Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is a delightful treat that combines fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping. This classic dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, family celebrations, or simply to enjoy at home. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is not just about enjoying a tasty dessert; it’s also about celebrating the joy of fresh strawberries. This recipe is easy to follow, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. You can customize it to your taste and create lasting memories with friends and family around the table.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (to macerate berries)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cream)
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 2 tbsp water
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and combine well.
- Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool on a rack.
- For the strawberries, toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes to soften.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- For the drizzle, heat the strawberry preserves with water until it becomes syrupy.
- Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with whipped cream and strawberries. Place the top half back on, add more cream and strawberries, then drizzle with the strawberry sauce.
- Garnish with extra strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bliss chilled or at room temperature. Each slice can be garnished with extra whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation. It’s perfect as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack during the day.
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
To store leftovers, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The strawberries and cream may soften the cake, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. You can also combine them with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake.
- Make sure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture for a light and fluffy cake.
- Don’t skip letting the strawberries sit with sugar, as it enhances their flavor and creates a delicious syrup.
Variation
Try adding lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist or even swapping the strawberry preserves for blueberry or raspberry preserves for a different flavor profile. You can also use a sponge cake instead of a traditional cake for a lighter texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them before using, but note that the texture may differ slightly.
2. How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients, like baking powder and sugar, are also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The strawberries and whipped cream can also be prepared in advance. Just assemble when ready to serve.
Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Bliss! Your friends and family will love the sweet combination of cake, strawberries, and cream.
Strawberry Shortcake Bliss
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups flour
- 0.5 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 cups cold butter, cut into pieces Ensure butter is cold for a fluffy texture.
- 0.5 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberries
- 2 cups sliced strawberries Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- 0.25 cups sugar Used to macerate the berries.
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 cups whipping cream
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract For flavoring the cream.
For the Drizzle
- 0.5 cups strawberry preserves
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and combine well.
- Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool on a rack.
Prepare Strawberries
- For the strawberries, toss them with 1/4 cup of sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes to soften.
Whip Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
- For the drizzle, heat the strawberry preserves with water until it becomes syrupy.
- Once the cake is cooled, slice it in half horizontally. Layer the bottom half with whipped cream and strawberries.
- Place the top half back on, add more cream and strawberries, then drizzle with the strawberry sauce.
- Garnish with extra strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
