Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic and delightful dessert that consists of tender, crumbly biscuits or sponge cake layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It's a perfect way to showcase the sweetness and juiciness of strawberries during the summer season. Here's a recipe to make Strawberry Shortcake:

Ingredients:

For the Biscuits:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture while stirring with a fork until the dough comes together.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball.
6. Pat the dough into a rectangle shape that is about 1-inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out biscuits from the dough. Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
8. While the biscuits are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the strawberries evenly in the sugar. Let the strawberries macerate for about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to release their juices and develop flavor.
9. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10. Once the biscuits have cooled, slice them in half horizontally.
11. To assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes, place a bottom half of a biscuit on a serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries over the biscuit, then top it with a dollop of whipped cream. Place the other half of the biscuit on top. Repeat with the remaining biscuits.
12. You can garnish the Strawberry Shortcakes with additional sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

Serve the Strawberry Shortcakes immediately and enjoy the combination of tender biscuits, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. It's a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat!