Are you ready to indulge in a slice of summer bliss? Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is a delightful combination of fluffy shortcake, juicy berries, and whipped cream that will have you dreaming of sunny picnics and family gatherings. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake layered with sweet strawberries and real whipped cream—it’s pure heaven! I remember the first time I made this for my family; the smiles on their faces said it all! This recipe is so simple that you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for any occasion. If you love desserts as much as I do, you’ll want to check out my Chocolate Lava Cake recipe—it’s another family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get baking!
What is Strawberry Shortcake Bliss?
Now, you might be asking, what exactly is this Strawberry Shortcake Bliss? Well, it’s not just a tasty dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures! Isn’t it funny how one little word can spark such curiosity? With this name, you might think it’s an extravagant dessert, but it’s really just a delightful treat anyone can make. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, serving this to your loved ones might just win them over! So, why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Why You’ll Love This
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Strawberry Shortcake Bliss! For starters, the main highlight of this dish is its unbeatable combination of sweet strawberries, creamy whipped topping, and tender shortcake—each bite is like a little piece of heaven. Plus, making it at home is a great way to save money compared to buying expensive desserts from the store. You’ll be amazed at how affordable it is to create such a delicious dessert with just a few simple ingredients! Let’s not forget about the toppings; fresh strawberries and whipped cream elevate this recipe to another level. If you enjoy fruit desserts, you might also want to check out my Peach Cobbler recipe for another fruity treat. Trust me, you’ll want to make this at home!
How to Make
Quick Overview
Making Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is a breeze and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. The key features include a light and airy shortcake that pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries and luscious whipped cream. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (to macerate berries)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cream)
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
- 2 tbsp water
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the greased cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool on a rack.
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream with confectioners’ sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Make the Strawberry Drizzle: Heat the strawberry preserves with 2 tbsp of water in a small saucepan until syrupy.
- Assemble: Slice the cooled cake in half. Layer the bottom half with whipped cream and macerated strawberries. Place the top layer back on, then top with more cream, strawberries, and drizzle with strawberry sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra strawberries and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
What to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Bliss With
To enhance your Strawberry Shortcake Bliss experience, consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A chilled glass of sweet iced tea or lemonade pairs beautifully with this dessert, adding an extra layer of summer refreshment to your meal. You can also enjoy it with light snacks, like cheese and crackers, for a delightful gathering.
Top Tips for Perfecting
To make your Strawberry Shortcake Bliss even better, consider these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries make all the difference in flavor, so choose ripe ones when you can.
- Customize the Cream: If you prefer a flavored whipped cream, try adding some orange zest or a splash of almond extract to the whipped cream for a twist.
- Timing: Be sure to let the cake cool completely before assembling; this keeps the whipped cream from melting.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Strawberry Shortcake Bliss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to assemble it without the whipped cream, as it does not freeze well. You can keep the cake part in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw and boot it back up with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! Just thaw and drain them before using.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance; just assemble it before serving.
- Is this recipe easily adaptable? Of course! You can swap strawberries for other fruits like peaches or mixed berries.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Bliss is a fabulous dessert that captures the essence of summer. With its delightful flavors, easy preparation, and the joy it brings to gatherings, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious treat. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create some sweet memories with this lovely recipe. Happy baking!
Ingredients
-
- For the Shortcake:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
- For the Filling & Topping:
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp confectioners' sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- For the Strawberry Drizzle:
- ½ cup strawberry preserves
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
-
- Bake the Shortcake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
- Spread batter into the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
-
- Prepare the Strawberries & Whipped Cream: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
-
- Make the Strawberry Drizzle: Heat strawberry preserves with water in a small saucepan until syrupy.
- Assemble the Shortcake: Slice the cooled cake in half.
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the bottom layer and top with half of the macerated strawberries.
- Place the top layer over the filling and repeat with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
- Drizzle with the strawberry sauce and garnish before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add orange zest to the whipped cream or a splash of almond extract. Best served fresh for optimal texture and taste.