Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe: A Delicious Delight

Discover the secret to making the ultimate strawberry shortcake—a treat that's as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. This dessert combines fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and rich whipped cream for a heavenly combination. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weekend treat, this strawberry shortcake is sure to impress.

Ingredients Needed:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 ml baking powder
  • 1 ml salt
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1.5 cups (310 ml) sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
• For the Filling:
  • 2/3 cup (375 ml) fresh strawberry slices
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod
• For the Whipped Cream:
  • 3/4 cup (375 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Garnish:
  • Fresh strawberries, whole or sliced

Baking Instructions:

1. Prep and Bake the Cake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line with parchment paper.
   • Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
   • In another bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
   • In a separate bowl, cream the remaining sugar with butter, then add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
   • Alternately mix in dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture. Fold in a quarter of the meringue to lighten the batter, then gently fold in the remaining meringue.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Combine strawberry slices, sugar, vanilla seeds, and the pod in a bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes, then strain and discard solids.
3. Make the Whipped Cream:
   • Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Shortcake:
   • Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread whipped cream over the cut side of the bottom layer. Top with marinated strawberries and cover with the second cake layer, cut-side down.
   • Decorate with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Enjoy this delicious strawberry shortcake with your loved ones, and revel in the fresh, vibrant flavors that make this dessert a timeless favorite. Whether for a festive celebration or a sweet end to a family meal, this strawberry shortcake promises delight in every bite.