Strawberry Shortcake Recipe & Video

Strawberry Shortcake needs to be made when fresh strawberries are in season. To make this dessert you start with a buttery Biscuit (Scone) that has a crisp exterior, yet inside it is soft and fluffy. First, cut the Biscuit in half, preferably while it's still warm, and place it on your plate. Next, on the cut side of your Biscuit, place a large spoonful of fresh strawberries, along with their juices, that have been cut into bite size chunks and macerated in sugar. Top with a large dollop of whipped cream. Then place the top of the Biscuit on the whipped cream and garnish the top with even more strawberries and whipped cream. This is casual food at its best, perfect during the summer months at backyard barbecues and other informal gatherings.

A few things to keep in mind when making Biscuits (Scones). Always have the butter, eggs, and milk cold. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix everything together quickly and lightly.

Next, the strawberries. Always buy strawberries when they are in season. Look for ones that are bright red, plump, and firm, with no white or green "shoulders" at the stem end. The green leaf-like cap or hull should still be attached and it should not be brown or wilted. There should be no soft spots, bruising or mildew. Always check the underside of the container to make sure there are no squashed berries or juice (sign of overripe berries). Before using, remove the stems from the berries and lightly wash them (do not soak). Cut the berries into bite size pieces and place about one third of the strawberries in a large bowl and crush them with a potato masher or fork. Add the remaining sliced strawberries, along with the sugar. If possible, set aside to macerate at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes as this will soften the berries and allow them to release some of their juices.

And finally, the Cream. Cream is the fat that rises to the top of whole milk. It has a smooth, satiny texture and is labeled according to its butterfat content (heavy to light). When making this dessert use 'Heavy' Cream or Heavy 'Whipping' Cream which means it has a 36 - 40% butterfat content that will double in volume when whipped and hold its form.


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Biscuits (Scones): Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Lightly butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender, two knives, or using your fingertips. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Whisk together the egg and cream and add to the flour mixture, mixing just until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to come together.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead dough gently four or five times and then pat into a 7 inch (18 cm) round. With a 3 inch (7.5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out six rounds and place the Biscuits on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the Biscuits with a little cream. Bake for about 15 - 18 minutes or until lightly brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a Biscuit comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Filling: Wash, hull, and cut the strawberries into chunks or slices. Place about one third of the strawberries in a large bowl and crush them with a potato masher or fork. Add the remaining strawberries, along with the sugar. (The amount of sugar you need to add will depend on how sweet the berries are.) If possible, set aside to macerate at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes (allows time for the strawberries to soften and release their juices).

Whipped Cream: Place the cream and sugar in the bowl of your electric stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment (can also use a hand mixer or wire whisk). Whip until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.

To Serve: Cut the Biscuits in half horizontally and place the bottom half of the Biscuit (soft side up) on a dessert plate. Top with some of the strawberries and whipped cream. Place the top half of the Biscuit on the whipped cream. Top with even more whipped cream and strawberries. If there are any juices from the strawberries, drizzle a little over the top of the Biscuits. Serve immediately.

Serves 6 people.

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Biscuits (Scones):

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated white sugar

2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking powder

1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) salt

1/3 cup (75 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks

1 large (50 grams) cold egg,

1/2 cup (120 ml/grams) cold cream, half and half, or milk

Filling:

2 pounds (900 grams) fresh strawberries

1/4 - 1/3 cup (50 - 65 grams) granulated white sugar (or to taste)

Topping:

1 cup (240 ml/grams) cold heavy whipping cream (cream with a 35-40% butterfat)

1 - 2 tablespoons (15-25 grams) granulated white sugar (or to taste)