Valentine Strawberry Shortcake with Cream (Printable)
Romantic airy dessert featuring tender shortcakes layered with sweet strawberries and clouds of whipped cream.
# What You Need:
→ Shortcakes
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
06 - 2/3 cup cold whole milk
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 tablespoon heavy cream for brushing
10 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling
→ Strawberry Maceration
11 - 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream
14 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
15 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
16 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
03 - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
05 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
06 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut out 6 rounds using a 3-inch heart-shaped or round cutter and place on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
08 - While the shortcakes bake, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to release juices and develop flavor.
09 - Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
10 - Split each cooled shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon macerated strawberries and juices onto the bottom half, top with whipped cream, and cover with the upper half. Garnish with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between warm, crumbly shortcake and cool, juicy strawberries creates a texture experience that box mixes can never replicate.
- The heart-shaped presentation transforms an everyday dessert into something that communicates love without saying a word.
02 -
- The dough might look slightly shaggy and dry when first mixed, but resist the urge to add more liquid, as the moisture will distribute during baking and too much liquid creates dense cakes.
- Allowing the assembled shortcakes to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving lets the berry juices penetrate the shortcake slightly, creating that perfect sweet spot between crisp exterior and tender, flavor-infused interior.
03 -
- Freeze your mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes before whipping the cream, as the chill helps it whip faster and hold its shape longer, even in a warm room.
- When cutting the dough into shapes, press straight down without twisting the cutter, as twisting seals the edges and prevents the shortcakes from rising to their full, fluffy potential.