Get ready to unleash your inner superhero with Captain America's Sweet Shield Shortcakes! These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious way to celebrate your love for the iconic hero. With layers of fluffy shortcake, sweet macerated strawberries, and a cloud of whipped cream, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a Marvel-themed party or simply want to indulge in a scrumptious dessert, these shortcakes will have everyone shouting, "Avengers, assemble!" Dive into our recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece that will make you feel like a true champion in the kitchen!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 shortcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering all components and ensuring they are at the appropriate temperature. Take the cold butter out of the refrigerator just before starting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the shortcakes tough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a round cookie cutter (about
- 5 inches in diameter) to cut out shortcake rounds.
- Place the shortcake rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. If desired, brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden finish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown and risen.
- While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and slicing them. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and let sit to macerate and release their juices.
- Remove the shortcakes from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
- To assemble, carefully slice each shortcake in half horizontally. Layer with macerated strawberries and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- For a Captain America theme, consider decorating the plate with a blue and white design or arranging the strawberries and cream to resemble his shield's colors.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your heroic dessert!
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter and heavy cream are cold. This helps create flaky, tender shortcakes that are a joy to bite into.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough shortcakes, so be gentle!
- Perfectly Cut: Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges when cutting out your shortcakes. This ensures they rise evenly and look great on your plate.
- Macération Magic: Allow the strawberries to sit with the powdered sugar for at least 10-15 minutes. This process enhances their sweetness and creates a delicious syrup for your shortcakes.
- Creative Presentation: To really capture the Captain America theme, consider arranging the strawberries and whipped cream in a way that mimics his iconic shield colors. A little creativity goes a long way!
- Serve Fresh: These shortcakes are best enjoyed fresh, so assemble them just before serving to keep the shortcakes from getting soggy.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add a twist by incorporating other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 65mg
