This American Strawberry Shortcake recipe is a classic and beloved dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The buttery and tender shortcake biscuits are layered with fresh strawberries and topped with whipped cream, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a simple and satisfying dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together.
- Roll the dough to a 1-inch thickness and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shortcakes. Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the strawberries by tossing them with the sugar. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the shortcakes have cooled slightly, split them in half horizontally.
- To assemble the strawberry shortcakes, place a spoonful of strawberries on the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and then place the top half of the shortcake on top.
- Serve the strawberry shortcakes immediately. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Strawberry shortcake is often associated with summer and is a popular dessert during picnics and barbecues.
The origins of strawberry shortcake trace back to the UK, where it was initially made with more of a bread-like dough.
In the United States, strawberry shortcake evolved into a biscuit or cake-like dessert, often served with whipped cream.
Shortcakes can also be topped with other seasonal fruits like peaches or mixed berries.
There are variations of strawberry shortcake recipes that call for adding a layer of custard or vanilla pudding between the strawberries and the shortcake.