Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert: strawberry shortcake at Christmas! It might sound a bit unconventional, but trust me, there’s something so magical about the combination of fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and luscious whipped cream during the festive season. I remember the first time I made it for our family Christmas gathering. Everyone was so surprised and delighted—it instantly became a cherished tradition! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s not only incredibly easy to whip up, but it also brings a fresh, vibrant twist to the usual holiday treats. Picture this: a warm slice of cake filled with juicy strawberries, topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this festive strawberry shortcake. I always say, the quality of your ingredients makes a world of difference, so try to use fresh, ripe strawberries and high-quality cream!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your shortcake, so make sure it’s fresh!
- 1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cake just right, giving it that perfect hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors; don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter is key for a flaky texture in your shortcake.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This gives the cake moisture and richness; it’s going to be heavenly!
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – The star of the show! Fresh strawberries are essential for that burst of flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – For sweetening the whipped cream; it blends in beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor to your whipped cream.
How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Christmas
Now let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into making this delightful strawberry shortcake! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise, the end result is totally worth it. We’ll start by preheating the oven, which is super important for getting that perfect rise and golden color!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that as soon as we pop our shortcake in, it bakes evenly and beautifully. Don’t skip this step, okay? Your cake will thank you!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This is where the magic begins, so make sure there are no lumps!
Incorporate Butter
Now, add in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky, tender texture we all adore.
Add Cream and Form Dough
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Gently stir it into the mixture until it just comes together. Don’t overmix, as we want to keep that lovely texture. Once it forms a dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a couple of times until smooth. It’s like giving your dough a little hug!
Shape and Bake
Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Now, grab a round cutter (or a glass) and cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Cool and Prepare Whipped Cream
Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. While those are cooling, let’s whip up some cream! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat it until soft peaks form. Ooh, this is where the magic continues!
Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Take your cooled shortcakes and slice them in half horizontally. Layer those juicy 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries between the layers with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Stack ‘em up, and don’t forget to top it all off with more strawberries and whipped cream on the very top. It’s a festive masterpiece ready to impress!
How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Christmas
Now let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into making this delightful strawberry shortcake! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise, the end result is totally worth it. We’ll start by preheating the oven, which is super important for getting that perfect rise and golden color!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that as soon as we pop our shortcake in, it bakes evenly and beautifully. Don’t skip this step, okay? Your cake will thank you!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This is where the magic begins, so make sure there are no lumps!
Incorporate Butter
Now, add in 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky, tender texture we all adore.
Add Cream and Form Dough
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Gently stir it into the mixture until it just comes together. Don’t overmix, as we want to keep that lovely texture. Once it forms a dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a couple of times until smooth. It’s like giving your dough a little hug!
Shape and Bake
Roll out the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Now, grab a round cutter (or a glass) and cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
Cool and Prepare Whipped Cream
Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack. While those are cooling, let’s whip up some cream! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat it until soft peaks form. Ooh, this is where the magic continues!
Assemble the Strawberry Shortcake
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Take your cooled shortcakes and slice them in half horizontally. Layer those juicy 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries between the layers with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Stack ‘em up, and don’t forget to top it all off with more strawberries and whipped cream on the very top. It’s a festive masterpiece ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delicious strawberry shortcake, here are a few tips to ensure your holiday dessert turns out perfectly! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always go for the freshest strawberries you can find! They’re the stars of this dessert, so their flavor really shines when they’re ripe and juicy. Also, make sure your cream is fresh for the best whipped texture.
- Chill Your Equipment: For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Cold cream whips up better, so pop them in the fridge for a bit before you start!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the dough, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough shortcakes. Just mix until everything is combined, and then stop. It’s okay if the dough is a little shaggy—trust the process!
- Let It Cool: Make sure to let the shortcakes cool completely before assembling. This prevents the whipped cream from melting and keeps everything light and fluffy.
- Prepare Ahead: You can make the shortcakes a few hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble! This makes things less hectic when you’re ready to serve.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect strawberry shortcake that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information for this delightful strawberry shortcake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like brands and portion sizes. This information is meant to give you a general idea, but it’s not set in stone. Always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking your intake!
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why this strawberry shortcake at Christmas is an absolute winner! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table. Here are some reasons why I adore this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time. Perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive Flavor: The bright, fresh strawberries against the backdrop of rich cream and fluffy cake make it a showstopper for any holiday gathering.
- Customizable: Want to add a splash of color? Toss in some blueberries or raspberries! You can easily adapt the recipe to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shortcakes a few hours in advance, making it a stress-free dessert option when entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a classic dessert, and this one is sure to become a favorite at your holiday table, just like it did for my family!
- Beautiful Presentation: Layered with strawberries and whipped cream, this dessert looks as good as it tastes—perfect for impressing your guests!
Trust me, once you make this strawberry shortcake for Christmas, it’ll become a cherished tradition you look forward to every year!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delightful strawberry shortcake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries truly shine in this recipe, you can use frozen if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before layering them in your shortcake!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a whipped topping. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can absolutely make the shortcakes a few hours ahead! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Whip the cream closer to serving time to keep it fluffy, and layer everything just before you’re ready to impress your guests!
Can I make this vegan?
Yes! For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream, use a vegan butter alternative, and swap the sugar for a vegan-friendly option. It’s a fun twist that everyone can enjoy!
What are some serving suggestions?
Serve this beauty with a sprinkle of mint for a pop of color, or drizzle some chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch. You could also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that the strawberries might release some juice, so it’s best to enjoy them within a day or two for optimal freshness!
Got any more questions? Feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you create the most delicious strawberry shortcake for your holiday celebrations!
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Strawberry Shortcake Christmas: 5 Steps to Delightful Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive strawberry shortcake dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll out to 1-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Let cool, then slice in half horizontally.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Layer strawberries and whipped cream between cake layers and on top.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill the whipped cream before use.
- Can be made a few hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake christmas
