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Fresh Strawberry Shortcake
Are you craving a delicious and refreshing dessert? Look no further than the classic summer treat - fresh strawberry shortcake! This timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to family gatherings. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the simple steps to create your own mouthwatering strawberry shortcake that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make fresh strawberry shortcake, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you've gathered all the necessary ingredients, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making the perfect fresh strawberry shortcake:
1. Preparing the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Hulling simply means removing the green stems from the top of each strawberry. Once the strawberries are cleaned, slice them into thin pieces. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar, gently stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set the bowl aside to allow the strawberries to macerate for about 30 minutes. Macerating helps release the natural juices from the strawberries, enhancing their flavor.
2. Making the Shortcakes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the dry mixture. Using either your hands or a pastry cutter, incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined.
Next, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for about a minute. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough shortcakes. Roll out the dough to a thickness of around 1/2 inch and use a round biscuit cutter to cut out individual shortcakes.
3. Baking the Shortcakes
Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each shortcake to allow for expansion during baking. Bake the shortcakes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before assembling the strawberry shortcakes.
4. Assembling the Strawberry Shortcakes
To assemble the strawberry shortcakes, begin by splitting each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate or serving dish, and spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries on top. Add a dollop of whipped cream, and then place the other half of the shortcake on top. Repeat these layers for each strawberry shortcake you're assembling.
5. Serving and Enjoying
Serve the fresh strawberry shortcakes immediately after assembly. The combination of tender shortcakes, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream is simply irresistible. Share these delectable treats with your loved ones and watch as their faces light up with delight!
Q/A Section
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
- Using fresh strawberries is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. However, if fresh strawberries are not available, you can use thawed and drained frozen strawberries as a substitute.
- How long can I store the assembled strawberry shortcakes?
- Assembled strawberry shortcakes are best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers. The shortcakes can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the macerated strawberries and whipped cream should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
- Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
- While whipped topping is a convenient alternative, it lacks the richness and flavor of real whipped cream. We recommend using freshly whipped cream for the best taste and texture.