Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake Recipes From Scratch
Nothing says summer quite like the taste of fresh strawberries. And what better way to enjoy this delicious fruit than with a classic strawberry shortcake? With its buttery biscuit base, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. And the best part? It's easy to make from scratch, so you can enjoy the taste of summer any time of year.
The Biscuit Base
The key to a good strawberry shortcake is a light and fluffy biscuit base. To make the biscuits from scratch, you'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 2/3 cup milk
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and stir until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick, then use a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass to cut out 6-8 biscuits. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
The Strawberry Filling
No strawberry shortcake is complete without fresh, juicy strawberries. To make the filling, you'll need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the strawberries, then set aside to macerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the strawberries release their juices and become soft and sweet.
The Whipped Cream Topping
No strawberry shortcake is complete without a dollop of whipped cream on top. To make the whipped cream, you'll need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
Assembling the Shortcakes
Now that you have all the components ready, it's time to assemble the shortcakes. To do this, simply split the biscuits in half and spoon some of the strawberry filling onto the bottom half. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then add the top half of the biscuit. Repeat with the remaining biscuits, filling, and whipped cream.
For an extra special touch, you can garnish the shortcakes with additional sliced strawberries or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Conclusion
There's something timeless and comforting about a classic strawberry shortcake. With its buttery biscuit base, sweet strawberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, this dessert is sure to please any crowd. And with this easy recipe, you can enjoy the taste of summer any time of year. So why not whip up a batch of old-fashioned strawberry shortcakes from scratch today?
