Strawberry Shortcake Dessert (Print Version)
Golden buttermilk biscuits topped with sweet strawberries and fresh whipped cream create this timeless summer favorite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Strawberries
01 - 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
→ Shortcakes
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 tsp baking powder
06 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
09 - 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
10 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
→ Whipped Cream
11 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 - 2 tbsp powdered sugar
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly and let rest for at least 20 minutes until juices release and berries soften.
02 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
04 - Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
05 - Pour in cold buttermilk and vanilla extract. Stir gently just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing to keep shortcakes tender.
06 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut out 6 rounds using a biscuit cutter, pressing straight down without twisting.
07 - Place rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until tops are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.
09 - Split each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon macerated strawberries and their juices generously over the bottom half. Add a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half. Finish with additional berries and cream as desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The biscuits come together in fifteen minutes and taste like something your grandmother would have pulled from the oven.
- Macerated strawberries create their own syrup, so you never need a separate sauce.
02 -
- Warm biscuits will melt your whipped cream into soup, so exercise patience and let them cool completely.
- Twisting the biscuit cutter seals the edges and prevents rising, so press straight down and pull straight up.
03 -
- Freeze your butter and grate it on the large holes of a box grater for the most even distribution without overworking the dough.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar on the strawberries sounds strange but deepens their flavor in a way that will have everyone asking for your secret.