Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce

Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry shortcake with fresh sauce is a classic dessert that is perfect for the spring and summer months. This recipe features tender shortcakes topped with a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce, fresh sliced strawberries, and whipped cream. It's a delicious and refreshing treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Strawberry shortcake has been a popular dessert in the United States since the 19th century. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy shortcakes, and whipped cream has been a favorite among Americans for generations. This recipe puts a fresh twist on the classic dessert by incorporating a homemade strawberry sauce made with fresh California strawberries.

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 California strawberries (12 oz (340 g)), stemmed and halved
sugar to taste
1 pt (473 ml) basket California strawberries (12 oz (340 g)), stemmed and sliced
1.5 cups whipping cream, whipped and sweetened with sugar, to taste
mint sprigs, for garnish

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
To make the shortcakes, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Gently stir with a fork and gradually mix in the cream until just combined. The mixture should barely hold together.
With your hands, form the dough into six balls and place them 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the center of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until light golden brown. Then, cool them on the baking sheet.
Meanwhile, to make the fresh strawberry sauce, purée the strawberries in a blender until smooth.
Sweeten the sauce to taste with sugar, cover it, and set it aside.
Split the shortcakes horizontally and divide the 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 and spoon the remaining strawberries and whipped cream over the shortcakes, dividing them equally.
Garnish with mint sprigs.
Yield: Makes 6 servings.

Variations

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

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to handle the dough for the shortcakes gently to ensure a tender texture.

- Make sure to cool the shortcakes completely before assembling the dessert to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the strawberry sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish the dessert with fresh mint sprigs for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this strawberry shortcake with fresh sauce as a light and refreshing dessert after a summer meal. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for the perfect combination.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making tender shortcakes is to handle the dough gently and not overmix it. Be sure to bake the shortcakes until they are light golden brown for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whipping cream on hand, you can use store-bought whipped topping as a substitute. You can also use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones for the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the shortcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The strawberry sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dessert even more visually appealing, you can layer the sliced strawberries and whipped cream in a parfait glass before topping it with the shortcake.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strawberry shortcake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shortcakes in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this strawberry shortcake with fresh sauce contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this dessert contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh strawberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

This dessert is a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. However, it also provides essential nutrients like vitamin C.

Summary

Strawberry shortcake with fresh sauce is a delightful dessert that is perfect for showcasing the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries. With tender shortcakes, homemade strawberry sauce, and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I first stumbled upon the delight of Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce. I was visiting a dear friend in the countryside, and as we sat on her porch sipping sweet tea, she suddenly jumped up and declared that we must make a dessert fit for a queen.

She led me to her kitchen, where she opened an old, worn recipe book that she had inherited from her grandmother. The pages were yellowed and stained with years of use, but they were filled with the most exquisite recipes I had ever seen. And there it was, nestled between the pages like a hidden treasure - the recipe for Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce.

My friend explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, and it was a cherished tradition to make it every summer when the strawberries were ripe and sweet. I listened intently as she guided me through the steps, showing me how to make the tender, crumbly shortcakes and the luscious, juicy sauce that would top them off.

As we worked together in the kitchen, the scent of ripe strawberries and vanilla filled the air, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. It was as if I had found a piece of myself in that simple recipe, a connection to the past that transcended time and space.

When the shortcakes were finally baked and the sauce was simmering on the stove, we sat down to enjoy our creation. The first bite was like a taste of heaven - the buttery richness of the shortcake paired perfectly with the sweet tartness of the strawberries, and the fresh sauce added a bright burst of flavor that tied it all together.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to simple Sunday dinners. And each time I did, I felt a sense of gratitude for my friend and her generous spirit in sharing this culinary treasure with me.

As the years passed, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of lemon zest to the shortcakes and a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. These small changes elevated the dish to new heights, adding layers of complexity and depth that made it even more special.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen on a warm summer day, preparing Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Sauce for my own family, I can't help but reflect on the journey that brought me to this moment. The friendships forged, the traditions passed down, and the simple joys found in a humble recipe that has stood the test of time.

And as I take that first bite of tender shortcake, juicy strawberries, and fresh sauce, I am filled with a sense of warmth and happiness that can only come from the comfort of good food and good company. It is a feeling that I will always treasure, a reminder of the love and connection that binds us all together, one delicious bite at a time.