Introduction
Delicious strawberry shortcake is a dessert prepared using whipped cream and fresh strawberries on a fluffy cake. You can have this favorite sweet treat at get-togethers, picnics or whenever you crave for some sugar.
Ingredients:
All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Sugar – 1/2 cup
Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Cold unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (cubed)
Milk – 2/3 cup
Vanilla extract -1 teaspoon
Fresh Strawberries sliced- about 2 cups of it.
Whipped cream for serving.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Take a big bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cold butter should be cut in using pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add milk and vanilla extract then stir just until combined.
Using spoon drop the dough on top of prepared baking sheet creating six shortcakes.
Bake for not less than twelve to fifteen minutes or until they turn golden brown in color.
Allow the shortcakes to sit for a while before cutting into halves horizontally.
Place sliced strawberries on each bottom half of the shortcake and then spread whipped cream over them, put the other half on top of that cake layer too!
Serve immediately!!!
Tips on Serving and Storage:
To have the best flavor and texture, fresh strawberry shortcake should be served.
Any shortcakes that are left can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2 days.
Alternatively, these shortcakes may be frozen for a longer time. Make them wrapped tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil prior to freezing. Thaw before serving.
Tips for Success:
Cold butter has to be used in order to ensure flaky shortcakes.
Do not mix the dough too much or else it will result into hard biscuits.
Before baking, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter to get a golden look.
Health Benefits:
Though being a rich dessert, strawberry shortcake contains some health benefits as well:
Fresh strawberries are high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants
The cake part adds carbohydrates for energy
Nutritional Information:
(Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Variations and Substitutions:
For a healthier alternative, substitute whole wheat flour or almond meal instead of all-purpose flour.
Try different fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches.
When you don’t have enough time to make the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought pound cake or angel food cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I prepare the shortcakes ahead of time? A: Yes, the shortcakes can be made in advance and placed in a container with an airtight seal until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use defrosted strawberries? A: Fresh strawberries are better as they have the best taste and feel, but if fresh ones are not available you could use ones that have been frozen and then thawed out.
Q: Is there an alternative for whipped cream? A: Sure. You may prefer to use whipped topping instead of whipped cream since it is more convenient.
Conclusion:
Often an iconic dessert, strawberry shortcake is always delightful. Its moist base cake blended with juicy berries topped with fluffy cream epitomizes everything sweet about summer. Be it a party or just your usual evening treat, this will absolutely make you happy. Follow this recipe and enjoy every single mouthful!
