Mothers Day Strawberry Shortcake (Printable)

Layered fluffy shortcake with sweet strawberries and creamy whipped topping, ideal for celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Shortcake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

09 - 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

12 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
13 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How-to Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - In a small bowl, combine milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
04 - Drop large spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet forming 8 even mounds. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely, then cut each shortcake horizontally into halves or cubes.
05 - While shortcakes bake, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir gently and let sit at least 15 minutes to release juices.
06 - Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
07 - Layer half of the shortcake pieces in the bottom of a large trifle bowl or glass dish. Spoon half the strawberries with juices over the cake. Spread half the whipped cream on top. Repeat layers with remaining shortcake, strawberries, and cream.
08 - Garnish with extra strawberries or mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving for optimal flavor.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • You can actually see all those beautiful layers through the glass, which means your dessert looks as good as it tastes.
  • The shortcake comes together in minutes, and most of the prep is just assembly, so you're not stressed while everyone's waiting.
  • It serves eight people but feels completely elegant, making it perfect for celebrating without needing a bakery order.
02 -
  • Shortcake dough must be mixed gently or your cakes will turn dense and tough, so resist the urge to keep stirring after you've combined the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Macerating the strawberries in advance is the secret that transforms simple sliced berries into a luscious sauce that soaks into every layer.
  • Don't assemble this more than four hours ahead because the shortcake will absorb moisture and lose that tender crumb you worked to create.
03 -
  • Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, or better yet use a kitchen scale, because packed flour will make your shortcakes dense every single time.
  • If the weather is humid, your shortcakes may need an extra minute or two in the oven, so trust what you see and feel, not just the clock.
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