When it comes to summer desserts, strawberry shortcake stands out with its delightful combination of sweet, juicy strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and luscious whipped cream. The culinary queen, Ree Drummond, or as we affectionately know her, The Pioneer Woman, has her own unique take on this classic dessert. In this post, we'll delve into five of her most treasured strawberry shortcake recipes that promise to bring joy to your dessert table with every bite.
1. Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Starting with the traditional touch, Ree’s Classic Strawberry Shortcake is straightforward yet extraordinarily delicious:
- Shortcake: Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, butter, and milk, the shortcake here has just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
- Strawberries: Macerated in a touch of sugar to bring out their natural flavor and juicy texture.
- Whipped Cream: Homemade, light, and airy, perfect for layering and topping the dessert.
🌟 Note: For an even richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream.
2. Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
For those who love layers and presentation, Ree introduces a Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. This dessert layers:
- Cubed store-bought pound cake, which adds convenience to the preparation.
- Macerated strawberries, offering a burst of fruitiness with every scoop.
- Cheesecake-flavored whipped cream, lending a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweet fruit.
3. Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This is the go-to for those who want a whole cake:
- Layers of white cake or sponge cake, soaked slightly in strawberry syrup for moisture and flavor.
- Rich, sweet strawberry compote in between each layer, made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon.
- Topped with a substantial amount of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and sometimes even a dusting of powdered sugar.
🍓 Note: You can also use a cake soak made from strawberry juice for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Perfect for gatherings or when you want something fun and portable, Ree’s Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs offer:
- Chunks of store-bought angel food cake, providing a light and airy texture.
- Fresh strawberries, whole or sliced, to add color and flavor.
- Instead of traditional whipped cream, she uses chocolate drizzle or even a homemade glaze.
This version makes for an easy and visually appealing dessert that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
5. Savory-Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Introducing a twist to the usual sweetness, this recipe:
- Includes a slight touch of salt and thyme in the shortcake biscuits, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Serves the strawberries with a basil-infused syrup, adding a unique, aromatic dimension.
- The whipped cream is flavored with a bit of lemon zest, further enhancing the complexity of the dessert.
🌿 Note: If you prefer the dessert to be on the sweeter side, you can skip the thyme in the biscuits.
In summary, Ree Drummond's assortment of strawberry shortcake recipes provides an array of delightful options for any dessert occasion. From classic renditions to creative twists, these recipes cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a simple homemade dessert, an elegant layered trifle, a whole cake celebration, playful kabobs, or an unexpectedly savory-sweet experience, Ree’s recipes promise to deliver joy and deliciousness with every spoonful or bite.
Can I make strawberry shortcake ahead of time?
+
Yes, you can prepare the components of strawberry shortcake ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to maintain the freshness of the whipped cream and the texture of the biscuits or cake.
What type of strawberries should I use for the best flavor?
+
Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the best flavor. If they are not sweet enough, you can macerate them with sugar to enhance their taste.
Is there a substitute for whipped cream?
+
If you’re looking for an alternative, mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of sugar, Greek yogurt, or even coconut whipped cream can be used.
How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake?
+
Store the components separately. The strawberries can be refrigerated, the cake or biscuits stored at room temperature or refrigerated, and the whipped cream should be kept in the fridge to prevent it from melting.
Can I freeze strawberry shortcake?
+
The cake or biscuits can be frozen, but strawberries lose texture when frozen. It’s best to freeze the cake separately and assemble the shortcake when defrosted and fresh strawberries are available.
