Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - A Delicious American Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that is loved by many for its light and fluffy texture, paired with the sweet and juicy flavor of fresh strawberries. This recipe is a perfect way to showcase the deliciousness of strawberries in a simple and elegant dessert.

History

Strawberry shortcake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the New England region, where it was traditionally served at strawberry festivals and other summer gatherings. The combination of sweet strawberries, tender cake, and whipped cream has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite dessert for many.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
0.25 cup sugar
4 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
Dash of nutmeg
0.5 cup butter or margarine
0.5 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
Additional sugar
2 pt (946 ml) baskets fresh California strawberries, stemmed and sliced
1 cup whipped and sweetened whipping cream

How to prepare

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg into a large bowl.
Cut in butter until it resembles coarse meal.
In a separate bowl, blend milk and egg yolks using a fork.
Stir the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture to create a soft dough.
Divide the dough into 6 portions and shape them into balls.
On a greased baking sheet, pat the balls out into 3-inch circles, using moistened fingers.
Brush the cakes with egg whites and sprinkle them with sugar.
Bake the cakes in a preheated 450-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool on a rack.
Sweeten the strawberries to your taste.
Slice the cakes horizontally into halves.
On plates, fill and garnish the cakes with strawberries and whipped cream.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, in place of strawberries.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
Drizzle the assembled shortcakes with a balsamic reduction for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.

- Make sure to handle the dough gently to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the cakes.

- Brushing the cakes with egg whites and sprinkling them with sugar before baking will give them a beautiful golden crust.

- Be sure to let the cakes cool completely before assembling the strawberry shortcakes to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the strawberry shortcakes with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and fluffy shortcakes is to handle the dough gently and not overmix it. Be sure to follow the instructions for patting out the dough and baking the cakes until they are golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have margarine, you can use butter as a substitute.

- You can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk in place of regular milk.

- If you are allergic to eggs, you can try using a flax egg or another egg substitute in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shortcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble the strawberry shortcakes just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the strawberry shortcakes on a decorative plate with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the strawberry shortcakes with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strawberry shortcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the cakes in a 350-degree oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this classic strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this classic strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this classic strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this classic strawberry shortcake recipe contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate. They also contain antioxidants and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

This classic strawberry shortcake recipe is a delicious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

This classic strawberry shortcake recipe is a delicious and timeless dessert that is perfect for showcasing the sweet and juicy flavor of fresh strawberries. With a light and fluffy cake, sweetened strawberries, and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Classic Strawberry Shortcake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful baker and always had the most delicious treats waiting for us whenever we visited her.

One summer afternoon, I was sitting at the kitchen table watching my grandmother as she whipped up a batch of her famous strawberry shortcakes. The smell of fresh strawberries and sweet biscuits filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product. As I watched her effortlessly mix the ingredients together, I knew that I wanted to learn how to make this recipe myself.

I asked my grandmother if she would teach me how to make her strawberry shortcake, and she smiled warmly at me. "Of course, my dear," she said, patting my hand affectionately. "I would be happy to pass down this family recipe to you."

She began to explain the process to me, starting with the biscuit dough. She taught me how to combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, and then cut in the butter until the mixture resembled coarse crumbs. She showed me how to gently stir in the milk until the dough came together, being careful not to overmix it.

Next, she demonstrated how to shape the dough into rounds and place them on a baking sheet. She explained that the key to a tender biscuit was to handle the dough as little as possible, so I watched closely as she gently patted the dough into shape.

While the biscuits were baking in the oven, my grandmother moved on to the strawberries. She showed me how to hull and slice the berries, then sprinkle them with sugar to draw out their natural juices. As the strawberries macerated, she whipped up a batch of fresh whipped cream, showing me how to beat it until soft peaks formed.

Finally, the biscuits were golden brown and ready to be assembled. My grandmother sliced them in half and placed a generous dollop of whipped cream on the bottom half. She then spooned the sweetened strawberries over the cream before topping them with the other half of the biscuit.

I eagerly took a bite of the strawberry shortcake, savoring the buttery biscuit, juicy strawberries, and billowy whipped cream. It was absolutely divine, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made my grandmother's Classic Strawberry Shortcake countless times, each time remembering that sunny afternoon when she first taught me how to make it. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dessert to the next generation.

I am grateful for the memories of learning to cook with my grandmother, and for the time we spent together in the kitchen. Her love of baking and sharing her recipes has inspired me to do the same, and I hope that one day my own grandchildren will sit at my kitchen table, eager to learn the secrets of making the perfect strawberry shortcake.