There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade strawberry shortcakes, especially when they are made with fresh, juicy strawberries. This delightful dessert is a perfect way to celebrate warmer days and impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that brings a taste of the South right to your kitchen.
Southern Strawberry Shortcakes
Start your culinary journey by gathering the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your strawberry-shortcake masterpiece:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
- Using a biscuit cutter or a round glass, cut out shortcakes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until slightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the strawberries. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and powdered sugar. Toss together and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out the juices.
Once the shortcakes are cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Layer each piece with a generous amount of the sweetened strawberries, along with a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half back on. Serve immediately and enjoy the luscious flavors of this classic Southern dessert!
Bon appétit!