Strawberry Shortcake

Introduction

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy strawberries with fluffy, tender shortcake and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat for a summer day or any special occasion.

Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• Whipped cream for serving

Equipment:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Bowl
• Biscuit cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and mix until the dough just comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together.
6. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick and use a biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes.
7. Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
8. While the shortcakes are baking, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and let them macerate.
9. Once the shortcakes are done, let them cool slightly before assembling the strawberry shortcakes.
10. To assemble, split a shortcake in half, spoon some strawberries over the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with the other half of the shortcake.
11. Garnish with more whipped cream and strawberries. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

For the flakiest shortcakes, make sure your butter is cold and work the dough as little as possible. Macerating the strawberries with sugar helps draw out their juices and creates a delicious syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry shortcake is best served fresh, but you can also prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving. Serve with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 14g
Protein: 4g

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake is a delightful dessert that highlights the fresh flavors of strawberries and the tender texture of shortcake. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer picnic or a special celebration, this classic treat is sure to please your taste buds.