Name: Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Shortcakes:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; For the Strawberries:; 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; For the Lemon Whipped Cream:; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist: A Zesty and Refreshing Delight! 🍓🍋🍰

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a classic strawberry shortcake recipe to celebrate the taste of summer. The sun-ripened berries, the fluffy biscuit, the sweet cream – it’s a perfect trifecta. But what if we could elevate this already delightful dessert? This isn’t just any easy strawberry shortcake; we’re taking this beloved dessert to the next level with a zesty twist that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Imagine sinking your teeth into fluffy, golden shortcakes, each bite a burst of buttery goodness. Now, picture those shortcakes piled high with macerated fresh strawberries, their juices mingling with a touch of sugar and a hint of lemon. And finally, completing this masterpiece, a luscious lemon-infused whipped cream, light, airy, and bursting with citrusy flavor. This homemade shortcake variation is the perfect way to impress friends and family at your next gathering, add a delightful touch to your breakfast-brunch, or simply treat yourself to a delightful strawberry dessert after a long day. Get ready to discover how to create this simple yet sophisticated version of a timeless favorite! Craving more dessert ideas? Explore other delicious options in our desserts category.

Delicious Strawberry Shortcake with a twist, featuring lemon-infused whipped cream and fresh mint.

2. Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing twist on the classic:

For the Shortcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberries:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Lemon Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking much easier. Make sure you have these items on hand before you begin:

Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or food processor
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula

4. Instructions

Now for the fun part! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist:

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the strawberries are coated in the sweet and tangy mixture. Let the strawberries sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Patience is key here! This process helps to release their natural juices and intensify the flavor, creating the perfect strawberry dessert topping. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps to break down the strawberries, making them even more succulent. These macerated strawberries are key to an extraordinary strawberry shortcake recipe. Find more fruity inspiration by visiting our homepage!

Freshly sliced strawberries macerating in sugar for a unique Strawberry Shortcake.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortcake Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential for preventing the shortcakes from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in light and airy shortcakes. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to flaky shortcakes is to keep the butter cold! Gently stir in the heavy cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough shortcakes. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are still some streaks of flour. This homemade shortcake will be the perfect base for your easy strawberry shortcake. If you enjoy baking, our baking category might have more recipes you like!

Making shortcake dough in a mixer for a unique Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

Step 3: Bake the Shortcakes

Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. You can also use an ice cream scoop for more uniform shortcakes. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown and cooked through. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma of these baking shortcakes will fill your kitchen, promising a delectable strawberry dessert. And while you’re waiting, you can check some other delicious recipes in salads or soups, depending on what you’re craving!

Strawberry Shortcake biscuits baking in the oven.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Whipped Cream

While the shortcakes are cooling, prepare the lemon whipped cream. In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter! The lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing twist that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries and buttery shortcakes in this unique strawberry shortcake recipe. This zesty whipped cream really makes this easy strawberry shortcake special. For another take on this strawberry shortcake recipe, check out this recipe!

Whipped cream being prepared for a twist on Strawberry Shortcake.

5. Serving Suggestions

To assemble the strawberry shortcake recipe, split each shortcake in half. Spoon a generous amount of macerated strawberries over the bottom half, allowing the juices to soak into the shortcake, followed by a dollop of lemon whipped cream. Top with the other half of the shortcake and garnish with additional strawberries and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic dessert!

6. Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist is a resounding success:

Use cold butter and heavy cream for the flakiest shortcakes. Cold ingredients are essential for creating layers of flakiness in the dough.
Don’t overmix the shortcake dough to prevent tough biscuits. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tougher texture.
Macerating the strawberries enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. This simple step makes a big difference in the overall taste.
Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake. A mix of berries adds complexity and visual appeal.
For a richer flavor, brush the shortcakes with melted butter before baking. This adds a golden-brown color and a buttery flavor.

7. Variations

Want to customize your Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist? Here are a few variations to try:

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free shortcakes. Make sure to use a blend that’s specifically designed for baking.
Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the heavy cream with coconut cream. Look for vegan butter and coconut cream that are high in fat for the best results.
Different Flavors: Experiment with other citrus zests or extracts in the whipped cream. Orange, lime, or grapefruit zest would all be delicious additions.

8. Storage Instructions

The shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The macerated strawberries and lemon whipped cream should be stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the strawberry shortcake recipe just before serving to prevent the shortcakes from becoming soggy. If you have leftover strawberries, they are delicious with yogurt or on top of chicken or beef!

9. Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake recipe with a lemon twist is a delightful update to a beloved classic. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, tender shortcakes, and zesty lemon whipped cream creates a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. It is truly an easy strawberry shortcake! Whether you’re looking for an easy strawberry shortcake to whip up on a weeknight or a show-stopping strawberry dessert for a special event, this homemade shortcake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to check out about us and work with me page. Enjoy the process of creating this wonderful dessert and savor every bite!