Best. Strawberry. Shortcakes. Ever.
There, I said it. And I'm not kidding. These shortcakes are going to change your life.
Last week I ran over to the Santa Monica Farmers Market to grab a few things for my clients and couldn't help but pick up a crate of the most delectable strawberries known to man. The smell of these strawberries was literally wafting from one side of the farmers market to the next, and let me tell you, it's no small farmers market. After eating half of the crate on the way home, I decided I'd use the rest of the berries to make a fun dessert for my girls night in fiesta! So I chopped up the rest of the strawberries, let them get up close and personal with some sugar and patiently waited 24 hours to make this mind blowing dessert.
You see, my fiance headed to Vegas last weekend with all of his friends, and left me home alone. First of all, rude for not bringing me. I understand it's a boys trip and all, but I would have gladly stayed with my girlfriends at another hotel and had a blast. Second of all, when the boys are away, clearly a girls night filled with lots of fun cocktails, food and girl talk is in order. Duh. And these strawberry shortcakes were the icing on the cake to a great night in.
Okay, so let me fill you in on this "cream" secret. Well, it's not so much a secret, but it's the only way I'll make whipped cream. Here's the deal. Heavy whipping cream, lots of powdered sugar, 1 whole vanilla bean and a mixer. It's basically not even fair to other whipped creams because it's just so much better.
So you should totally make these. They would be perfect for any night of the week, but they will seriously fit in perfectly for a dinner party. Plus all of your friends would think you are a genius.
Simple Strawberry Shortcakes
Ingredients
For the Shortcakes
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoon cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Strawberries
- 1 lb strawberries tops removed and sliced
- â…“ cup white sugar
For the Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- â…” cup powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
For the Biscuits
- Combine the flour, lemon zest, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until everything is evenly combined.
- Add the butter and pulse for 1-2 minutes until the butter is cut into small pea sized chunks.
- Combine the cream and vanilla in small bowl.
- Add the cream mixture to the food processor and combine for 30 seconds until you have a dough.
- Remove the dough from the food processor and divide it into 9 equal portions, about 3 ounces each. For each portion of dough into a biscuit about ¾ inch thick.
- Transfer the biscuits to a baking sheet lined with parchment and chill for 20 minutes in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF.
- Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake until the biscuits are medium golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
For the Strawberries
- Combine the slices strawberries and sugar in a large bowl and set aside for at least 3 hours until the strawberries are juicy and delicious.
For the Cream
- In a large stand mixer, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla bean and whip until medium stiff peaks form and then set aside the cream.
To assemble
- Place a shortbread biscuit on a plate. Top with a heavy spoonful of the strawberries and then top with cream. Serve immediately.
I am so craving this right NOW - oh you temptress you!
I love fruit shortcake...not a fan of strawberries ( I know weird) so I use raspberries or blueberries instead. 😀
Yum. This is truly such a great recipe to have for the season! Thanks for sharing!
I trust that these must be the bestest ever. I adore strawberry shortcake!
Fantastic dessert! And so fresh!
I think these strawberry shortcakes are much better than a trip to Vegas 🙂
Strawberry desserts have been sounding really good lately. These shortcakes looks divine!
Those look AMAZINGLY delicious!!!
What a great addition to a girl's night party!
Strawberry shortcake is one of my all time favorite desserts! I love that it's sweet without being over the top crazy sweet.
This is one of my favorite summer desserts! I am all over the vanilla bean into the cream. Mmmm. I can't wait for my strawberries to fruit!
12 TBSP of butter?! Then these must be good shortcakes.
I agree, the smell of fresh and juicy strawberries is the best thing. I want to bottle-it up!
Looks good and the lemon zest is a nice touch. Our first strawberries are coming in, so we will give this a try. thx
Simple and pretty! Yum!
One of my favorite desserts! Looks amazing!