Shortcake Recipe

Shortcake recipe is a classic dessert that combines sweet, flaky biscuits with fresh fruit and whipped cream. It’s a versatile, simple treat that can be enjoyed year-round, especially during the strawberry season when the fruit is at its peak. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just treating yourself, shortcake is a timeless dessert that will never disappoint.

A Brief History of Shortcake Recipe:

Shortcake have been around for centuries, dating back to the 16th century in England. The term “short” refers to the crumbly texture of the biscuit, achieved by incorporating fat, usually butter or lard, into the dough. Traditionally, shortcakes were made with unsweetened biscuits and served with fruits like strawberries or raspberries, sweetened slightly with sugar, and topped with whipped cream. Over time, this simple recipe has evolved into a beloved dessert staple, especially in the United States, where strawberry shortcake remains a summer favorite.

Shortcake Recipe

Pinklady

Shortcake has been around for centuries, dating back to the 16th century in England. The term "short" refers to the crumbly texture of the biscuit, achieved by incorporating fat, usually butter or lard, into the dough. Traditionally, shortcakes were made with unsweetened biscuits and served with fruits like strawberries or raspberries, sweetened slightly with sugar and topped with whipped cream. Over time, this simple recipe has evolved into a beloved dessert staple, especially in the United States, where strawberry shortcake remains a summer favorite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine England

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife
• Cooling rack
• Medium bowl (for whipped cream)
• Electric mixer or whisk

Ingredients

  

For the Shortcake Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 2/3 cup milk (cold)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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For the Fruit Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

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

Instructions

 

• Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
• In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar. Toss them together until the sugar evenly coats the fruit.
• Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices, creating a sweet syrup.
• Step 2: Make the Shortcake Biscuits

  Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it out to about 1-inch thickness.
• Use a round biscuit cutter (or a glass) to cut out biscuits and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top. Once done, transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

  While the biscuits are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will become grainy.
• Step 4: Assemble the Shortcakes

  Once the biscuits have cooled slightly, slice them in half horizontally.
• Spoon some of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of the biscuit, allowing the sweet juices to soak in a little.
• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
• Place the top half of the biscuit over the cream and finish with another spoonful of strawberries and a small dab of whipped cream for presentation.

Video

Keyword Shortcake Recipe

Similar Recipes:

– Strawberry Shortcake with Pound Cake: Swap out the biscuits for slices of pound cake for a denser, richer version of this dessert.
– Blueberry Shortcake: Replace strawberries with fresh blueberries for a fun twist on the traditional recipe.
– Peach Shortcake: Use ripe peaches instead of strawberries for a summer-perfect treat.
– Chocolate Shortcake: Add cocoa powder to the shortcake biscuits for a chocolaty spin on this classic dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shortcake Recipe:

1. Can I use frozen fruit for shortcake?

Yes, you can! If fresh fruit isn’t available, thaw frozen fruit and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I use a store-bought whipped cream?

Absolutely! Store-bought whipped cream works in a pinch, though homemade whipped cream will give you a fresher and fluffier texture.

3. Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?

Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even a combination of your favorites.

4. What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

You can use two forks or even your hands to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

6. How do I know when the whipped cream is done?

You’ll know the whipped cream is ready when it holds soft peaks that stand up when you lift the whisk.

7. What kind of milk can I use?

You can use whole milk for a richer flavor, but any milk, including non-dairy options like almond or oat milk, will work.

8. Can I use canned whipped cream for this recipe?

Yes, canned whipped cream is a quick and easy alternative, though homemade will have a richer flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Shortcake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for anyone looking for a fresh, homemade treat. You can swap out the fruit and make it your own depending on what’s in season, making shortcake a versatile and timeless dessert that will always impress.

YouTube Video Credits:
Preppy Kitchen