The “Amazing Strawberry (or Blueberry) Shortcake” recipe offers a delightful take on the traditional shortcake, blending the sweetness of fresh berries with the creamy smoothness of mascarpone cheese. This dessert is not only visually appealing but also bursts with flavors that are perfect for spring and summer occasions. The inclusion of mascarpone cheese adds a sophisticated twist, making it lighter and more delicate than the typical cream cheese filling, which perfectly complements the freshness of the berries.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the recipe:
Recipe Overview
- Name: Amazing Strawberry (or Blueberry) Shortcake
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Strawberry, Berries, Fruit, Kid Friendly, Spring, Summer, Weeknight, Easy, < 4 Hours
- Rating: 5 stars
- Reviews: 4
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 303.5
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Fat: 12.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.7 g
- Cholesterol: 191.2 mg
- Sodium: 73.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.2 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Sugars: 25.4 g
- Protein: 5.5 g
Ingredients
Quantities:
- 3 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons lemon juice (approximately the juice of one lemon)
- 5 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar (for the berry mixture)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 32 ladyfingers
- 1 cup heavy cream (divided: 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar (for the mascarpone mixture)
Instructions
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Prepare the Berry Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the 3 1/2 cups fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup blueberries.
- Add 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 8 tablespoons of lemon juice.
- Stir the mixture gently to coat the berries in the sugar and lemon juice.
- Let the berry mixture sit for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator to macerate. This allows the berries to release their juices and enhances their flavor.
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Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- Near serving time, whip 1/2 cup of the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar to the whipped cream and continue to whip until it is well incorporated. Set aside.
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Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
- In another bowl, stir 5 ounces of mascarpone cheese until smooth. This can be done with a spoon or a hand mixer.
- Add 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar, 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the mascarpone cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream mixture until fully incorporated.
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Assemble the Shortcakes:
- Place 2 ladyfingers on each of the 8 dessert plates. Arrange the ladyfingers side by side.
- Cover the ladyfingers with 2 tablespoons of the berry mixture and 2 tablespoons of the mascarpone mixture.
- Repeat the layering with another 2 ladyfingers, this time laying them across in the other direction, creating a criss-cross pattern.
- Divide the remaining berry mixture among the plates, spreading it evenly over the top layer of ladyfingers.
- Finish by topping with the remaining mascarpone cheese mixture.
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Serve:
- Serve the shortcakes immediately after assembling to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Tips and Variations
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Berry Choices:
- While the recipe uses strawberries and blueberries, you can experiment with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of several types. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dessert to what’s fresh and in season.
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Sweetness Level:
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste and the sweetness of the berries. If your berries are particularly sweet, you might reduce the sugar slightly, and if they are tart, you might add a bit more.
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Mascarpone Cheese:
- Mascarpone cheese is essential for its creamy and slightly tangy flavor. If you cannot find mascarpone, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, but note that the flavor will be slightly different.
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Ladyfingers:
- Ladyfingers provide a light and airy base for the shortcake. For a different texture, you could use a traditional shortcake biscuit or even a sponge cake.
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Presentation:
- For an elegant presentation, consider using a piping bag to apply the mascarpone mixture. This can create beautiful swirls and make the dessert look more refined.
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Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can prepare the berry mixture and the mascarpone mixture a few hours in advance. Assemble the shortcakes just before serving to ensure the ladyfingers remain crisp and don’t become soggy.
Detailed Process Explanation
Step-by-Step Guide to Whipping Cream:
Whipping cream to soft peaks involves a few key steps:
- Chill Your Equipment: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are cold. You can place them in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes.
- Start Slow: Begin whipping the cream on a low speed to prevent splattering. As it starts to thicken, gradually increase the speed.
- Add Sugar Slowly: Once the cream begins to thicken, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar. This helps stabilize the whipped cream and provides sweetness.
- Check for Peaks: Stop whipping as soon as soft peaks form. Soft peaks will hold their shape but will fall back into the mixture when the beaters are lifted. Over-whipping can lead to a grainy texture.
Mixing the Mascarpone:
When mixing mascarpone, it’s essential to ensure it is smooth before adding other ingredients. If the mascarpone is too cold, it can become lumpy. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Stirring the mascarpone with a spoon or a mixer helps create a smooth base, making it easier to incorporate the sugar, vanilla, and cream.
Folding Technique:
Folding involves gently combining mixtures to retain air and volume. Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom of the bowl and gently lift and fold over the mixture. Rotate the bowl as you fold to ensure even mixing without deflating the whipped cream.
Ingredient Insights
- Fresh Berries: Choose ripe and fragrant berries for the best flavor. If using frozen berries, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the dessert.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese is rich and creamy with a subtle tang. Its texture and flavor make it ideal for desserts like this shortcake.
- Ladyfingers: These light and crisp cookies are perfect for layering. They absorb the flavors of the berry mixture and mascarpone without becoming too soggy.
Final Thoughts
The “Amazing Strawberry (or Blueberry) Shortcake” is a versatile and elegant dessert that can be enjoyed year-round but shines particularly in the warmer months when berries are at their peak. Its combination of fresh fruit, creamy mascarpone, and crisp ladyfingers creates a symphony of textures and flavors that are sure to delight. Whether you’re serving it at a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated summer gathering, this dessert is sure to impress with its simplicity and exquisite taste. Enjoy the journey of creating and savoring this delightful treat!
