Nothing signals the start of summer quite like a delicious, refreshing strawberry shortcake. I recently found this excellent recipe from Canadian Living for a classic version that is simple, light, and delicious. Give it a try — it will make you think it’s summer, even if the weather disagrees.
Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tblsps butter
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 3/4 cup sifted flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- Whole strawberries for garnish
- Icing sugar for dusting (if desired)
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream
- 2 tblsps sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 pints fresh strawberries, rinsed and sliced
In the microwave, heat milk and butter until melted and stir in zest. Keep warm.
In bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt, and set aside. Separate 3 of the eggs, reserving yolks. In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Beat in 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the sugar, 1 tbsp (15 mL) at a time, until soft peaks form.
In separate bowl, beat together egg yolks, remaining eggs and sugar for about 5 minutes or until light coloured and thick enough that batter leaves ribbons on surface for 3 seconds when beaters are lifted.
Working from centre to edge with rubber spatula, fold whites into yolk mixture until combined. Sift dry ingredients over top; fold in until combined. Make well in centre; pour in milk mixture and fold in.
Spread batter in 15- x 11-inch (40 x 25 cm) rimmed parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in centre of 350°F (180°C) oven for about 12 minutes or until golden and cake springs back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on rack.
In bowl, whip cream with sugar and vanilla. Cut cake crosswise into thirds. With flat metal spatula, transfer one of the thirds to flat serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped cream, then half of the strawberries.
Top with second cake layer; spread with remaining cream, then berries. Top with last cake layer. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
To serve, sprinkle with icing sugar. Garnish with whole berries. If you prefer, you can construct individual cakes rather than one large cake.
