How to Make Perfect Berry Shortcakes - A Step-by-Step Guide

Nothing says summer quite like a batch of freshly baked berry shortcakes. This classic dessert is a perfect way to make use of the abundance of berries that are in season during the warmer months. Whether you prefer strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of all three, berry shortcakes are a delicious and versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any summer gathering.

Traditionally, shortcake is made with a sweet biscuit-like dough that is lightly sweetened and baked until golde...

Read more

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose bleached flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • ½ cup butter, frozen
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 egg white (Optional)
  • ½ cup cold half-and-half
  • 1 (16 ounce) package unsweetened frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, thawed and crushed
  • 12 ounces fresh raspberries, blackberries or blueberries (rinsed and patted dry), or strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 7 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 cup chilled heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 425 degrees. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and 3 Tbs. sugar in a medium bowl. Grate 2 Tbs. of the butter on the coarse holes of a box grater into dry ingredients; toss to coat. Repeat grating and tossing with remaining butter. Combine egg and half-and-half; pour into flour mixture. Toss with a fork to form large clumps. Lightly press clumps into a ball; add a teaspoon more half-and-half to the bowl if dough won't come together.
  • Turn dough onto work surface; press into an 8-by-4- to 5-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 squares, placing them 1 inch apart on a small baking sheet. (Can be refrigerated up to 2 hours before baking.) Before baking, brush tops with optional egg white for a particularly attractive sheen. Sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbs. sugar. Bake until golden brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool until warm, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Mix thawed and fresh berries with sugar in a bowl; let stand until sugar dissolves. With a hand mixer, beat cream to soft peaks, gradually adding 1 Tb. sugar, then vanilla.
  • Split each cake crosswise; spoon a portion of berries over each cake bottom, then a dollop of whipped cream over berries. Cap with cake top and serve immediately.
  • Nutrition

    669 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 21g
    • Cholesterol: 134mg
    • Sodium: 592mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 86g
    • Dietary Fiber: 8g
    • Total Sugars: 44g
    • Protein: 9g
    • Vitamin C: 27mg
    • Calcium: 222mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 298mg