Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcakes
These strawberry shortcakes are not only delicious but also capture the essence of love with their heart shape. Happy Valentine's Day!
Ingredients:
For the Shortcakes:
- 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 cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust according to sweetness preference)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Additional sliced strawberries
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Shortcakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough:
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Gently stir until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
4. Cut Heart Shapes:
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shortcakes from the dough. Place the hearts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
5. Bake the Shortcakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
6. Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their juices, creating a sweet strawberry topping.
7. Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Assemble the Shortcakes:
- Once the shortcakes are completely cooled, slice them in half horizontally. Spoon a generous amount of whipped cream onto the bottom half, top with the sweetened strawberries, and then place the other half of the shortcake on top.
9. Garnish:
- Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and mint leaves for a fresh and festive touch.
10. Serve and Enjoy: - Serve these heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes to your loved ones, and enjoy a delightful and romantic Valentine's Day dessert together!
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