Strawberry Shortcake With Cream Cheese In The Middle
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This delicious treat is made up of layers of sweet cake, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, from birthdays to barbecues. But have you ever thought about adding cream cheese to the mix? In this article, we'll show you how to make strawberry shortcake with cream cheese in the middle, and why it's a game-changer.
What is Strawberry Shortcake?
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert that originated in the United States in the 19th century. It's made up of three components: a sweet cake, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream. The cake is typically a light and fluffy biscuit or sponge cake that's sliced in half and layered with strawberries and whipped cream. It's a simple yet delicious dessert that's perfect for summertime.
Why Add Cream Cheese to Strawberry Shortcake?
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that has a tangy flavor. It's commonly used in cheesecake recipes, but it can also be used in other desserts like frosting and fillings. When added to strawberry shortcake, cream cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and strawberries. It also adds a bit of texture to the dessert, making it even more satisfying to eat.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake with Cream Cheese in the Middle
Now that you know why cream cheese is a great addition to strawberry shortcake, let's talk about how to make it. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream
Here's how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together.
- Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness and cut out circles using a biscuit cutter.
- Place the circles on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the biscuits cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- To assemble the strawberry shortcake, slice each biscuit in half horizontally.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese filling on the bottom half of each biscuit.
- Top the cream cheese with a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
- Top with the other half of the biscuit.
- Repeat until you've used all of the biscuits.
- Chill the strawberry shortcake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake with cream cheese in the middle is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and strawberries. It's a great dessert for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday dinners. Give it a try and see why it's a game-changer!