Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Delightful Dessert in Minutes
This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is perfect for a quick dessert that tastes amazing! It's so simple to make, even beginners can master it. Forget complicated baking – this recipe focuses on fresh, delicious flavors and minimal effort. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it even easier to whip up. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- For the Shortcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- For the Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Making the Shortcakes:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cream: Gently stir in the heavy cream until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Bake: Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Let the shortcakes cool slightly on a wire rack.
Preparing the Strawberries:
- Macerate: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to release and the flavors to meld.
Making the Whipped Cream:
- Whip it up: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Sweeten & Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Assembling Your Strawberry Shortcakes:
- Layer: Split the shortcakes in half horizontally. Place the bottom half of a shortcake on a plate.
- Add Strawberries: Top with a generous portion of the macerated strawberries.
- Whipped Cream: Dollop a generous amount of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
- Top it Off: Carefully place the top half of the shortcake on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcakes:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in tough shortcakes.
- Use fresh strawberries: The flavor difference is significant!
- Let the strawberries macerate: This will intensify their flavor and release their juices.
- Chill your bowl before whipping the cream: This helps the cream whip up better and hold its shape.
- Get creative with toppings: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for an extra touch.
This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and delicious taste make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
