Strawberry Shortcake Bliss

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is everything you want in a dessert: simple to make, deliciously indulgent, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The combination of soft, golden cake, sweetened strawberries, and velvety whipped cream creates the ultimate balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a spring gathering or enjoying it as a treat for yourself, this strawberry shortcake is a showstopper.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tbsp sugar (for macerating)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Stir in the milk, egg, and vanilla extract to form a smooth batter. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
6. For the whipped cream, chill a mixing bowl and beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
7. Slice the cooled cake in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the bottom layer of the cake.
8. Arrange half of the sliced strawberries over the whipped cream. Top with the second layer of cake.
9. Spread the remaining whipped cream on top and decorate with the remaining strawberries.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and a plant-based whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
• Berries: Feel free to swap out the strawberries for other fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Add a Twist: For a fun variation, try drizzling some chocolate syrup over the whipped cream before serving for an indulgent finish.

Storage/Reheating

To store, keep any leftover Strawberry Shortcake Bliss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it separately in the fridge. Reheat the cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, comforting treat.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake and whipped cream ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the shortcake just before serving for the freshest taste.

2. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before assembling.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

4. What can I use if I don’t have an 8-inch cake pan?

If you don’t have an 8-inch round cake pan, you can use a different size, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A square 9-inch pan should work well.

5. How do I make sure the whipped cream doesn’t deflate?

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. Also, make sure you whip the cream to stiff peaks, but be careful not to overwhip.

6. Can I make this dessert with a different type of cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cake layer with angel food cake, sponge cake, or even a store-bought pound cake.

7. Can I skip the sugar for macerating the strawberries?

Macerating the strawberries with sugar helps to draw out their juices and enhance their flavor, but it’s optional. If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can skip this step.

8. How can I make the whipped cream sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter whipped cream, you can increase the amount of powdered sugar to taste. Start with an additional tablespoon and adjust as needed.

9. Is there a way to make the cake fluffier?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as overmixing can lead to a denser texture. Also, make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture.

10. Can I use other extracts in the whipped cream?

Yes! You can substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract or lemon extract for a unique flavor twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light, fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, it’s a treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, get ready to indulge in this sweet, fruity delight and savor every bite!

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