Ingredients
Shortcakes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- ¾ cup milk
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups strawberries (fresh, sliced)
- ½ cup sugar (for strawberries)
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This creates a tender, flaky texture.
- Add Milk: Stir in the milk just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix to keep the shortcakes light and fluffy.
- Shape and Bake Shortcakes: Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown on top.
- Macerate Strawberries: While the shortcakes bake, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the berries to release their juices and become syrupy.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy topping.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the shortcakes are warm, split them in half horizontally. Spoon the macerated strawberries over the bottom halves, top with whipped cream, and then place the other half of the shortcake on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is cold before cutting it into the flour to achieve a flakier texture in the shortcakes.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough shortcakes; mix just until combined.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free variation.
- For added flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the strawberry mixture.
- Whipped cream can be made ahead and kept chilled until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
