When brainstorming among the staff to come up with a plan for upcoming recipes, it came to our attention that a classic strawberry shortcake recipe was missing from our blog.
You can find some pretty fantastic variations of the recipe hailing from France and Scandinavia or even recipes that cater to a vegan or gluten free audience, but as far as the classic recipe goes, our blog has been sadly lacking – until now!
Now, sure you can find some pretty yummy shortcakes at our farmers market to go perfectly with freshly picked Weaver’s Orchard strawberries all season long, but if you’re looking for the classic strawberry shortcake recipe to make yourself at home, give this one a try.
Our strawberries are in season now and they are absolutely delicious! Our fields are open Monday-Saturday for pick-your-own, or you can find some in our farm market. Strawberry picking is a fun, family-friendly activity! Bring the kids and enjoy making memories in our orchard. On Mondays and Wednesdays, young children will love our Read ‘n’ Pick Storytime out in our orchard! Kids can hear a story based on a fruit theme of the week, take a hayride into the orchard and pick a container of fruit. Be sure to book your spot online in advance, as time slots sell out quickly. Bring your friends and make a day of it!
Enjoy!
PrintClassic Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 qt. strawberries: washed, hulled, and sliced
- 2 T. sugar
- Zest of ½ of lemon or 2 limes (optional)
For the Shortcakes:
- 2 c. flour
- 4–5 Tbsp. sugar
- 3 t. baking powder
- 1 t. salt
- ⅓ c. shortening
- ½ c. milk
- ¼ c. half and half
- Turbinado or raw sugar – optional
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 ½ c. heavy whipping cream – very cold
- ½ c. confectioners sugar – sifted to remove lumps
- 1 tbsp. vanilla
Instructions
Wash, hull, and slice 6 large strawberries. Use your hands or a fork to smash them into a chunky pulp / jam consistency. Add sugar and lemon zest. This will create a thicker sauce without needing to cook. Wash the rest of the strawberries, and slice to your likeness to dress the shortcakes. Allow the strawberries to macerate on the counter while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Preheat the oven to 450.
In a mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Add in shortening and cut in with your hands and/or a large fork until a crumb forms.
Add milk and half and half into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms with a clumpy consistency, similar to pancake batter.
Drop large spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet. Brush with half and half if you want a golden crust and sprinkle with turbinado sugar or raw sugar.
Bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until golden brown.
While the cakes cool, make your own whipped cream. Using a chilled mixing bowl, and very cold cream. Mix heavy whipping cream, confectioners sugar, salt, and vanilla for 3-5 minutes or until whipped cream forms.
Slice cakes in half, spread a layer of whipped cream, pile on strawberries, and cap with the top slice and repeat with a generous dollop of whipped cream and strawberries.