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+ servings
Fluffy pastry cut open and filled with sweet, juicy filling and cream.

Strawberry Shortcake

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
inactive 30 minutes
Classic strawberry shortcake with flaky lemon-scented biscuits, macerated fresh strawberries, and a rich mascarpone whipped cream. A timeless dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
6 Servings

Ingredients

For the Biscuits:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 lemon zested
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter grated
  • ¾ cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg yolk beaten with 2 teaspoons water (for egg wash)
  • Raw demerara sugar, for topping

For the Macerated Strawberries:

  • pints fresh strawberries sliced
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 1 lemon juiced

For the Mascarpone Whipped Cream:

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • cups heavy whipping cream
  • cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Make the Biscuit Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Incorporate the grated cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the Buttermilk:

  1. Gradually pour in the buttermilk and mix gently with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to ensure tender biscuits.

Fold and Rest the Dough:

  1. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle, fold it into thirds (like a letter), then repeat the rolling and folding once more. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Cut and Bake the Biscuits:

  1. After resting, roll the dough to about ¾ inch thickness and cut into 6 to 8 portions. Arrange them close together on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Macerate the Strawberries:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Gently stir to coat. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to release juices.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.

Assemble the Shortcakes:

  1. Slice the cooled biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon a generous layer of whipped cream onto the bottom half, followed by a portion of macerated strawberries. Place the top half of the biscuit over the filling. Optionally, top with additional cream and strawberries before serving.

Notes

To prepare this strawberry shortcake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure your baking powder and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The method and measurements remain the same, though the dough may be slightly more delicate to handle. Chilling the dough thoroughly before cutting will help improve texture and handling.
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