Strawberry Shortcake (The Unofficial Strawberry Shortcake Cookbook - A.K. Whitney)

Description

Source: The Unofficial Strawberry Shortcake Cookbook - A.K. Whitney

Strawberry's signature dessert has everything it needs to make it a perennial favorite: fresh strawberries, sweet and airy clouds of whipped cream, and a not-too-sweet pastry that lets the other flavors shine through. It also reflects this berry sweet girl's personality: Strawberry is generous and kind and quick to make friends! Add some flowers for an extra sweet presentation.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (or 1 1/2 tablespoons Marsala)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 6 large whole fresh strawberries

Directions

1. To make Shortcake: Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease three round 6" cake pans with butter and dust each pan with 1/2 tablespoon flour.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter.
4. Stir in egg and vanilla.
5. In a separate medium bowl, combine salt, remaining 1/2 cups flour, and baking powder.
6. Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients gradually, alternating with milk.
7. Spread batter into prepared pans.
8. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden.
9. Cool Shortcake 10 minutes in pans, them remove from pans onto a wire rack to cool 1 hour.
10. To make Berries: Combine strawberry slices, lemon juice (or Marsala), and sugar in a medium bowl.
11. To make Topping: Whip cream and cream cheese in a large chilled bowl with chilled beaters until soft peaks form; add sugar, continuing to whip until peaks stiffen.
12. To assemble: Trim any domes off each shortcake layer to get an even surface.
13. Spread 1/3 whipped cream on 1 cake layer.
14. Top with half of Berries.
15. Top with second cake layer, another 1/3 whipped cream, and remaining Berries.
16. Top with third cake layer, and spread remaining whipped cream on top.
17. Garnish with whole strawberries.
18. Chill 20 minutes then cut into wedges and serve.