Oh, let me tell you, nothing says festive like a delightful strawberry shortcake Christmas! This scrumptious dessert combines fluffy cake layers with juicy strawberries and sweet whipped cream, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday celebration. When the holidays roll around, I can’t help but think of the joy this treat brings to family gatherings and Christmas parties. It’s not just about the taste, though—it’s the vibrant colors and the cheerful spirit it brings to the table! Trust me, your loved ones will be raving about this strawberry shortcake Christmas long after the last slice is gone. So, let’s dive into making this sweet holiday classic!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your strawberry shortcake Christmas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar (for sweetening those gorgeous strawberries)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that luscious whipped topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (a must for flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (to make it rise beautifully)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for a rich texture)
- 3/4 cup milk (to bring it all together)
Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go will make the whole process a breeze and keep the festive spirit high!
How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Christmas
Alright, let’s get started on creating this beautiful strawberry shortcake Christmas! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab those fresh strawberries and mix them with 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak up all that sweetness—this step is key for juicy flavor!
Next, in a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give that a good stir! Now, in another bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of milk until it’s creamy and smooth. Don’t rush this part; the creaminess makes all the difference!
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until smooth. Pour that luscious batter into a greased cake pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing it in half horizontally.
Now comes the fun part! Whip the 2 cups of heavy cream with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you reach those lovely stiff peaks. Layer the strawberries and whipped cream between the cake layers, then finish it off with more strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Wow, isn’t it a sight to behold? Your festive strawberry shortcake Christmas is ready to shine at the holiday table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this delightful strawberry shortcake Christmas! Keep in mind that these figures are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
So, while it’s a treat, it’s also a delightful way to indulge during the holidays! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re celebrating with a classic dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors that brighten up any festive table
- Decadently delicious with layers of fresh strawberries and luscious whipped cream
- Customizable—swap in your favorite berries if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Brings a cheerful vibe to Christmas celebrations, guaranteed to impress your guests
- Perfect for both casual family gatherings and elegant holiday parties
Tips for Success
To ensure your strawberry shortcake Christmas comes out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; it helps create that creamy texture we all love. When whipping the cream, keep your bowl and beaters chilled for quicker results and fluffier peaks—trust me, it makes a difference! For the cake, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so start checking at 25 minutes! Once cooled, layer your strawberries and whipped cream generously; it adds to the visual appeal. And don’t forget to serve it chilled for that refreshing taste that’s perfect for the holidays!
Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Christmas
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to put your twist on this strawberry shortcake Christmas! Why not swap out the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries for a mixed berry delight? You could also add a splash of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a zesty kick or infuse the cake with almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile. Feeling extra festive? Try layering in some crushed peppermint candies for a holiday crunch! Get creative with presentation by serving it in individual jars or cups for a charming touch at your holiday gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful strawberry shortcake Christmas, you’ll want to think about what complements those sweet, fruity layers! A warm slice of gingerbread or a few festive sugar cookies on the side can add a lovely holiday touch. For beverages, a glass of sparkling cider or a creamy eggnog pairs beautifully with the cake’s lightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of lemon sorbet can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the whipped cream. Whatever you choose, your guests will be in for a treat that’s bursting with holiday spirit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your strawberry shortcake Christmas is super simple! Just cover any leftover slices with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal flavor and texture.
As for reheating, I recommend enjoying it cold straight from the fridge for that refreshing taste! If you really want to warm it up, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will do the trick, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a soggy shortcake!
FAQ Section
Can I make this strawberry shortcake Christmas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap. Just assemble it with the strawberries and whipped cream on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of strawberries?
If strawberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix! The flavors will still shine beautifully.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Keep an eye on it while baking! It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking around the 25-minute mark.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze the strawberry shortcake?
While the cake itself can be frozen, I recommend freezing it without the strawberries and whipped cream. Assemble it fresh for the best texture and flavor!
Strawberry Shortcake Christmas Delight for Festive Joy
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive strawberry shortcake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix strawberries with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Allow cake to cool, then slice in half horizontally.
- Whip the cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Layer strawberries and whipped cream between the cake layers.
- Top with more strawberries and cream.
Notes
- Best served chilled.
- Can substitute strawberries with other berries.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: strawberry shortcake christmas
