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When the first ripe berries of spring arrive, nothing beats a slice of homemade bliss like this Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe. Imagine fluffy, golden shortcake bursting with zesty lemon brightness, crowned with juicy, sweet strawberries and billowing clouds of tangy lemon whipped cream. It’s a dessert that feels effortlessly elegant and perfectly fresh, and once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those boxed mixes. This recipe is all about vibrant flavors and simple steps coming together to create the ultimate treat that’s absolutely worthy of any celebration, or a sunny afternoon at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a critical role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the luscious strawberries to the zing of fresh lemon zest, every element brings something special to the table.
- 4 cups strawberries (hulled and sliced): Fresh, ripe berries bring natural sweetness and vibrant red color to your shortcake layers.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the strawberries, helping to macerate them and release their juices for a jammy, luscious topping.
- 1-3 teaspoons lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy pop that enhances every bite and cuts through the sweetness.
- 2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled): The base that creates a tender, crumbly shortcake to hold all the goodness together.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the shortcake dough for a delicate balance against the tartness of the lemon.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the shortcake the perfect rise and fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in the shortcake.
- Zest from 1 lemon: Infuses the dough with a fresh citrus aroma and taste that makes this shortcake unforgettable.
- 1 & 1/4 cups heavy cream: Creates a rich, tender dough when combined gently with the dry ingredients.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh): Adds natural acidity that brightens the shortcake and complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold): For whipping into the luscious lemon whipped cream topping that crowns the dessert.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream to the perfect lightness and balance.
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest: Layers in extra citrus zing directly into the whipped cream topping.
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice (fresh): Adds a refreshing tang to the whipped cream for that classic strawberry shortcake zing.
How to Make Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chill Your Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have space, place your stand mixer bowl or any large bowl and the beaters you plan to use for whipping the cream into the refrigerator or freezer. This chilling step is a secret trick to help achieve perfectly fluffy whipped cream later—it’s a small effort that pays off big.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
In a medium bowl, toss the hulled and sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon (or more if you love lemon) of lemon zest. Refrigerate this mixture while you prepare the shortcake dough. This step softens the berries, unlocking their juices, and infuses them with citrus brightness, creating a luscious topping.
Step 3: Mix the Shortcake Batter
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, and the zest from one lemon. Use a fork to stir in the 1 & 1/4 cups heavy cream gently—don’t overmix because the key to tender shortcake is a light touch. When you still see some spots of flour, drizzle in the fresh lemon juice and fold just until combined. The dough should be slightly lumpy but unified.
Step 4: Bake the Shortcake
Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread your batter evenly in the dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, allow the shortcake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Slice the Shortcake
Carefully lift the shortcake out from its pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into 6 large pieces and slice each piece horizontally in half. Using a biscuit cutter to make rounds is an option if you prefer a classic shape, but squares work just as well.
Step 6: Whip Up the Lemon Whipped Cream
Retrieve your chilled mixing bowl and beaters. Pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and start beating on high speed. Slowly add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice as you whip. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form—your whipped cream should be luscious, airy, and bursting with lemon flavor. This topping is what makes this an Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 7: Assemble Your Shortcakes
Set the bottom half of a shortcake on a plate, spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries with their syrup over it, then dollop a large scoop of the lemon whipped cream. Finish with the top half of the shortcake, more strawberries, and a final flourish of whipped cream. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight.
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves or extra lemon zest make wonderful garnishes that add color and a fresh aroma. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top always brings that touch of elegant charm and makes your dessert look as spectacular as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette is a lovely way to balance the sweetness for a light summer meal. For brunch, crisp bacon or a mild cheese plate alongside can elevate the experience to a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe in individual mason jars or clear glasses layered with shortcake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream. This not only looks stunning but makes serving effortless and perfectly portioned.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shortcake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the strawberries and whipped cream separate if you want to maintain the best texture and freshness, assembling right before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked shortcake without toppings wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add fresh strawberries and freshly whipped lemon cream for a “just-baked” experience.
Reheating
To enjoy your shortcake warm, pop individual pieces in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid reheating strawberries and cream as those are best served fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream for whipping and use a non-dairy milk blend in the shortcake dough. Just be mindful the texture will be a bit different, but still delicious with those fresh strawberries and lemon zing.
How do I know when the shortcake is done baking?
It’s golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The shortcake will feel firm but tender to the touch.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries tend to be too watery once thawed, which can make the shortcake soggy. For the best texture and flavor, fresh, ripe strawberries are recommended.
What’s the best way to get lemon zest?
Use a microplane or fine grater to gently zest only the yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the white pith underneath since it is bitter and can affect the taste.
How long can I keep the lemon whipped cream?
Lemon whipped cream is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Stir gently before serving if it begins to separate.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade desserts that combine simple ingredients with fresh, seasonal flavors, and this Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortcake Recipe is a shining example. It’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a moment of sweet happiness. Once you try it, this delightful balance of tender shortcake, bright strawberries, and luscious, tangy lemon cream will become one of your favorite go-tos for celebrating life’s sweetest moments.
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