Classic Strawberry Shortcake

Classic Strawberry Shortcake is a cake recipe built around sliced strawberries, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Plan on 9 servings and about 40 minutes.

• Yield 9 servings
• Ready in 40 minutes
• Prep 20 minutes
• Cook 20 minutes

Ingredients

Strawberries

• 4-6 cups sliced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweetened Whipped Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Shortcake

• ½ cup ( 106 g ) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons ( 85 g ) butter , softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups ( 213 g ) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk , not skim

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine the sliced strawberries with the sugar and vanilla. Cover and let refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to several hours).
3. For the whipped cream, beat the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla together (a blender works great for this) until thick. Refrigerate until ready to use (don't refrigerate longer than an hour or so or it will get a bit liquidy).
4. For the shortcake, in a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter for 1-2 minutes with a handheld (or stand) electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well.
5. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt (see the note above for the chocolate version).
6. Add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix. Pour in half the milk and mix again. Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix followed by the rest of the milk. Mix in the milk and add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean (don't overbake or it will be dry).
8. Let the shortcake cool. Cut into squares, slice in half horizontally (like a hamburger bun). Place the bottom half on a plate, top with a spoonful of strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. Top with the other half of shortcake and top with additional berries and whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Cool the layers before you stack them.