Fresh Peach Shortcake Recipe

As the summer sun shines brightly and fresh peaches are at their peak, there’s nothing quite as delightful as indulging in a Fresh Peach Shortcake. This delectable dessert showcases the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches combined with a tender cake base and luscious whipped cream, making it an absolute must-try any time of the year. This recipe, while perfect for summertime gatherings, will also bring a touch of sunshine to any dessert table throughout the year, especially when you can find those luscious peaches at your local grocery store.

Here is a detailed recipe that will guide you through the preparation of this delightful dessert, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Fresh Peach Shortcake, you will need the following ingredients:

Nutritional Information

Before diving into the preparation, here’s a glance at the nutritional information per serving:

Instructions

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a stunning Fresh Peach Shortcake that is sure to impress:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring your cake rises beautifully and develops a light golden color.

2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to promote even baking. Next, butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/4 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of ground ginger, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly combined, then set aside. This mixture will provide the structure and flavor for your shortcake.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream, 6 Tbsp of softened butter, 1 tsp of lemon zest, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. You want to mix these ingredients until well combined, noting that the butter may remain slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.

5. Add Sugar: Gradually stir in 1 cup of sugar until fully incorporated. The sugar not only adds sweetness but also helps in the texture of the cake.

6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. You want to combine them just until you no longer see dry flour; this will keep your cake tender.

7. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.

8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the cake is light golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell of the baking cake will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to anticipate this delicious treat.

9. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the wire rack. This cooling step is important to set the cake’s texture.

10. Prepare the Peach Topping: While the cake cools, you can prepare the peach topping. In a large non-stick skillet, melt the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced fresh peaches, 1/8 tsp of ground cardamom, the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp of ginger, and 1/8 tsp of nutmeg. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peaches are slightly softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This process will infuse the peaches with warm, aromatic flavors.

11. Chill the Peach Mixture: Once softened, transfer the peach mixture to a bowl and refrigerate it until cooled, about 15-20 minutes. Chilling the mixture will enhance the flavors and give it a refreshing contrast to the warm cake.

12. Make Whipped Cream: In another bowl, beat the whipping cream with 2 Tbsp of icing sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a rich and fluffy whipped cream to complement the peaches and cake.

13. Assemble the Shortcake: To assemble your fresh peach shortcake, cut the cooled cake into 9 squares. Carefully cut each square in half horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.

14. Layer the Cake: On each cake bottom, place about 1 1/2 Tbsp of whipped cream, followed by 4 peach wedges, and pour a bit of the pan juices over the top to add even more flavor.

15. Finish with the Top Layer: Place the cake top over the layered bottom and garnish each serving with an additional 1 1/2 Tbsp of whipped cream. This final touch not only looks beautiful but also adds a creamy richness that balances the sweetness of the peaches.

16. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Fresh Peach Shortcake immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Each bite will transport you to a summer orchard filled with juicy, sun-ripened peaches.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Peach Shortcake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, a moment to savor the simple joys of life. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer evening with family or serving it at a gathering with friends, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other fruits or flavors to make this recipe your own, but remember, nothing quite compares to the sweetness of fresh peaches in this delightful dish.

Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy baking!