Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches

Delightful Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches with Cream Cheese and Nuts

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches are a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for the warmer months. This recipe combines the classic flavors of strawberries and cream cheese with a twist, making it a unique and delicious treat for any occasion.

History

Strawberry shortcake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the 19th century. Originally, it was made with a sweet biscuit or sponge cake, topped with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. Over time, variations of the recipe have emerged, including this modern twist on the classic dessert.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) of light cream cheese, softened (0.75 of an 8 oz (227 g) package)
2 tbsp of frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
1 tbsp of honey
0.33 cup of chopped toasted nuts
1 prepared pound cake loaf (10.75 to 12 oz (340 g)), thawed if frozen
2 pt (946 ml) baskets of California strawberries, washed and stemmed
0.5 cup of whipping cream, whipped and sweetened to taste
mint sprigs, for garnish

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the cheese, concentrate, and honey together until well blended. Mix in the nuts. Cut the cake into 12 equal slices. Slice one basket of strawberries. Spread the cheese mixture onto one side of 4 cake slices. Top with half of the sliced strawberries, dividing them equally. Spread more cheese mixture onto both sides of 4 more cake slices and place them on top of the first 4 cake slices. Cover with the remaining sliced strawberries. Spread the remaining cheese mixture onto one side of the remaining cake slices and place them cheese-side down on top of the sandwiches. Cut the sandwiches diagonally into halves and skewer each with a sandwich pick. Serve with the remaining halved strawberries. Dollop with whipped cream and garnish with mint sprigs. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Variations

Try using different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a twist on the classic recipe.
Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra decadent touch.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Toasting the nuts adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor to the dessert.

- Thaw the pound cake loaf if frozen before slicing it to ensure even and easy cutting.

- Be sure to sweeten the whipped cream to taste to balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include beating the cream cheese mixture until smooth, toasting the nuts for added flavor, and assembling the sandwiches with layers of cake, cheese mixture, and strawberries.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have frozen orange juice concentrate, you can use fresh orange juice or lemon juice as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of nuts you prefer or omit them altogether if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the strawberries ahead of time to save time when assembling the sandwiches. Store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches on a platter and garnish with mint sprigs for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a sophisticated and celebratory dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow the sandwiches to come to room temperature or briefly microwave them for a few seconds to soften the cream cheese mixture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches contains approximately 18 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese and whipped cream) and nuts. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches are a delicious dessert option that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The strawberries offer a good source of vitamins and minerals, making this a tasty and nutritious treat.

Summary

Strawberry Shortcake Sandwiches are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberries and cream cheese in a unique and delicious way. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with a good dose of vitamins and minerals from the strawberries, this dessert is both tasty and nutritious. Serve these sandwiches at your next gathering for a sweet and satisfying treat that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

. The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a picnic. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw her grandmother making these delicious looking strawberry shortcake sandwiches.

I watched in awe as she mixed together the ingredients for the shortcakes - flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. She carefully kneaded the dough and cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter. The smell of freshly baked shortcakes filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Next, she sliced fresh strawberries and tossed them with sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. She whipped up some heavy cream until it formed soft peaks, adding a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. It was a simple yet elegant dessert that showcased the beauty of summer strawberries.

As I bit into my first strawberry shortcake sandwich, I was transported to a world of sweet indulgence. The buttery shortcake was tender and crumbly, the strawberries were juicy and tart, and the whipped cream was light and airy. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I begged my friend's grandmother for the recipe, and she happily obliged. She told me that she had learned to make strawberry shortcake sandwiches from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. It was a family tradition that brought joy and comfort to all who tasted it.

I made the recipe for my own family that weekend, and it quickly became a favorite. My children loved helping me make the shortcakes and assemble the sandwiches. We would often enjoy them on lazy Sunday afternoons, savoring each bite and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to make it my own. I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries for a bit of brightness, or sprinkle some toasted almonds on top for crunch. But the heart of the recipe remains the same - simple, fresh, and delicious.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of strawberry shortcake sandwiches to a new generation. It brings me joy to see others enjoy this classic dessert as much as I do.

As I grow older, I find solace in the kitchen, surrounded by the aromas and memories of years gone by. Making strawberry shortcake sandwiches reminds me of the love and laughter that have filled my home over the years. It is a simple pleasure that brings me comfort and joy, a reminder of the simple joys in life.

So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of ripe strawberries, take the time to make this recipe. Let the flavors of summer shine through in each bite, and savor the moment with loved ones. For in the kitchen, surrounded by good food and good company, we find a sense of peace and contentment that nourishes the soul.