How to make strawberry shortcake from Scratch?

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake from Scratch

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has been a staple in many bakeries and households for centuries. This sweet treat consists of sweet biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, all piled high on top of a bed of sweet biscuits. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making strawberry shortcake from scratch, including the ingredients, instructions, and tips to ensure that your shortcake turns out perfectly.

Ingredients:

• For the biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

• For the strawberries:

  • 2 cups sliced strawberries

• For the whipped cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Step 1: Make the biscuits:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
  • Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the biscuits. Gather the scraps, re-roll the dough, and cut out additional biscuits.

• Step 2: Bake the biscuits:

  • Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each biscuit.
  • Brush the tops of the biscuits with a little bit of milk or beaten egg for a golden glaze.
  • Bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

• Step 3: Make the strawberries:

  • In a large bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with a little bit of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes, until they start to release their juice.

• Step 4: Assemble the shortcake:

  • Split the biscuits in half horizontally using a serrated knife.
  • Spoon some of the sweet biscuits into the bottom half of each biscuit.
  • Top the biscuits with a few slices of strawberries.
  • Dollop some whipped cream on top of the strawberries.

• Tips and Variations:

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential for making the best strawberry shortcake. Choose strawberries that are heavy for their size and have a sweet, fruity aroma.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough biscuits. Mix the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy mass, then stop mixing.
• Use the right type of sugar: Granulated sugar is best for making strawberry shortcake. Brown sugar can add a richer flavor, but it can also make the biscuits more dense.
• Don’t overbake the biscuits: Biscuits should be lightly golden brown and still slightly soft to the touch. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
• Use heavy cream for the whipped cream: Heavy cream is essential for making the best whipped cream. It adds a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, tangy flavor.

Table: Ingredients and Equipment

Ingredient	Quantity	Equipment
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Mixing bowls
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup	Measuring cups and spoons
Baking powder	2 teaspoons	Whisking spoons
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Measuring spoons
Cold unsalted butter	1/2 cup	Pastry blender or fingers
Heavy cream	3/4 cup	Whisking spoons
Fresh strawberries	2 cups	Cutting board and knife
Whipped cream	1 cup	Whisking spoons
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons	Measuring cups and spoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Measuring spoons

Table: Biscuit Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Whisking spoons
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup	Whisking spoons
Baking powder	2 teaspoons	Whisking spoons
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Whisking spoons
Cold unsalted butter	1/2 cup	Pastry blender or fingers
Heavy cream	3/4 cup	Whisking spoons

Table: Strawberry Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
Fresh strawberries	2 cups	Cutting board and knife

Table: Whipped Cream Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
Heavy cream	1 cup	Whisking spoons
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons	Measuring cups and spoons
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Measuring spoons

Conclusion:

Making strawberry shortcake from scratch is a fun and rewarding process that requires just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. With these instructions and tips, you can create a delicious and authentic strawberry shortcake that will impress your family and friends. Remember to use fresh strawberries, don’t overmix the dough, and use heavy cream for the whipped cream. Happy baking!