A Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
This recipe for strawberry shortcake will guide you through creating a delicious and visually appealing dessert perfect for any occasion. We'll cover everything from making fluffy biscuits to preparing the perfect strawberry topping. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the Strawberries:
- 2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Biscuits:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Whisk together dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add the buttermilk: Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
- Shape the biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out biscuits.
- Bake: Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Preparing the Strawberries:
- Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to release and the strawberries to soften. This step is key for maximum flavor!
Making the Whipped Cream (Optional):
- Chill the bowl: Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before whipping the cream. This helps the cream whip up to a firmer consistency.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Sweeten and flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat!
Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake:
- Split the biscuits: Once the biscuits are cool, split them in half horizontally.
- Layer the ingredients: Place the bottom half of a biscuit on a plate. Top with a generous portion of macerated strawberries, followed by a dollop of whipped cream.
- Add the top: Place the top half of the biscuit on top.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy your delightful strawberry shortcake!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the biscuit dough.
- Use different berries: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries.
- Make it ahead: You can bake the biscuits and prepare the strawberries ahead of time. Assemble the shortcakes just before serving.
- Make it mini: Use a smaller biscuit cutter to make individual mini shortcakes.
This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a perfect summer dessert. Remember to adjust sweetness to your preference. Enjoy!