Summer

Strawberry Shortcake

August  8, 2011
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Strawberry shortcake is my favorite dessert. I prefer a flaky, biscuit type of shortcake rather than a soft, cakey one. Over the years, I've adapted a scone recipe from Rose Levy Berenbaum's The Pie and Pastry Bible. These shortcakes are rich and flaky and can absorb the strawberry juices and cream well. I've enjoyed eating strawberry shortcake at fairs, but nothing compares to homemade (and you can add more strawberries and cream to your liking!). —BlueKaleRoad

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Ingredients
  • Shortcake
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold
  • 2 cups spelt flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
  • Filling
  • 2 pounds strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons agave syrup
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut the butter into small pieces and place in the fridge or freezer.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the spelt four, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Take the butter out and, using your fingertips, quickly and gently press the butter into the mix to create a rough dough (butter should be like flakes).
  3. In a small bowl, combine the cream and agave syrup. Mix this wet mixture into the dough until just moistened and combined. Knead the dough a bit and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
  4. Divide the dough into 4 portions. Gently pat each piece into a round about 2 1/2 inches across. Sprinkle the top of each with a little turbinado sugar. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and slip the sheet into the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  5. Combine the strawberries and agave syrup together and let sit on the kitchen counter (can be prepared and put in the fridge overnight). Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and stir to combine. Place the cream in the fridge until ready to use.
  6. Bake the shortcakes for about 18 minutes, until they are slightly firm on top and a little golden. Cool completely.
  7. Slice shortcakes in half and place each bottom on a serving plate. Divide the berries and some juices between them and spoon a big dollop of whipped cream on each. Cover with shortcake tops. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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8 Reviews

arielleclementine August 11, 2011
Brilliant! I completely agree about the superiority of biscuity shortbread- will have to try this!
BlueKaleRoad August 11, 2011
Thank you, Arielle! I hope you enjoy it. :)
Dessert's O. August 10, 2011
so i see you live in seattle too. i took my kids to biringer farm in arlington and they make strawberry shortcake with biscuits as well. i think this idea and taste is AMAZING!
BlueKaleRoad August 10, 2011
Biringer Farm is a great place to take your kids! We've done the same. Love their strawberry shortcake! I always see their stand at festivals like Bumbershoot and Folk Life, too.
lapadia August 9, 2011
Yum, strawberry shortcake and the Fisher Scones with strawberries are very popular "fair food" in the NW!
BlueKaleRoad August 9, 2011
Yes, Fisher Scones! We're fortunate to have such amazing berries here.
aargersi August 9, 2011
Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorites too ... going to have to try this - I love the crunch of the turbinado on the cakes
BlueKaleRoad August 9, 2011
Feel free to add more turbinado! I hope you enjoy it.