There’s something truly magical about making a classic dessert that brings back sweet memories, and my strawberry shortcake recipe is one of those gems! The first time I baked it, I was just a kid in my grandma’s kitchen, surrounded by the delicious smell of fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It felt like summer on a plate! This dessert is all about fluffy layers of cake, juicy strawberries, and light-as-air whipped cream. Every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures that just makes you smile. Trust me, once you make this strawberry shortcake, it’ll become a family favorite, just like it is in mine. So, let’s dive into the joy of creating this delightful treat together!
Ingredients List
To make my strawberry shortcake recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour – This is the foundation of our cake, giving it that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1 cup of sugar – For sweetness! You can adjust this to your taste, but I think this amount is just right.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder – This helps our cake rise and become light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing; it adds richness!
- 3/4 cup of milk – Whole milk is my go-to, as it adds moisture and flavor.
- 2 eggs – Eggs help bind everything together and add to the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – A dash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced – The star of our show! Use ripe strawberries for the best taste.
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream – This will be whipped into fluffy clouds of deliciousness.
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar – We’ll use this to sweeten our whipped cream just a bit.
Gather these ingredients, and we’ll be ready to create something truly special together!
How to Prepare the Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part: preparing our strawberry shortcake! It’s easier than you might think, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Ready? Let’s go!
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, as you want your cake to bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to mix everything well.
- Next, add in the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Don’t worry if it feels a bit thick; that’s perfectly normal!
- Now, pour the batter into a greased cake pan. I prefer using a round pan, but whatever you have on hand will work!
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Just keep an eye on it towards the end, as every oven is a little different.
- Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This is super important—you don’t want a warm cake when it’s time to layer it!
- While your cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This will be the light, fluffy topping that makes everything perfect!
- Finally, slice the cooled cake in half horizontally. Layer those fresh strawberries and whipped cream between the layers, then top it off with more strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Wow!
And there you have it! You’ve just created a beautiful strawberry shortcake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
This strawberry shortcake recipe is a true delight for so many reasons! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
- Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you don’t need to be a pro baker to whip this up!
- Fresh Flavors: Using ripe strawberries means every bite bursts with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.
- Light and Airy: The fluffy cake paired with whipped cream creates a heavenly texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, this dessert fits right in.
- Customizable: Want to add a twist? You can easily swap in other fruits or flavorings to make it your own!
Trust me, once you’ve tasted this strawberry shortcake, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone!
Tips for Success
To make your strawberry shortcake truly shine, I’ve got a few handy tips to share! First off, always use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find—this will make a world of difference in flavor! If you can, try to pick them up from a local farmer’s market. Trust me, you’ll taste the love in every bite.
Next, don’t skip the step of letting your cake cool completely before slicing it. A warm cake can lead to a messy assembly, and we want this beauty to shine! When whipping your cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are cold for the fluffiest results. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of almond extract in the whipped cream can elevate the flavor even more!
And remember, practice makes perfect! So don’t worry if it’s not picture-perfect the first time. Enjoy the process, and have fun with it!
Variations on the Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up my strawberry shortcake recipe! Let’s get creative!
- Mixed Berries: Swap out the strawberries for a medley of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. The combination of flavors will be a delightful twist!
- Citrus Zing: Add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the whipped cream or even fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, decadent surprise!
- Shortcake Cups: For a fun presentation, layer the cake, strawberries, and whipped cream in individual cups or mason jars. It’s adorable and perfect for parties!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this delicious dessert suitable for everyone.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a strawberry shortcake that’s uniquely yours! Enjoy the process, and let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information for this strawberry shortcake recipe can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels for the most accurate details. The numbers I provide are estimates and meant to give you a general idea of what to expect. Enjoy this delicious dessert, but keep in mind that moderation is key!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your strawberry shortcake, the right accompaniments can really elevate the experience! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—there’s just something magical about the combination of warm cake and cold ice cream!
If you’re in the mood for a drink, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the shortcake. For a little extra fun, consider serving it with a dollop of sweetened mascarpone cheese instead of whipped cream for a richer twist. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of fresh mint on top adds a pop of color and an aromatic touch that brightens up the whole dessert! Trust me, these little extras make each bite even more delightful!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my strawberry shortcake recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear:
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for that juicy sweetness, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your cake!
How do I make the whipped cream stable?
If you want your whipped cream to hold its shape longer, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch or use a whipped cream stabilizer. It’ll help keep that fluffy texture intact!
Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools completely to keep it fresh. Assemble it right before serving for the best texture!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream, but keep in mind that the texture might be a bit different. Whipping it might take a little more time!
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, definitely! This strawberry shortcake recipe is perfect for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll get a delicious result that will impress everyone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious strawberry shortcake properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because it’s that good!), make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days.
If you need to reheat a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out. But be careful—nobody wants a rubbery cake! If you prefer it cold, it’s absolutely delightful straight from the fridge, too! Enjoy every last bite, and don’t forget to share (or not, I won’t judge!).
Imprimer
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic strawberry shortcake recipe with layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Slice the cake in half horizontally.
- Layer strawberries and whipped cream between the cake layers.
- Top with remaining strawberries and whipped cream.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for better flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a variation, add a splash of lemon juice to strawberries.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: strawberry shortcake recipe
