Strawberry shortcake
Introduction
If you're looking for a classic dessert that's perfect for warm weather, look no further than strawberry shortcake. This sweet treat is made with fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and creamy whipped cream. It's a simple yet decadent dessert that's sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top of biscuits)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sugar over the top of the strawberries and stir to combine. Set aside to allow the strawberries to macerate while you prepare the biscuits.
Step 2: Make the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the milk, stirring just until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 30 seconds. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out 6-8 biscuits.
Place the biscuits onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of the biscuits.
Bake the biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before assembling the strawberry shortcake.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or a whisk to whip the cream by hand. Just be prepared to work for a few minutes to get the cream whipped to the right consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake
Take one biscuit and slice it in half horizontally. Place the bottom half onto a plate or serving dish. Spoon some of the macerated strawberries onto the biscuit half, making sure to include some of the juice. Dollop a generous spoonful of whipped cream over the top of the strawberries. Place the top half of the biscuit over the whipped cream.
Repeat with the remaining biscuits and strawberries. You can serve the strawberry shortcake immediately, or cover it and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before serving.
Variations
There are endless variations of strawberry shortcake you could try. Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake
Use chocolate biscuits instead of plain ones for a richer dessert. You could even sprinkle a little cocoa powder or chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for an extra chocolatey twist.
Berry Shortcake
Don't limit yourself to just strawberries. Add in some raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. You could even make a mixed berry shortcake with all four fruits.
Lemon-Blackberry Shortcake
Add some lemon zest or juice to the whipped cream for a bright and citrusy contrast to the sweet berries. Toss some blackberries with a little sugar and lemon juice before using them to fill the shortcakes.
Conclusion
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want something sweet to enjoy on a warm summer evening, strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that everyone will love. With its simple combination of fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and whipped cream, it's a dessert that's both elegant and easy to make. Give it a try and see why it's been a favorite for generations.