Best Strawberry Shortcake Homemade Recipe for Summer Gatherings
If there's one dessert that perfectly encapsulates the joy of summer, it's a strawberry shortcake homemade recipe. This classic treat combines the sweet and……
If there's one dessert that perfectly encapsulates the joy of summer, it's a strawberry shortcake homemade recipe. This classic treat combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries with the rich, buttery goodness of homemade shortcake. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a delightful dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. Here’s a detailed guide to creating the perfect strawberry shortcake homemade recipe.
### Ingredients
To make this delicious dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
**Shortcake:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Strawberries:**
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
**Whipped Cream:**
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
### Instructions
#### Preparing the Strawberries
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 30 minutes. This will macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and creating a sweet syrup.
#### Making the Shortcake
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
6. Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out rounds of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
#### Whipping the Cream
1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as the cream can quickly turn into butter.
### Assembling the Shortcake
1. Once the shortcakes have cooled, carefully slice them in half horizontally.
2. Place the bottom half of each shortcake on a serving plate.
3. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries and their syrup onto the shortcake.
4. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
5. Place the top half of the shortcake over the whipped cream. For an extra touch, you can add more strawberries and whipped cream on top.
### Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake
- **Fresh Ingredients:** Use the freshest strawberries you can find for the best flavor.
- **Cold Butter:** Ensure the butter is cold when you add it to the flour mixture. This helps create a flaky shortcake.
- **Don’t Overmix:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the shortcake, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the shortcake tough.
- **Chill the Bowl:** For the whipped cream, chilling the mixing bowl and beaters can help the cream whip up faster and more efficiently.
### Conclusion
A strawberry shortcake homemade recipe is a delightful and timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender shortcake, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a treat that’s sure to please. Follow this detailed guide to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece for your summer gatherings. Enjoy!