What ingredients do you need for strawberry shortcake?

You need fresh strawberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, butter, milk, vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar. Optional lemon juice adds brightness.

What makes a shortcake a "shortcake"?

Shortcake refers to a biscuit style cake made with fat, usually butter. The fat shortens the gluten strands, so the texture stays tender and crumbly.

How long should you macerate strawberries?

Let them sit for at least 20 minutes. However, 30 minutes gives even more syrup.

Is strawberry shortcake just vanilla cake?

No. Traditional Homemade Strawberry Shortcake uses a biscuit style base, not a soft vanilla sponge cake.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Amazing Summer Classic

Name: Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Amazing Summer Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the strawberries; 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar for the dough; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the shortcakes; 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for the whipped cream

Description

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake made with juicy macerated strawberries, tender buttery shortcakes, and soft whipped cream. This easy 35 minute dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, or a simple family treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar for the strawberries

1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar for the dough

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

2/3 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract for the shortcakes

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for the whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Combine sliced strawberries with sugar and optional lemon juice. Let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes until juices develop.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Stir in milk and vanilla just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently pat to about 1-inch thickness. Cut into 6 portions and place on prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.

7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

8. Slice shortcakes in half. Layer with strawberries and their juices. Add whipped cream. Top with the other half and more berries and cream if desired.

Notes

Allow strawberries to macerate fully so they create a natural syrup.

Mix the dough gently to keep the shortcakes tender and flaky.

Whip cream only to soft peaks for a light texture.

Serve with slightly warm shortcakes and chilled berries and cream for best results.

Lemon juice enhances freshness but is optional.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving