Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake

There’s nothing quite like a homemade dessert to bring back memories of family gatherings, laughter, and love. And what better way to do that than with Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake? This delightful dessert is a time-honored classic, filled with the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe strawberries, delicate and tender shortcake, and clouds of whipped cream. It’s a celebration of summer in every bite!

As the warm sun shines and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with the comforting flavors of childhood. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the magic of this cherished family recipe.

Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake recipe has been passed down through generations, each adding their own personal touch to make it even more special. But the true secret to its scrumptious success lies in the quality of ingredients and the love with which it is prepared.

Start by selecting the freshest, ripest strawberries. These juicy gems are the heart and soul of this dessert, so make sure to choose ones that are plump, vibrant red, and fragrant. Gently wash and hull the berries, then slice them to your desired thickness. Don’t forget to save a few whole berries for garnishing!

Next, it’s time to create the tender, buttery shortcakes that will cradle our luscious strawberries. The secret to achieving that perfect, delicate crumb lies in the art of cutting in the butter. This technique ensures that the butter remains in small, pea-sized pieces throughout the dough, creating pockets of flakiness as the shortcakes bake. So take your time, and remember that practice makes perfect!

With our shortcakes baked to golden perfection, it’s time to assemble the masterpiece. Begin by generously spooning the sliced strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake. Then, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, ensuring that it’s light and airy, just like Grandma used to make. Finally, crown your creation with the top half of the shortcake, and garnish with a whole strawberry and a final flourish of whipped cream.

As you take that first bite of Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake, allow yourself to be transported back to those carefree days of youth, filled with laughter, sunshine, and love. This dessert is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures in life.

So go ahead and indulge in this heavenly dessert, and relish the opportunity to create new memories with your loved ones. After all, life is just a little bit sweeter when shared with the ones we love.

Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake

Course: DessertCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

A scrumptious, time-honored classic filled with the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe strawberries, delicate and tender shortcakes, and clouds of whipped cream.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut or rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick round. Use a round biscuit or cookie cutter to cut out shortcakes, re-rolling and cutting the scraps as needed.
• Place the shortcakes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
• In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let them macerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• To assemble, slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate, spoon some strawberries and their juice on top, and dollop with whipped cream. Cover with the top half of the shortcake and serve immediately.

Notes

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, let the strawberries macerate for up to 2 hours.
• To make this recipe dairy-free, use almond milk or another non-dairy milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also use a non-dairy whipped topping in place of the whipped cream.
• You can store leftover shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if desired.

Grandma’s Secret Strawberry Shortcake pairs beautifully with other fresh and fruity desserts, like a tangy lemon sorbet or a luscious peach cobbler. For a more decadent touch, serve it alongside a rich, velvety chocolate mousse or a silky crème brûlée.

If you’re planning a summer cookout or picnic, consider accompanying the shortcake with a cool, refreshing fruit salad or a light and zesty citrus tart. Additionally, this classic dessert also goes well with a cup of hot tea or a glass of sparkling wine to add an extra touch of elegance to your dining experience.