Strawberry Shortcuts

Strawberry Shortcuts Recipe - Gelatin and Lemon Infused Twist

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 9 squares

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcuts is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the lightness of whipped cream and pound cake, creating a delightful treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Strawberry Shortcuts are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This dessert has since become a popular choice for those looking for a simple yet satisfying sweet treat.

Ingredients

1 frozen pound cake (11.5 oz), defrosted
1 envelope (1 tbsp) unflavored gelatin
0.25 cup water
1 package (3.75 oz (106 g)) lemon flavor instant pudding and pie filling
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 egg white, not beaten
1 pt (473 ml) fresh California strawberries, sliced
1 can (7 oz (198 g)) refrigerated whipped light cream
strawberries for garnish

How to prepare

Cut the pound cake lengthwise into 2 layers and arrange them side by side in an 8-inch square cake pan with the cut sides facing up.
In a saucepan, soften the gelatin in water and dissolve it over low heat. Set it aside.
Prepare the pudding according to the package directions, but reduce the amount of milk to 1.75 cups.
Beat in the dissolved gelatin and lemon juice. Let it set for 5 minutes.
Add the egg white and beat on the highest speed of an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
Fold the berries into the mixture and pour it over the cake.
Chill the cake until it becomes firm enough to cut, which should take at least 1 hour.
To serve, cut the cake into squares and top each square with a puff of whipped light cream and a whole strawberry.
If using frozen whole-unsweetened strawberries instead of fresh strawberries, thaw them just enough to slice. Drain them in a colander, reserving the liquid for other uses. Then fold the sliced strawberries into the mixture as directed above.
Yield: 9 squares.

Variations

For a different flavor, you can use different pie fillings such as cherry or blueberry.
You can also experiment with different types of cake, such as angel food cake or sponge cake, for a lighter texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to defrost the pound cake completely before using it in this recipe.

- Be sure to dissolve the gelatin completely to ensure a smooth texture in the pudding mixture.

- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add fresh lemon juice to the pudding mixture.

- Be careful not to overbeat the egg white, as this can result in a dense and heavy texture in the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

Strawberry Shortcuts can be served on its own as a delicious dessert, or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include cutting the pound cake into layers, preparing the pudding mixture, and folding in the strawberries before chilling the dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and sliced. You can also use different types of cake or pie fillings to customize the flavor of this dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

Strawberry Shortcuts can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Simply top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dessert even more visually appealing, you can garnish each square with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also serve it in individual dessert cups for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Strawberry Shortcuts 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 dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Strawberry Shortcuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave each square for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcuts contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcuts contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcuts contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Shortcuts contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberry Shortcuts is a good source of Vitamin C, with each serving providing approximately 50% of the recommended daily intake.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten. Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions when preparing this dish.

Summary

Strawberry Shortcuts is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a good source of Vitamin C and provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates for energy.

Summary

Strawberry Shortcuts is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the lightness of whipped cream and pound cake. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Strawberry Shortcuts. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha's house. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had a reputation for always having the most delectable treats on hand.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and buttery pastry. Martha had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a plate piled high with golden brown, flaky pastries filled with juicy red strawberries. "Try one," she said with a smile. I took a bite and was immediately transported to dessert heaven.

I begged Martha for the recipe, but she just laughed and said it was a family secret. Determined to recreate the magic of Martha's Strawberry Shortcuts in my own kitchen, I set out on a mission to learn how to make them myself.

Over the next few weeks, I scoured cookbooks, visited bakeries, and even took a cooking class in hopes of finding a similar recipe. But nothing came close to Martha's Strawberry Shortcuts. Desperate for a breakthrough, I turned to my own collection of recipes and began experimenting with different combinations of strawberries, pastry, and sugar.

Finally, after countless failed attempts and messy kitchen disasters, I stumbled upon the perfect recipe for Martha's Strawberry Shortcuts. It was a combination of buttery puff pastry, sweet ripe strawberries, and a sprinkle of sugar that created a heavenly dessert that was just as delicious as Martha's.

I was overjoyed to have cracked the code and finally mastered the art of making Martha's famous Strawberry Shortcuts. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even as gifts for friends. Each time, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twist by incorporating a hint of lemon zest and a dollop of whipped cream on top. It became a signature dish that I was known for, and I took great pride in sharing Martha's secret with others.

One day, Martha came over for tea and I surprised her with a plate of my Strawberry Shortcuts. She took a bite and her eyes widened in delight. "These are just like mine," she exclaimed. I smiled and confessed that I had finally cracked the code and recreated her beloved recipe.

Martha was thrilled and touched that I had put in so much effort to learn how to make her Strawberry Shortcuts. She hugged me tightly and we spent the afternoon reminiscing about our shared love of baking and the joy of sharing delicious treats with others.

From that day on, Martha and I became even closer, bonded by our love of baking and the special connection we shared through her treasured recipe for Strawberry Shortcuts. It was a recipe that brought us together and created lasting memories that we would cherish for a lifetime. And every time I make Martha's Strawberry Shortcuts, I am reminded of the sense of wonder and joy I felt when I first saw that magical recipe.