries with bright color; they should smell sweet and look glossy.
– **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** This will help draw out the natural juices of the strawberries, making them syrupy and sweet.
### For the Whipped Cream:
– **1 cup heavy cream:** For the richest flavor, use heavy cream that whips up light and fluffy.
– **2 tablespoons powdered sugar:** Sweetens the whipped cream without adding grittiness.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
## How to Make Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake
### Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
1. Start by rinsing your strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems, and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
2. Place the strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over them. Toss gently to combine. Allow them to rest for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as the sugar will draw out the juices, creating a luxurious strawberry syrup.
### Step 2: Make the Shortcake Biscuits
3. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help develop a great rise.
4. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until well blended.
5. Add the cold, cubed butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Do not overwork it; a few larger pieces of butter are okay.
6. Make a well in the center of your mixture and pour in 3/4 cup of heavy cream. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined; the dough will be slightly sticky.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Using a floured biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out rounds and place them onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The aroma will be intoxicating! Once baked, cool them on a wire rack.
### Step 3: Whip Up the Cream
9. In a clean bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, then add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form; it should be thick but not overwhipped, resulting in butter.
### Step 4: Assemble the Shortcake
10. Once the shortcake biscuits are cooled, slice them in half. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, letting some of the syrup drizzle down.
11. Top the strawberries with a lovely dollop of whipped cream, and finally, place the top of the biscuit on to create your strawberry shortcake masterpiece.
12. Drizzle any remaining strawberry syrup on top and serve immediately.
## Tips, Tricks & Variations
– **Storage:** These shortcakes are best served fresh, but you can store leftover biscuits in an airtight container for up to two days. Whipped cream can be stored in the fridge but will lose volume over time.
– **Make ahead:** You can prepare strawberries and whipped cream a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.
– **Alternate fruits:** If strawberries are out of season or if you want a twist, try this recipe with **raspberries**, **blueberries**, or even **peaches**.
– **Gluten-free option:** Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour designed for such recipes.
– **Dairy-free version:** Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious non-dairy option.
## What to Serve With Strawberry Shortcake
While strawberry shortcake is a star on its own, pairing it with a few additional items can elevate the experience:
– **Mint tea or lemonade:** These drinks are refreshing and balance the sweetness of the dessert perfectly.
– **Ice cream or gelato:** Vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment.
– **Chocolate sauce:** A light drizzle adds a bit of decadence and complements the berries beautifully.
## Nutrition & Health Benefits
Strawberry shortcake is not merely delicious; it offers health benefits too! Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and have high fiber content, making this dessert a sweeter choice in moderation. Keep in mind that a serving size will contain approximately 300-400 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. If you’re curious about health benefits, check out this comprehensive guide on [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/strawberries-health-benefits) to dive deeper.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### 1. Can I make strawberry shortcake the night before?
While the strawberries and whipped cream can be prepared ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the shortcake just before serving to keep the biscuits from becoming soggy.
### 2. How do I store leftover shortcake?
Store any leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Strawberries and whipped cream should be kept in the fridge.
### 3. Can I freeze the biscuits?
Absolutely! Unbaked biscuits can be frozen for up to three months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
### 4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! While fresh strawberries are ideal, frozen ones can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess juice before using.
### 5. What if I don’t have baking powder?
If you find yourself out of baking powder, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar per teaspoon of baking powder required.
## Conclusion
This ultimate strawberry shortcake recipe encapsulates the sweet essence of summer and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. With its golden-brown biscuits, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. So why not gather your ingredients and create this stunning dish tonight? I can already picture the smiles around your dining table and the sweet aroma wafting through your home!
If you loved this strawberry shortcake, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram to share your delightful creations! Happy baking!
