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Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Hearts

fluffy strawberry shortcake hearts - featured image

A homemade delight featuring tender, fluffy heart-shaped shortcakes layered with macerated fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk, cold
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them macerate for about 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
  4. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into about a 1-inch thick rectangle. Use a heart-shaped cutter to press out 8-10 shortcakes. Gather scraps and cut out more hearts.
  8. Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and springy to the touch.
  9. Transfer shortcakes to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
  10. While cooling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  11. Slice each shortcake heart in half horizontally. Spoon macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with the other half. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep butter cold to ensure flaky texture. Do not overmix dough to avoid dense shortcakes. Macerate strawberries ahead to enhance flavor. Whip cream until soft peaks form to prevent separation. Use buttermilk or a milk and lemon juice substitute for tenderness. Baking time may vary; start checking at 12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, fluffy shortcakes, heart-shaped dessert, homemade dessert, easy strawberry shortcake, whipped cream dessert, Valentine's Day dessert