Introduction to Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Nothing says summer treat quite like a classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcake. This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the airy goodness of whipped cream, all layered between tender, buttery biscuits. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a burst of flavors and textures that leave you craving more.
Why Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is Perfect for Young Professionals
As a young professional hustling through busy days, you might think you don’t have time to bake. But here’s the best part: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is incredibly easy and quick to whip up! With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert in less than an hour.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a fantastic way to unwind after a long week. Picture this: you’ve wrapped up a hectic day, and instead of reaching for store-bought sweets, you grab a few fresh strawberries, some basic baking essentials, and within no time, your kitchen is filled with comforting aromas that will transport you to simpler times.
Plus, this recipe can easily impress friends at a gathering, making it a go-to for summer barbecues or casual get-togethers. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to an indulgent yet simple creation? Celebrate the joys of homemade with every delicious bite!
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
When it comes to creating the perfect Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, having the right ingredients is key to striking that delightful balance between sweet and buttery goodness. Let's break it down into two main components: strawberries and whipped cream and biscuits.
Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- 6–7 cups quartered strawberries
- ¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
To start, pick ripe, juicy strawberries; they are the stars of this dessert! Toss them with sugar and let them rest to release their sweet juices. For the whipped cream, using heavy cream ensures it’s luxuriously rich. You can customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar amount.
Biscuits
- 2 and ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for your hands and work surface
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt (fine sea salt recommended)
- ¾ cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup (240ml) cold buttermilk
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream or buttermilk
- coarse sugar, for sprinkling
For biscuits, the right flour and cold butter make all the difference. Remember, the colder your ingredients, the fluffier your biscuits will turn out! If you need to, you can get more tips on biscuit making here.
With these ingredients, you're well on your way to crafting a delicious homemade strawberry shortcake that will impress anyone!
Preparing Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Creating a delightful Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to prepare fresh strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and heavenly whipped cream, and dive into a dessert that impresses every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by giving your strawberries a little love! In a large bowl, combine about 6 to 7 cups of quartered strawberries with ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This mixture needs some time in the fridge, covered, to allow the strawberries to release their sweet juices. The longer they sit—up to a few hours—the more flavorful your shortcake will be! So, while you're prepping the other ingredients, let those strawberries work their magic.
Step 2: Make the Biscuits
While your strawberries chill, it's time to focus on making those delicious biscuits. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C), and in a large mixing bowl or food processor, mix together 2 and ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Next, incorporate ¾ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. It’s best to use a pastry cutter or pulse in a food processor until you achieve a coarse crumb texture. Then, add in 1 cup of cold buttermilk and gently mix with a spoon until combined. The dough can be a bit shaggy, but don’t overwork it!
Step 3: Cut and Bake the Biscuits
Transfer your dough to a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle about ¾ inch thick. Here’s where it gets fun: Fold the dough and flatten it out a few times to create those flaky layers. Cut out circles with a biscuit cutter (don’t twist—just press down!), and arrange them in a cast iron skillet or a baking sheet. Brush the tops with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Once your biscuits are cooling, grab a mixer and whip up some cream! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until soft-medium peaks form, which should take about 3 minutes. The fluffy whipped cream is the crowning touch for your shortcake.
Step 5: Assemble the Shortcake
Now comes the exciting part—assembly! Slice the biscuits in half while they’re still warm. Layer the bottom half with the sweetened strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the biscuit on, and for an extra flair, add more strawberries and cream on top.
Enjoy your fresh and Homemade Strawberry Shortcake right away! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, be it a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight treat. If you want more tips, feel free to check out this strawberry guide for additional insights on storage and selection. Happy baking!
Variations on Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Use Different Berries
Why limit yourself to just strawberries? Diving into variations on homemade strawberry shortcake can be a delightful adventure! Try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a berry medley that sings with color and flavor. Each berry adds its unique sweetness and tang, elevating your dessert. Do you prefer a mix of flavors? Feel free to combine! For a twist, consider adding a bit of fresh mint for extra freshness.
Add Citrus Zest
Looking to brighten up your homemade strawberry shortcake? A sprinkle of citrus zest can work wonders! Lemon or orange zest enhances the dessert's flavor, adding a refreshing zing that perfectly complements the berries. Simply mix a teaspoon into your biscuit dough or whipped cream. It takes only a moment, but this small step can transform your dessert into something truly memorable. Cheers to deliciously creative shortcakes!
For more inspiration on adaptable dessert recipes, check out sources like Bon Appétit or Serious Eats.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Tips for Fluffy Biscuits
To achieve the fluffiest biscuits for your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, remember to keep your ingredients cold—especially the butter and buttermilk. This helps create steam during baking, leading to a light and airy texture. Also, when mixing the dough, avoid overworking it; a few lumps are perfect! Rein in your biscuit cutter—press down straight, don't twist, to keep those layers intact.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage. For the best flavor, assemble your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake just before serving! If you're prepping ahead, keep the strawberries and whipped cream separate in the fridge until you're ready to enjoy. This keeps everything fresh and delightful!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Pair with Fresh Mint
To elevate your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake, consider adding a touch of fresh mint. Simply garnish each serving with a few mint leaves for a burst of flavor and refreshment. The cooling notes of mint perfectly complement the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a delightful contrast!
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream
Why not take your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake to the next level? Top it off with a scoop of creamy vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The rich, cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, flaky biscuits and juicy strawberries, offering a delicious and indulgent experience. For a fun twist, try adding a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence!
Don’t forget to check out these mint benefits or explore ice cream pairing ideas here to inspire your own delicious presentations!
Time Breakdown for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Preparation Time
Get ready for a delightful experience! The prep work for this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake takes about 30 minutes. This includes slicing strawberries and whipping up the biscuit dough.
Baking Time
Once your biscuits are formed, they’ll need about 18-22 minutes in the oven to reach that perfect golden brown.
Total Time
All in all, from start to finish, you’re looking at around 50-60 minutes to create this delicious dessert. Perfect for a weekend gathering or a sweet weekday treat!
For an even simpler process, consider preparing your strawberries and whipped cream a day ahead, making the day of assembly a breeze. Want to dive into more baking tips? Check out resources from the American Bakers Association or Food Network.
Nutritional Facts for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
When indulging in a slice of homemade strawberry shortcake, it’s helpful to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional facts to keep you informed while still savoring every bite:
Calories
A serving of homemade strawberry shortcake typically contains around 350-400 calories, making it a delightful treat without being overly indulgent.
Fat
This dessert features about 20 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the buttery biscuits and heavy cream used for the whipped topping. Opting for lighter cream can help reduce the fat content if you prefer!
Sugar
With roughly 25 grams of sugar per serving, the sweetness comes from both the fresh strawberries and the added granulated sugar. To lower sugar, consider using less sugar for the strawberries or sweetening with a natural alternative, like honey.
Knowing these nutritional details can enhance your enjoyment of homemade strawberry shortcake. For a deeper dive into the health benefits of strawberries or tips on sugar alternatives, check out Healthline's article on strawberries or explore Nutritional Guidelines for balancing sweet treats.
FAQs about Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
How can I make my biscuits rise higher?
The secret to tall, fluffy biscuits lies in the technique! First, ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, are cold. Also, don’t overwork the dough—mix just until combined. A light touch when folding is key. Before cutting, be sure not to twist the biscuit cutter into the dough, as this can seal the edges and prevent rising. For a visual guide on biscuit-making techniques, check out this article from King Arthur Baking for some helpful insights!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can be a great alternative, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Simply thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing in sugar. You might want to adjust the sugar amount based on their sweetness and moisture content. Using frozen fruit can still yield a delicious Homemade Strawberry Shortcake experience!
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version of your strawberry shortcake. Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This adaptation still allows you to enjoy those comforting, fluffy biscuits without sacrificing flavor. For tips on great gluten-free baking options, visit Bob's Red Mill for their expert advice.
Conclusion on Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Creating a Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is not just about the recipe; it's about the joy of making something delicious from scratch. Gather friends or family for a delightful afternoon treat, and savor the sweet flavors of strawberries and fresh whipped cream. You’ll cherish these moments as much as the dessert!
Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Equipment
- large bowl
- food processor
- pastry cutter
- silicone spatula
- Rolling Pin
- biscuit cutter
- 10-inch cast iron skillet
- Baking Sheet
- mixer
Ingredients
Strawberries + Whipped Cream
- 6–7 cups quartered strawberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Biscuits
- 2 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for hands and work surface
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt fine sea salt recommended
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1 cup cold buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or buttermilk
- coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Stir the strawberries and ¼ cup granulated sugar together in a large bowl. Cover and set in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Mix the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl or in a food processor.
- Add the cubed butter and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or by pulsing several times in the processor until coarse crumbs form.
- Pour buttermilk on top. Fold everything together until it begins to come together.
- Pour the dough onto a floured work surface and bring together with floured hands. Flatten into a ¾ inch thick rectangle, fold, and repeat several times.
- Cut into 2.75 or 3-inch circles with a biscuit cutter.
- Arrange biscuits in a cast iron skillet or lined baking sheet. Brush with heavy cream or buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Beat the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and vanilla until soft-medium peaks form.
- Slice the biscuits in half and layer with strawberries and whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Leave a Reply