Classic Strawberry Shortcake w/ Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Classic Strawberry Shortcake w/ Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe - USA
Introduction
Indulge in the classic dessert of Strawberry Shortcake with a twist - a fresh strawberry sauce that takes this sweet treat to the next level. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a special occasion, and is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors.
History
Strawberry Shortcake has been a beloved dessert in American cuisine for centuries. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and whipped cream has been a favorite among families and friends for generations. This recipe puts a modern spin on the classic dish by adding a fresh strawberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups cold whipping cream
- Fresh strawberry sauce
- 1 pt (473 ml) basket (12 oz (340 g)) California strawberries, stemmed and halved
- sugar, to taste
- 1 pt (473 ml) basket (12 oz (340 g)) California strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 1.5 cups whipping cream, whipped and sweetened with sugar, to taste
- mint sprigs, for garnish
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- To make the shortcakes, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually mix in the cream with a fork until just combined.
- The mixture should barely hold together.
- Using your hands, form the dough into 6 balls and place them 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until light golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheet.
- Meanwhile, make the fresh strawberry sauce by pureeing the strawberries in a blender until smooth.
- Sweeten the sauce to taste with sugar, then cover and set aside.
- Split the shortcakes horizontally.
- Divide the strawberry sauce among six dessert plates.
- Top each plate with a shortcake bottom, 0.25 cup of sliced strawberries, and 0.25 cup of whipped cream.
- Cover with the shortcake tops.
- Spoon the remaining strawberries and whipped cream over the shortcakes, dividing them equally.
- Garnish with mint sprigs.
Variations
- Try using different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry sauce for a tangy flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of shortcake, such as angel food cake or pound cake, for a different texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to handle the dough for the shortcakes gently to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
- Make sure to cool the shortcakes completely before assembling the dessert to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- Adjust the sweetness of the strawberry sauce to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
- Garnish the finished dessert with fresh mint sprigs for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce as a delightful ending to a summer barbecue or as a sweet treat for a special occasion. Pair it with a glass of champagne or a cup of coffee for a perfect dessert experience.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect shortcakes is to handle the dough gently and not overmix it. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture once baked.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have whipping cream on hand, you can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the shortcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The strawberry sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this dessert on a decorative dessert plate and garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle extra strawberry sauce on top for an added touch of sweetness.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover dessert in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shortcakes in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 20 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 5 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the fresh strawberries used in the recipe.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream) and gluten (all-purpose flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
This dessert is a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential nutrients like Vitamin C.
Summary
Indulge in the classic flavors of Strawberry Shortcake with a fresh strawberry sauce that takes this dessert to the next level. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a special occasion, and is sure to impress your guests with its delicious flavors.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious desserts. She had invited me over for tea, and as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping our Earl Grey, she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed, "I have the perfect recipe to share with you!"
Margaret rummaged through her collection of cookbooks and pulled out a weathered, stained recipe card. She handed it to me with a twinkle in her eye, saying, "This is a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation. It's sure to become a staple in your own kitchen."
I eagerly scanned the recipe, taking in the simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. The thought of sweet, juicy strawberries layered between fluffy, buttery shortcake biscuits made my mouth water. I could already imagine the delectable aroma filling my kitchen as I baked this dessert for my own family.
Margaret noticed my excitement and chuckled, saying, "I can see you can't wait to try it out. Don't worry, I'll walk you through it step by step. It's easier than it looks, I promise."
And so, under Margaret's patient guidance, I learned how to make Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce. She taught me how to hull and slice the strawberries, how to mix the dough for the biscuits, and how to whip up the creamy sauce that would tie it all together.
As I baked and assembled the dessert, I couldn't help but marvel at the way the simple ingredients transformed into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The tender, slightly sweet shortcake biscuits provided the perfect base for the juicy strawberries and luscious sauce, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my palate.
I served the strawberry shortcake to my family that evening, and their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bite. My children declared it the best dessert they had ever tasted, and my husband showered me with compliments, saying it rivaled any dessert from a fancy bakery.
From that day on, Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce became a regular feature on our family's dessert menu. I made it for birthdays, holidays, and any occasion that called for a special treat. Each time I baked it, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had mastered a recipe that had been handed down through generations.
Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of making this beloved dessert. I added my own touches here and there, experimenting with different variations and flavors, but the core of the recipe remained the same – simple, wholesome, and bursting with the taste of summer.
As I look back on that day in Margaret's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift of that recipe and the memories it has created for me and my loved ones. It is a reminder of the joy that can be found in cooking and sharing delicious food with the people we care about.
And so, whenever I make Classic Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Strawberry Sauce, I think of Margaret and the sense of wonder I felt that day. I am reminded of the magic that happens in the kitchen, where simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. And I am grateful for the legacy of recipes that have been passed down to me, enriching my life and bringing joy to those around me.
Categories
| American Recipes | Berry Desserts | Dessert Recipes | Light Whipping Cream Recipes | Mint Recipes | Strawberry Recipes |