Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Cream
This Strawberry Shortcake with Fresh Cream recipe offers a perfect balance of light, fluffy shortcake layered with juicy, sweet strawberries and topped with luscious whipped cream. Ideal for festive gatherings or a simple, refreshing treat, it highlights fresh ingredients and customizable flavors, making it both elegant and easy to prepare.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Regular
Shortcake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2/3 cup milk or buttermilk
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Fresh Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and slice fresh strawberries, then toss them gently with sugar and lemon juice to macerate, bringing out their natural sweetness and juices.
- Make the Shortcake Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Add milk or buttermilk and stir just until combined to keep the shortcakes tender.
- Shape and Bake the Shortcakes: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times. Pat into a thick round, then cut out individual shortcakes using a biscuit cutter or glass. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and risen.
- Whip the Fresh Cream: While shortcakes bake, whip chilled heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, resulting in a light but stable cream.
- Assemble the Dessert: Once shortcakes have cooled slightly, slice them horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries on the bottom halves, add a thick dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other halves. Garnish with extra strawberries and cream if desired.
Notes
- Keep butter cold to achieve flaky shortcakes.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain tenderness.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill cream and bowl before whipping for optimal texture.
- Serve shortly after assembling to keep shortcakes from becoming soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shortcake with topping
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Strawberry shortcake, fresh cream, dessert, shortcake, strawberries, whipped cream, easy dessert