This deconstructed strawberry shortcake takes the classic dessert to a new level. By breaking it down into biscuit chunks, sweetened strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, you get all the flavors in every bite. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity easy to make yet stunning in its rustic charm.
It’s the perfect dessert for a casual get-together or a summer barbecue. The combination of the slightly sweet biscuits, juicy strawberries, and light whipped cream makes for a treat that everyone will adore. Plus, you can make the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving, making it as easy to enjoy as it is to prepare.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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2/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 lb strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 1/2 cups whipped cream
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and stir until the dough just comes together.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
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Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick rectangle and cut it into small squares.
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Place the dough squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with a little heavy cream.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
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While the biscuits are baking, mix the sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and set aside to macerate for 10 minutes.
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Once the biscuits are baked, allow them to cool slightly before breaking them into chunks.
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To assemble, place biscuit chunks in a bowl, top with macerated strawberries, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake: A Sweet and Simple Twist on a Classic Dessert
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s a quintessential treat during the warmer months, particularly in summer when strawberries are at their peak. Traditionally, strawberry shortcake consists of layers of soft sponge cake or biscuit, fresh macerated strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. But what happens when you take all the components of this dessert and serve them in a deconstructed way? You get a delightful twist on the original, making it just as comforting yet refreshingly different.
The deconstructed strawberry shortcake provides an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy the sweet combination of strawberries, biscuits, and whipped cream, while also presenting a beautiful, rustic aesthetic. It’s a dessert that can be quickly prepared yet still looks sophisticated and impressive when served. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, a casual dinner with friends, or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this deconstructed strawberry shortcake is a versatile dessert that will surely impress.
The Beauty of Deconstructing a Classic Dessert
Deconstructing a dish doesn’t mean removing its soul or flavor. In fact, it often enhances the experience. A deconstructed strawberry shortcake allows you to savor each individual component warm, crumbly biscuit chunks, perfectly sweetened strawberries, and light, fluffy whipped cream without being confined to the traditional layered structure. This method lets the ingredients shine individually while still coming together to create a harmonious flavor profile.
The beauty of a deconstructed dessert is its flexibility. Instead of being locked into a particular shape or structure, it gives you the freedom to experiment. If you prefer your strawberries chunkier or more mashed, you can customize them to your liking. Want a little extra sweetness? Just add more sugar or honey to the whipped cream or strawberries. The idea is to let your creativity take the lead and craft a dessert that speaks to your unique tastes.
Another benefit of this approach is that it’s much easier to assemble compared to the traditional layered version. There’s no need to worry about perfectly sliced sponge cake or biscuit layers, as you can simply break the biscuit into chunks. This makes it ideal for people who are new to baking or don’t have the time or patience to make a complicated dessert. It’s also a great solution when you need to prepare a large quantity of dessert for a gathering just prepare the components separately and assemble them in individual servings.
Simplicity Meets Elegance: The Allure of Strawberry Shortcake
What makes strawberry shortcake such an enduring favorite is the balance of flavors and textures. The biscuit or cake provides a soft, slightly crumbly base that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, sweetened strawberries. The whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that binds all the elements together. When deconstructed, these same components remain intact but are served in a more relaxed, carefree fashion.
Strawberries are the star ingredient here. Their natural sweetness, combined with a slight tang, pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream and the tenderness of the biscuit. For a more intense flavor, you can macerate the strawberries by letting them sit with a little sugar for a few minutes. This process draws out their juices, creating a syrup that enhances their natural sweetness while making them even juicier. The beauty of this recipe is that it highlights the natural taste of fresh strawberries without overwhelming them with heavy syrups or toppings.
The whipped cream is another key player in this dish. While store-bought whipped cream can be used in a pinch, nothing beats freshly whipped cream. Whipping it yourself allows you to control the consistency and sweetness, ensuring it’s perfectly suited to your taste. If you’re looking for a more decadent variation, you could even fold in a little vanilla extract or a splash of almond extract for an added layer of flavor.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Deconstructed strawberry shortcake is a perfect dessert for a variety of occasions. In the summer, when strawberries are in full season, this dessert captures the essence of the season, making it ideal for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings. Its simplicity means it won’t overwhelm other dishes, making it a great option for a potluck or family meal.
The dessert is also versatile enough for more formal events, like dinner parties or celebrations. The individual servings of deconstructed shortcake make it easy to serve guests while still looking elegant and thought-out. You can serve them in glass jars for a rustic, mason jar look, or in individual bowls for a more refined presentation. Either way, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Another great thing about this dessert is that it’s easy to adapt to dietary preferences or restrictions. If you’re catering to guests who prefer gluten-free or dairy-free options, there are simple swaps you can make. Use gluten-free flour for the biscuit base, or try a dairy-free whipped topping to accommodate those with dairy sensitivities. The strawberries themselves are naturally gluten-free and vegan, making them a great base for any dietary requirement.
Storing and Serving Tips
One of the perks of deconstructing this dessert is the ease of preparation and storage. While traditional strawberry shortcake needs to be served immediately to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy, the deconstructed version can be assembled in stages. You can prepare the biscuits in advance, store them in an airtight container, and keep the whipped cream and strawberries separately in the fridge.
When you’re ready to serve, simply break the biscuits into chunks, layer them with the strawberries, and top with whipped cream. This makes the dessert ideal for meal prep or making ahead of time. If you’re preparing it for a larger group, you can even set up a shortcake bar where guests can assemble their own servings, adding as much of each component as they like.
A Sweet and Satisfying End to Any Meal
The deconstructed strawberry shortcake offers the perfect balance of lightness and indulgence. While the dessert is simple, the flavors are incredibly satisfying. The combination of the sweet strawberries, buttery biscuit, and airy whipped cream is both comforting and refreshing. It’s a treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it the perfect choice for those who want a satisfying dessert that won’t leave them feeling too full.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. It can be served as a quick weeknight dessert, a weekend treat, or an elegant offering at a dinner party. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones, the deconstructed strawberry shortcake is a dessert that brings joy and satisfaction to every occasion.
Conclusion:
The deconstructed strawberry shortcake is a creative and refreshing take on a traditional favorite. By breaking down the elements of the classic dessert and serving them separately, this version maintains all the deliciousness of the original but offers a more relaxed, approachable way to enjoy it.
With its simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and versatility, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Whether you serve it in individual portions or as a shared dish, the deconstructed strawberry shortcake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.