Strawberry Shortcake with Lemon Cream
A delightful summer dessert featuring layers of sweetened strawberries, flaky biscuits, and creamy lemon accents, perfect for gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
For the Strawberries
- 1 quart strawberries, sliced Fresh and vibrant, these strawberries are the heart of the dish.
- 1/2 cup sugar Helps to macerate the strawberries.
For the Biscuit Dough
- 1/3 cup shortening Contributes to a tender, flaky biscuit texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of our shortcakes.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar For added sweetness in the biscuit dough.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder Creates a light, fluffy biscuit.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors.
- 3/4 cup milk Adds moisture to the dough.
- additional granulated sugar for topping (optional) For those who love a little extra sweetness!
For the Lemon Cream
- 1/2 cup lemon curd Adds a zesty flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Whipped to create a rich topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of sugar. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to macerate.
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, cut the shortening into the flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the milk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it about 20 to 25 times until it comes together.
- Roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness and use a floured 3-inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.
- Place the biscuit rounds 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle a little extra sugar on top, if desired.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overbake.
- In a medium bowl, combine lemon curd and heavy whipping cream. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and fluffy.
Assembly
- Carefully split each warm biscuit in half horizontally. Spoon strawberries and their juices over the bottom half, add a dollop of lemon cream, then gently replace the tops.
- Serve immediately while the shortcakes are still warm.
Notes
Maceration helps achieve the perfect sweetness of strawberries. Serve with iced tea or white wine for a refreshing accompaniment.