This strawberry shortcake is ready in just 30 minutes. You can make a fresh summer treat without spending hours. It serves 6 people and needs simple things like ripe strawberries, sugar, sponge cake cups, and whipped cream.
To save time, coat the strawberries with sugar and chill them for 15 minutes. Then, put together the dessert with sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s a tasty and easy way to enjoy something sweet this season.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare this easy strawberry shortcake recipe in just 30 minutes
- Serves 6 people with simple ingredients like fresh strawberries and sponge cake cups
- Coating the strawberries in sugar and refrigerating them for 15 minutes is the time-saving secret
- Assemble the dessert with sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream for a delicious summer treat
- Enjoy this quick and convenient homemade shortcake anytime
What Makes This Strawberry Shortcake Special
This strawberry shortcake recipe is special because it has the right mix of sweet strawberries, light biscuits, and creamy topping. It’s easy to make because you bake the dough in one pan. This saves time and makes it simple to enjoy.
Perfect Balance of Flavors
The flavors in this strawberry shortcake are just right. The sweet, ripe strawberries go well with the light, buttery biscuits and rich, creamy whipped topping. Together, they make a dessert that tastes great and feels right.
Time-Saving Preparation Method
This recipe is quick because you bake the dough in one pan. It’s not like other recipes that need you to roll and cut biscuits. This makes it easy to make a homemade classic recipe fast.
Simple Ingredients List
This strawberry shortcake recipe is easy because it uses simple ingredients. You need White Lily Self-Rising Flour, butter, half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and fresh strawberries. These are all things you can find in your kitchen, making it a fun delightful baking experience.
“The perfect strawberry shortcake is a delicate balance of flavors and textures, and this recipe nails it every time.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
To make a great strawberry shortcake, you need a few important things. Start with a tender biscuit. Use White Lily Enriched Bleached Self-Rising Flour for the best texture. Add granulated sugar to sweeten it and butter for flavor.
Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the berries. Cut them to the right size. Top it all off with whipped cream. This is made from heavy cream and a bit of sugar. With these ingredients, you’ll make a tasty strawberry shortcake.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Lily Enriched Bleached Self-Rising Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Half-and-Half | 1/3 cup |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| Fresh Strawberries, sliced | 3 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
Using salted butter makes it taste better. But unsalted is okay too. Just add a little salt. With these ingredients, you’ll make a strawberry shortcake that looks and tastes great.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make this yummy strawberry shortcake, you need some basic tools. These tools help mix flavors and textures right. Your homemade dessert will be a hit.
Baking Essentials
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Pastry blender
- Pastry brush
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork for stirring
Mixing Tools
- Hand-held electric mixer
- Whisk (for combining wet ingredients)
Measuring Equipment
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Measuring cups | 1 set |
| Measuring spoons | 1 set |
These baking tools and kitchen equipment are key for a great strawberry shortcake. From the 8-inch baking pan to the mixer, each tool is important. They help make your dessert look and taste amazing.
“The right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, and this strawberry shortcake recipe is no exception. With the proper equipment, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful homemade treat.”
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making a tasty strawberry shortcake is easy. It only takes a few steps. Let’s go through the baking and dessert making to make this classic treat.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- In a big mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut in the cold unsalted butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and the large egg. Pour this mix into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Put the dough in a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly. Brush the top with a thin layer of half-and-half.
- Bake the shortcake for 18 to 20 minutes. It should turn golden brown.
- While the shortcake bakes, get ready the fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
By following these steps, you’ll make a delicious strawberry shortcake. It will look great and taste amazing. Pay attention to the baking and dessert making to get it right.
Making the Perfect Biscuit Base
The foundation of a delectable strawberry shortcake lies in the biscuit base. Crafting the perfect biscuit requires a delicate touch and a few key techniques. Let’s explore the art of creating the ideal biscuit for your shortcake.
Mixing Techniques
To achieve a light and tender biscuit, it’s important to avoid overworking the dough. Mix the ingredients together gently, just until they’re combined. Overworking the dough can make biscuits tough and dense.
Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Leave pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough.
Baking Temperature Tips
Bake the biscuits at a high temperature, around 450°F, for 18-20 minutes. This high heat helps the biscuits rise and develop a golden-brown crust. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary.
Texture Guidelines
The perfect biscuit should have a light, tender crumb when baked correctly. Avoid over-mixing the dough, as this can result in a tough, dense texture. The biscuits should have a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Remember, the key to perfectly baked biscuits lies in careful dough handling, the right baking temperature, and attention to texture. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate biscuit foundation for your delightful strawberry shortcake.
Fresh Strawberry Preparation
To make the perfect fruit compote, start by slicing 3 cups of fresh, ripe strawberries. Mix the sliced berries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
This lets the sugar dissolve and the strawberries release their sweet juices. It makes a flavorful and luscious strawberry filling.
For a softer texture, use a fork to lightly mash some strawberries. Leave others whole. This mix of textures and flavors makes the strawberry shortcake better.
The juicy, macerated strawberries add a great taste to the tender biscuit base and fluffy whipped cream.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | 3 cups (907g) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup (50g) |
By following these steps, you’ll have a great fruit compote. It’s perfect for layering with the strawberry filling and biscuit base. Enjoy the fresh, sweet flavors of this classic strawberry shortcake recipe!
Whipped Cream From Scratch
Make homemade whipped cream for your Easy Strawberry Shortcake. It’s easy and makes the dish better. You can make it light and creamy in just a few steps.
Whipping Techniques
Chill your bowl and beaters in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes the cream soft and spreadable. Use cold heavy cream with 35% fat for the best taste.
In a chilled bowl, mix 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Start whipping slowly and go faster as it thickens. Stop when it’s soft and fluffy.
Storage Tips
- Keep the whipped cream in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Don’t over-whip, or it will get grainy and separate.
- If it starts to fall, whip it again for a minute or two to fix it.
With these tips, you can make homemade whipped cream for your Easy Strawberry Shortcake. It’s a great dessert topping. The biscuits, strawberries, and whipped cream together are amazing.
Assembly Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake
Making a strawberry shortcake is all about layering and how it looks. Follow these easy steps to make a dessert that looks great and tastes amazing.
- Start by cutting the shortcake biscuits into four squares. Then, cut each square in half.
- Put the bottom half of the biscuit on a plate. Add a lot of macerated strawberries on top.
- Put a dollop of whipped cream on the strawberries.
- Place the top half of the biscuit on the cream. Press down gently.
- Add more strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream on top.
- Drizzle strawberry juice over the shortcake before serving.
This layering makes a dessert that looks and tastes great. Enjoy your strawberry shortcake and the summer flavors!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Freshly picked strawberries | 1 pound |
| White granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries) | ¼ cup (50 g) |
| All-purpose flour (for shortcake biscuits) | 2¼ cups (270 g) |
| Cornstarch (for shortcake biscuits) | ¼ cup (30 g) |
| Baking powder (for shortcake biscuits) | 3 tsp |
| Baking soda (for shortcake biscuits) | ¼ tsp |
| Salt (for shortcake biscuits) | 1 tsp |
| White granulated sugar (for shortcake biscuits) | 3 tbsp (38 g) |
| Unsalted butter, cold (for shortcake biscuits) | ¾ cup (165 g) |
| Buttermilk, cold (for shortcake biscuits) | ¾ cup (170 g) |
| Heavy cream (for whipped cream) | 1½ cups (360 g) |
| White granulated sugar (for whipped cream) | 1½ tbsp |
| Vanilla extract/essence (for whipped cream) | ½ tsp |
The secret to a great dessert assembly is the layering technique. By building each part carefully, you make a strawberry shortcake that looks and tastes amazing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Getting ready for the perfect dessert storage and food preparation is key. A little planning makes a big difference. Here are some easy tips to keep your strawberry shortcake fresh:
- Store the baked biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help preserve their light, fluffy texture.
- Prepare the fresh strawberries and whipped cream up to 3 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately until ready to assemble.
- For the best results, assemble the strawberry shortcakes just before serving. This will prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy and ensure the flavors are at their peak.
Follow these simple dessert storage and food preparation tips. You’ll enjoy flaky biscuits, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream for days. A bit of planning means you can enjoy this classic treat anytime you want.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic strawberry shortcake is amazing. But, you can make it your own in many ways. Try new things like dairy-free options or use different fruits.
Dairy-Free Options
Want a dairy-free version? Use plant-based milk and butter. Try almond or oat milk with apple cider vinegar for buttermilk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
For the whipped topping, use chilled coconut cream. It whips up great.
Seasonal Fruit Alternatives
Strawberries are great, but you can use other fruits too. Try peaches, raspberries, or blackberries. Adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
For more flavor, add balsamic vinegar or lemon zest to the fruit.
