Simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

There’s something truly delightful about a classic strawberry shortcake. This recipe is not just another dessert; it brings together the sweet and juicy strawberries with fluffy whipped cream and light, tender cake. Perfect for a birthday celebration or a casual summer gathering, this strawberry shortcake is incredibly easy to make and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10. Assemble the Shortcake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of macerated strawberries on top, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process with more strawberries and whipped cream.
11. Serve: Slice the strawberry shortcake and serve immediately. Enjoy the delightful layers of cake, strawberries, and cream!

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 300kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Imagine slicing into a beautiful shortcake layered with ripe strawberries and freshly whipped cream. It’s the kind of dessert that brings joy to any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a birthday party or enjoying it with friends on a sunny afternoon. This recipe is your ticket to strawberry shortcake bliss, with a touch of simplicity that makes it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Whipping Up Strawberry Shortcake

Creating a delightful strawberry shortcake is an enjoyable experience that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with light, fluffy cake layers. This dessert embodies summer, featuring juicy strawberries nestled between airy cake and topped with rich whipped cream.

Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday celebration or simply indulging in a sweet treat, the art of making this strawberry shortcake will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Picture a vibrant strawberry shortcake cake, layered beautifully and adorned with whole strawberries, ready to bring joy to any gathering.

A Layered Delight

The essence of this dessert lies in its layers. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The fluffy cake absorbs the sweetness of macerated strawberries, while the whipped cream adds a creamy richness that ties everything together.

The vibrant red of the strawberries not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a refreshing contrast to the soft cake. A simple yet elegant presentation makes this dessert a showstopper at any birthday or summer gathering.

Gathering Fresh Ingredients

To craft your strawberry shortcake, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential. The star of the dish is, of course, the strawberries. Selecting ripe, sweet berries enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

In addition to strawberries, you’ll need basic pantry staples such as flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. The simplicity of these ingredients allows them to shine individually while also creating a cohesive dessert.

Making the Cake

Baking the layers of the strawberry shortcake is a straightforward process. Start by preparing your baking pans and mixing your dry ingredients before creaming the butter and sugar together.

Once the batter is combined and baked, letting the cake layers cool completely is crucial for easy assembly. This step ensures that the layers hold their shape and are easy to work with as you build your masterpiece.

Whipped Cream Perfection

No strawberry shortcake is complete without a generous topping of whipped cream. Making the whipped cream is simple and requires just a few ingredients.

Whipping the cream until soft peaks form creates a light and airy topping that complements the cake and strawberries beautifully. The addition of powdered sugar and vanilla enhances the flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Assembly and Presentation

Assembling your strawberry shortcake is where the magic happens. Start with one layer of cake, add a layer of macerated strawberries, and top it off with whipped cream.

Repeat the process with the second layer, and finish with a dollop of cream and a few whole strawberries for garnish. The visual appeal of the finished product makes it a perfect centerpiece for any dessert table.

Set the cake on a rustic wooden table surrounded by fresh strawberries for a cheerful presentation that invites everyone to dig in!

Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Made Easy

This easy strawberry shortcake features layers of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream. The light and airy texture of the cake pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart strawberries, creating a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

FAQ:

• Q: Can I make this easy strawberry shortcake recipe into cupcakes?A: Absolutely! Simply bake the shortcake batter in a muffin tin, adjusting the baking time as needed. Once cooled, top with whipped cream and strawberries for adorable strawberry shortcake cupcakes.
• Q: What if I don’t have time to make homemade biscuits for the shortcake?A: No problem! You can use store-bought biscuits, pound cake, or even angel food cake as a shortcut. The fresh strawberries and whipped cream will still make it taste amazing.
• Q: Is this a good dessert to make for a strawberry shortcake-themed birthday party?A: Yes! The presentation can fit many themes and it is very versitile. Feel free to serve as a large cake, or smaller, individual desserts.