Delightful Mini Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Looking for a charming dessert that will steal the show at your next gathering? Mini strawberry shortcakes are the answer! These delightful treats are not just for birthdays; they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a beautiful presentation. With their layers of fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and tender shortcake, these mini desserts are sure to be the star of the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Toss and let sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices.
2. Make the Shortcakes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk until just combined.
3. Shape and Bake: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut into small rounds using a cookie cutter. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Mini Shortcakes: Slice the baked shortcakes in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half of the shortcake and finish with more whipped cream and strawberries on top. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.
6. Serve: Arrange the mini strawberry shortcakes on a platter and serve immediately for a delightful treat.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 mini shortcakes
• Calories: 200kcal
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Imagine a bite-sized version of the classic strawberry shortcake, perfect for parties or as a sweet afternoon snack. Each mini cake is a combination of soft and buttery biscuit-like layers topped with juicy strawberries and whipped cream, making them a delightful treat that captures all the flavors of the traditional strawberry shortcake in a fun, portable format.

Mini Strawberry Shortcake for Every Celebration

These delightful mini strawberry shortcakes are a lovely addition to any dessert table, bringing a burst of flavor and color that can brighten any gathering. Combining light, sweet layers of biscuit-like shortcake with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, these treats are perfect for various occasions.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual afternoon gathering, mini strawberry shortcakes can easily become the highlight of the event. Their charming presentation and delicious taste make them suitable for guests of all ages, ensuring they’ll be a crowd-pleaser.

The Joy of Fresh Ingredients

The key to crafting delightful mini strawberry shortcakes lies in the use of fresh ingredients. Ripe strawberries, when paired with homemade whipped cream, create a delightful combination that perfectly complements the tender shortcake layers.

As the strawberries macerate, their natural sweetness is enhanced, allowing them to release their delightful juices. This addition transforms the dessert into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that reflects the essence of summer in every bite.

Creating the Shortcake Base

The foundation of mini strawberry shortcakes is the shortcake itself, which should be light and airy. By carefully mixing the dry ingredients and incorporating chilled butter, you’ll achieve that tender texture reminiscent of classic strawberry shortcake.

Once baked to a golden brown, these shortcakes not only provide a delicious base but also serve as the perfect canvas for the luscious strawberry and whipped cream toppings.

The Art of Whipping Cream

Whipped cream is a crucial element in this dessert, adding both richness and lightness. Achieving the right consistency is vital; soft peaks are ideal to create a cloud-like finish atop your shortcakes.

Incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract enhances the flavor, resulting in a whipped cream that elevates the entire dessert. The balance of sweetness adds a creamy contrast to the juicy strawberries, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Assembly: A Visual Delight

Assembling the mini strawberry shortcakes is where the fun truly begins. Carefully slice each baked shortcake in half, layering them with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

The visual appeal of these mini desserts is equally important. Stacking them elegantly and finishing with additional whipped cream and strawberries makes each one a mini masterpiece. Garnishing with mint leaves adds a fresh touch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These delightful mini strawberry shortcakes can be served on a decorative platter, making them an inviting centerpiece. Their size makes them perfect for individual servings, allowing guests to enjoy them without the need for utensils.

For those looking to explore variations, consider incorporating seasonal fruits or flavors, such as peach or blueberry, to create your own spin on the classic strawberry shortcake. Mini strawberry shortcake cupcakes are also a fun way to enjoy these flavors in a new format!

Mini Strawberry Shortcake for Every Celebration

These mini strawberry shortcakes are light, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavors. The delicate shortcakes are perfectly complemented by whipped cream and ripe strawberries, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Ideal for birthday celebrations and casual get-togethers alike, they are sure to be a hit among guests of all ages.

FAQ:

• Q: What’s the best way to make the “shortcake” part of Mini Strawberry Shortcakes?A: You have several options! You can use mini biscuits (homemade or store-bought), cut-out rounds of pound cake, or even bake a sheet cake and use a cookie cutter to create small circles.
• Q: Are Mini Strawberry Shortcakes basically the same as Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes?A: They’re very similar! The main difference is often the presentation. Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are typically baked in a cupcake liner, while mini shortcakes might be assembled on a platter or in individual serving dishes. Both use similar ingredients.
• Q: How can I make these look extra special for a strawberry shortcake cake birthday party?A: For a birthday twist, add a tiny candle to each mini shortcake, or decorate the whipped cream with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter. You could also arrange them on a tiered stand for a more impressive display.