Experience the heavenly delight of a homemade strawberry shortcake. This is an easy-to-follow recipe that will take your taste buds on a sweet journey. The slightly sweetened biscuits, fresh strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream make this dessert a perfect choice for any occasion.
The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easily available. However, you may need to buy buttermilk and fresh strawberries if you don't have them at home. Buttermilk gives the biscuits a light, tender texture, while the fresh strawberries provide a sweet and tangy flavor. Make sure to pick ripe and sweet strawberries from the supermarket.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Flour: The base for our biscuits. Ensure it's all-purpose for the right texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: These two leavening agents help in rising the biscuits.
Sugar: Adds a sweet flavor to the biscuits and strawberries.
Lemon zest: Gives a refreshing citrusy touch to the biscuits and strawberries.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Buttermilk: Results in light and tender biscuits.
Unsalted butter: It adds richness and flavor to the biscuits. Ensure it's cold for the best texture.
Coarse sugar: A sprinkle on top gives the biscuits a nice crunch.
Fresh strawberries: The star of our topping. They are mixed with sugar and lemon juice for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Whipped cream: The final touch to our dessert. It adds a creamy and fluffy texture.
One reader, Ivette Holcombe says:
This homemade strawberry shortcake recipe is a game-changer! The biscuits are fluffy and flavorful, and the fresh strawberries with a hint of lemon juice are the perfect topping. It's a delightful treat that's easy to make and always impresses. I highly recommend it for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake
How to make the biscuit dough: Combine the dry ingredients and cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Then, stir in the buttermilk until just combined.
How to prepare the strawberries: Combine sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, allowing them to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to release their juices.
How to serve the strawberry shortcake: Split the biscuits in half, spoon the strawberries over the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the top half of the biscuit on top. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
For a quick and easy dessert, try making these delicious and tart strawberry shortcake for the family. It’s a light and absolutely refreshing summer treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsflour
- 2½tspbaking powder
- ½tspBaking Soda
- 2tbspsugar
- lemon zest
- pinch of salt
- ½cupbuttermilk
- 4ozcold unsalted butter
- coarse sugar
For Topping:
- 3cupsfresh strawberries,sliced
- 2tbspsugar
- 1tbsplemon juice
- lemon zest
- whipped cream
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt & lemon zest in a small bowl.
-
Add cold butter and cut in with a fork or pulse a few times with a food processor until there are coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk.
-
Drop dough onto the prepared pan. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and lemon zest. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
-
Combine sliced strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a bowl and let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes to release juices.
-
Serve biscuits with strawberries and whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Calories: 322.97kcal
- Fat: 16.05g
- Saturated Fat: 9.88g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.83g
- Carbohydrates: 41.56g
- Fiber: 2.38g
- Sugar: 15.09g
- Protein: 4.58g
- Cholesterol: 41.45mg
- Sodium: 375.94mg
- Calcium: 186.51mg
- Potassium: 188.02mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 132.89µg
- Vitamin C: 45.88mg
Expert Tip for Elevating Your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
When preparing the strawberries for the topping, it's important to slice them evenly to ensure they release their juices uniformly. This will create a more consistent and flavorful topping for your shortcake. Also, using cold butter in the dough helps to create a flaky and tender texture in the biscuits. Make sure to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs, this ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Prep ahead: Prepare the biscuit dough and strawberry filling the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the strawberry shortcake.
Use pre-made biscuits: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought biscuits instead of making them from scratch. This can significantly cut down on prep time.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are organized and easily accessible. This will streamline the cooking process and save time.
Multi-task: While the biscuits are baking, prepare the strawberry filling and whipped cream. This way, you can make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Efficient slicing: Use a strawberry slicer or an egg slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the strawberries for the filling.
Quick clean-up: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking clean-up time. This will also help you stay organized and focused while cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, and it adds a nutty flavor to the shortcake.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: This combination can be used as a substitute for baking powder, providing the necessary leavening for the shortcake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but it may require adjusting the quantity used in the recipe.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and adds a unique flavor to the shortcake.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and vinegar: By adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk, you can create a buttermilk substitute for the recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the shortcake.
fresh strawberries - Substitute with frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used when fresh ones are not available, and they work well for the topping after being thawed and sweetened.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy and flavorful topping for the shortcake.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Strawberry Shortcake
Elevate the biscuit: Instead of a traditional round biscuit, consider using a ring mold to create a perfectly shaped biscuit. This will add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Artful strawberry arrangement: Arrange the macerated strawberries in a visually appealing manner, perhaps in a circular pattern or cascading down the side of the biscuit.
Whipped cream quenelle: Instead of simply dolloping whipped cream on top, create a quenelle for a more refined and professional presentation.
Garnish with micro-herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the dish with delicate micro-herbs, such as micro-mint or micro-basil.
Edible flower petals: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flower petals, such as rose petals or pansies, on and around the dessert.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an elegant finishing touch.
Use a decorative plate: Select a beautiful, high-quality plate that complements the colors of the dish and enhances the overall presentation.
Incorporate gold leaf: For a truly luxurious presentation, consider adding a delicate touch of edible gold leaf to the dessert.
Personalized chocolate garnish: Create custom chocolate garnishes, such as monogrammed initials or intricate designs, to add a personalized and artistic element to the dish.
Serve on a marble slab: Elevate the presentation by serving the strawberry shortcake on a sleek marble slab, adding a modern and sophisticated touch to the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients and buttermilk to make the biscuit dough.
Baking pan: A baking pan is used to bake the shortcake biscuits in the oven.
Fork: A fork is used to cut in the cold butter when making the biscuit dough.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to cut in the cold butter when making the biscuit dough, creating coarse crumbs.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking pan to prevent the shortcake biscuits from sticking.
Knife: A knife is used to slice the fresh strawberries for the topping.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the shortcake biscuits and the strawberry topping.
Whisk: A whisk can be used to combine the dry ingredients for the shortcake biscuits.
Spatula: A spatula can be used to transfer the biscuit dough onto the prepared baking pan.
Grater: A grater can be used to zest the lemon for both the biscuit dough and the strawberry topping.
Hand mixer: A hand mixer can be used to whip the cream for topping the strawberry shortcake.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
- Let the biscuits cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their texture.
- To store the biscuits, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the biscuits. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen biscuits, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or until they are soft and no longer frozen.
- The strawberry topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the strawberry topping, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen strawberry topping, remove it from the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, or until it is completely thawed.
- Note: The texture of the biscuits may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but they will still be delicious!
How to Reheat Leftover Strawberry Shortcake
To reheat leftover strawberry shortcake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shortcake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to preserve the texture and moisture of the shortcake.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the leftover shortcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shortcake to become tough or rubbery.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the shortcake in a toaster oven. Cut the leftover shortcake in half and place it cut-side up in the toaster oven. Toast for 2-3 minutes, or until the surface is lightly crispy and the interior is warm.
If you have leftover strawberries and whipped cream, you can create a deconstructed version of the dessert. Crumble the leftover shortcake into a bowl, top it with the strawberries and whipped cream, and enjoy it as a strawberry shortcake parfait.
For a quick and easy treat, you can also enjoy leftover strawberry shortcake straight from the refrigerator. The cold temperature can enhance the flavors and create a refreshing dessert experience, especially on a hot summer day.
Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic American dessert that dates back to the 1850s. It was originally made with a biscuit-like base, which was later replaced with a sponge cake or a sweetened biscuit.
Is Making Strawberry Shortcake at Home Cost-Effective?
This strawberry shortcake recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and strawberries, are generally affordable and easy to find. The addition of buttermilk and whipped cream may slightly increase the cost, but they are versatile ingredients that can be used in various other recipes. Overall, this dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a worthwhile investment for a household. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15.
Is Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade strawberry shortcake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- The biscuits are made with refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients
- Butter and sugar are used in significant amounts, adding saturated fat and empty calories
- Whipped cream is high in fat and calories, with little nutritional value
However, the recipe does include some redeeming qualities, such as the use of fresh strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the addition of lemon zest, which provides a burst of flavor without adding calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the biscuits and the strawberry topping, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
- Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream to top the shortcakes, which will provide protein and calcium while reducing fat and calories
- Add more fresh fruit to the topping, such as blueberries or raspberries, to increase the overall nutrient density of the dish
- Experiment with using coconut oil or avocado instead of butter to reduce saturated fat content
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth and provides some nutritional benefits.
Editor's Opinion: Why Homemade Strawberry Shortcake is a Must-Try
The homemade strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flaky biscuits, juicy strawberries, and luscious whipped cream. The addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy note, elevating the overall flavor profile. The biscuits are perfectly golden and have a lovely crunch from the coarse sugar topping. The macerated strawberries are sweet and tangy, creating a delicious syrup that soaks into the biscuits. This recipe is a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Enhance Your Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Complement Homemade Strawberry Shortcake
Why trust this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe:
This homemade strawberry shortcake recipe is a delightful treat for any occasion. The fresh strawberries are the star of the show, providing a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant color. The biscuit base is made with care, ensuring a tender and flaky texture. With a touch of lemon zest and a dollop of whipped cream, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. The recipe's attention to detail and use of quality ingredients, such as buttermilk and unsalted butter, guarantees a delightful dessert that users can trust and enjoy.
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