Description
Delight in this classic Homemade Strawberry Shortcakes recipe featuring tender, fluffy shortcakes topped with sweet macerated strawberries and homemade whipped cream. Perfect for a refreshing dessert or a summer treat with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries enhanced by a touch of sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortcake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Macerated Strawberries
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract, optional splash
Garnish
- Sliced strawberries
- Fresh mint sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Place chopped strawberries in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and stir to combine. Optionally add a splash of vanilla extract. Let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking the shortcakes.
- Prepare Shortcake Molds: Generously spray the shortcake molds with baking spray, then dust with flour, shaking out any excess to prevent sticking.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add vanilla extract, softened butter, milk, and egg. Using an electric mixer, beat at medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Molds: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full. Place the molds on a baking sheet to catch any drips and facilitate handling.
- Bake Shortcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in the pan before removing.
- Remove Cakes: Gently loosen each cake from the mold with your fingers and invert the pan to release them onto a cooling rack or plate.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: Prepare homemade whipped cream according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought if desired.
- Assemble Shortcakes: Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberry mixture and juice over each shortcake, top with a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with sliced strawberries and fresh mint sprigs.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow strawberries to macerate for full 2 hours; shorter times may produce less juice.
- Softened butter is essential to achieving tender shortcakes; do not melt the butter.
- You can substitute heavy cream for milk for a richer shortcake batter.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Chilling the shortcakes briefly after baking can make them easier to handle for assembly.
- Homemade whipped cream adds a fresh touch but can be replaced with store-bought whipped topping if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcakes, Homemade Dessert, Baked Shortcakes, Macerated Strawberries, Summer Dessert, Whipped Cream, Classic American Dessert
