Oh, the joy of Christmas desserts! There’s something truly magical about the festive season, isn’t there? The air is filled with warmth, laughter, and the sweet aroma of treats baking in the oven. One of my absolute favorites has to be Christmas Strawberry Shortcake. It’s like a burst of holiday cheer on a plate! I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my family during our Christmas dinner. The bright red strawberries against the fluffy whipped cream and light cake were nothing short of a masterpiece. It became an instant tradition, and now, each year, I look forward to layering those juicy strawberries and whipped cream, creating a dessert that isn’t just delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Trust me, with its delightful flavors and vibrant colors, this dessert is bound to steal the show at any holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this Christmas Strawberry Shortcake for so many reasons! First off, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect last-minute dessert. The festive appeal of bright red strawberries paired with fluffy whipped cream on a light cake is just stunning. Plus, the fresh ingredients create a delightful harmony of flavors that’s refreshing and indulgent all at once. Trust me, this dessert will be the star of your holiday table!
Ingredients for Christmas Strawberry Shortcake
Gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to make your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake a showstopper:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sweetening the whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely flavor)
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the cake batter)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (to create that rich texture)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (preferably at room temperature)
Make sure your strawberries are fresh for the best flavor, and don’t forget to chill your heavy cream before whipping. This will help it achieve those beautiful soft peaks!
How to Prepare Christmas Strawberry Shortcake
Now, let’s get into the fun part—making your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven is key to getting that lovely rise in your cake.
- While the oven warms up, grab your sliced strawberries and mix them with 1/4 cup of sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to macerate. This step brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delicious syrup!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s creamy and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s like a joy workout for your arm!
- Add in the 2 large eggs and 1 cup of milk, mixing well until everything’s combined. You want a smooth batter, so don’t rush this part.
- Gradually add the sifted 2 cups of cake flour, and mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. It should look velvety and delicious!
- Now, pour the batter into greased cake pans, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—don’t rush it!
- While your cake cools, whip the chilled 1 cup of heavy cream with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you reach soft peaks. Wow, that whipped cream is so dreamy!
- Finally, it’s time to layer! Take one cake layer, add a generous amount of strawberries and whipped cream, then place the second layer on top. Repeat with more strawberries and cream, and finish with a beautiful dollop of whipped cream and the remaining strawberries on top.
And there you have it! A delightful Christmas Strawberry Shortcake ready to impress everyone at your holiday gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success with Christmas Strawberry Shortcake
To ensure your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake turns out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First, definitely chill your heavy cream before whipping; this helps it achieve those lovely soft peaks quicker. Fresh strawberries are a must for the best flavor, so don’t skimp on quality! Also, be patient with your cake cooling times—letting it cool completely before layering is crucial to prevent sogginess. Lastly, feel free to make the strawberry mixture ahead of time to let those flavors deepen; it’ll elevate your dessert even more! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Strawberry Shortcake
When it comes to serving your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for that perfect cozy vibe on a chilly holiday evening. The rich flavors of the coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the strawberries and whipped cream.
If you’re feeling extra festive, try serving it alongside a glass of sparkling cider or even a light, bubbly prosecco. The effervescence really elevates the dessert experience and adds a fun touch to your holiday gatherings!
For garnishing, consider a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and refreshing flavor contrast. You could also add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for that elegant touch. And let’s not forget a few extra strawberry slices on the side—they’re not just pretty; they’re delicious too! With these serving suggestions, your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake will not only taste divine but look absolutely stunning on your table. Enjoy every moment of sharing this delightful dessert with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Strawberry Shortcake
When it comes to enjoying your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a typical nutritional breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels if you’re watching your intake. Regardless, this dessert is a delightful treat that balances sweetness and indulgence, making it a wonderful addition to your holiday festivities!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries that might pop up as you whip up this festive delight.
How do I store leftover Christmas Strawberry Shortcake?
To keep your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days. Just remember, the strawberries may release some juice over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely, you can use frozen strawberries! Just keep in mind that they tend to be a bit softer and juicier than fresh ones, which can change the texture slightly. If you’re in a pinch, thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in your dessert!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary a bit, but it’ll still be scrumptious!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare components of your Christmas Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. You can also prepare the strawberry mixture and whipped cream ahead of time, just remember to layer it all together right before serving for the best taste and texture!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures in making this Christmas Strawberry Shortcake! If you try it out, please leave a comment below and share your experience. Did you add your own twist, or keep it classic? Rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out for you! And if you’re feeling social, snap a picture of your beautiful creation and share it on social media. Tag me so we can spread the holiday cheer together! Happy baking, friends!
strawberry cheesecake and strawberry cheesecake dump cake are also great options to explore!
Christmas Strawberry Shortcake: 7 Secrets for a Showstopper
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert featuring layers of strawberries and whipped cream on a light cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and milk, mix well.
- Gradually add cake flour, mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into greased cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Layer cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. Repeat.
- Top with remaining strawberries and cream.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Chill the whipped cream before whipping.
- Store in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas, Strawberry, Shortcake, Dessert