Strawberry Shortcake
A delightful burst of sweetness and nostalgia with fluffy shortcake biscuits, juicy strawberries, and decadent whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced Brings vibrant color and luscious sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar Enhances the strawberries' natural flavor.
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled Transforms into velvety whipped cream.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar Adds sweetness to the whipped cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Aromatic addition that complements the flavors.
For the Shortcake Biscuits
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Essential for achieving the perfect biscuit texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder Secret to making the shortcake rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed Key to creating a flaky shortcake.
- ¾ cup milk Adds moisture and binds the ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional) Adds brightness and depth.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place sliced strawberries in a medium bowl, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and mix gently. Let sit for 30 minutes to create syrup.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add milk to the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Incorporate lemon zest if using.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, pat into 1-inch thickness, and cut into rounds or squares. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- In a separate bowl, beat chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Once biscuits are cool, slice them horizontally. Layer macerated strawberries and whipped cream on the bottom half, replace the top half, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing the biscuit dough for a lighter texture. Optional: dust finished shortcakes with powdered sugar.