Strawberry Shortcake You're My Berry Best Friend
Introduction
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It's a perfect summertime treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the light and fluffy texture of a cake. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, strawberry shortcake is a dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Making strawberry shortcake is easy and requires just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect strawberry shortcake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the granulated sugar and stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently until it comes together. Roll the dough out to ½ inch thickness.
- Use a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to cut out circles of dough. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the strawberries by slicing them and adding a sprinkle of sugar. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices.
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream and confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form.
- To assemble the shortcakes, split each one in half and place a dollop of whipped cream on the bottom half. Add a spoonful of strawberries, then replace the top half of the shortcake.
- Garnish with additional strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
To make the best possible strawberry shortcake, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill the butter before using it in the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
- Don't overwork the dough - this can cause the shortcakes to become tough.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to ensure clean edges.
- Let the shortcakes cool completely before splitting and filling them.
- Whip the cream just until soft peaks form - over-whipping can cause it to become grainy.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make the perfect strawberry shortcake, it's time to gather your ingredients and get baking! With its light and fluffy texture and sweet, juicy strawberries, this dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're enjoying it on a warm summer day or serving it for a special occasion, strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that will never go out of style.