A 4-Step Recipe, Perfect for Memorial Day
Kick Off Summer with an Easy Strawberry Shortcake: A 4-Step Recipe Perfect for Memorial Day
As we welcome the warm embrace of summer, Memorial Day weekend stands as a beacon for gatherings with friends, family, and loved ones. It's a time to honor those who have served while enjoying the beginning of the season's festivities and what better way to celebrate than with a delightful, refreshing dessert that encapsulates the essence of summer? This easy strawberry shortcake recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, and a big hit with our family!
Let’s dive into this four-step recipe that will surely be a hit at your Memorial Day celebration!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To create this classic dessert, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Shortcake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
2/3 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
For the Strawberry Topping:
1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup white sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons white sugar
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Hull and Slice Strawberries: Start by washing, hulling, and slicing the fresh strawberries.
Sweeten the Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a large bowl and sprinkle 1/4 cup of sugar over them. Mix gently to coat all the berries in sugar. Let the strawberries sit for at least 30 minutes to allow them to macerate, creating a sweet, juicy topping.
Step 3: Bake the Shortcakes
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk and beaten egg, then add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
Form and Bake Shortcakes: Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet to form 8 shortcakes. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Prepare Whipped Cream: While the shortcakes cool, whip the heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Shortcakes: Slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half on a plate, spoon some of the macerated strawberries and their juice over it, then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the other half of the shortcake on top and add more strawberries and whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy!
There you have it—an easy, delightful strawberry shortcake that’s perfect for your Memorial Day weekend festivities. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet, juicy strawberries, light and fluffy shortcakes, and rich whipped cream. It’s a perfect way to kick off the summer season with a touch of nostalgia and a lot of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a large barbecue or a small family gathering, this strawberry shortcake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a quintessential summer treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Happy Memorial Day and happy baking!
*Recipe is from allrecipes.com
