These strawberry shortcakes with mascarpone cream are a delightful treat, perfect for a summer afternoon or any special occasion. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortcakes are the perfect complement to the sweet, tangy strawberries and creamy mascarpone topping. It's a match made in heaven. I first had these at a friend's birthday picnic a few years ago, and I've been making them ever since. They're always a hit!
The recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner bakers, and yields perfectly fluffy shortcakes every time. You will find that the creamy mascarpone cheese creates a beautifully rich and elegant contrast to the juicy strawberries. It's not just a dessert; it's an experience. One taste will transport you to a sunny field filled with the sweet scent of fresh strawberries. What's your favorite summer dessert?
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Pastry brush
Strawberry Shortcakes with Mascarpone Cream: Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Shortcakes with Mascarpone Cream
Light, fluffy shortcakes loaded with juicy strawberries and a dreamy mascarpone cream topping. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are simply divine!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (trust me on this one!).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure you don't forget the salt! I once forgot it, and the shortcakes were a bit bland. Rookie mistake!
- Cut in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure those butter pieces are small and evenly distributed – it’s crucial for a flaky texture. If you are unsure, cut the butter into smaller pieces and then blend again.
- Stir in 3/4 cup of heavy cream until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes the shortcakes tough. We want them light and fluffy!
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Don't knead it– just pat it!
- Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a knife to cut out shortcakes. Gently place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and cook them a little longer; you can tell when they are perfectly baked.
- While the shortcakes are baking, prepare the mascarpone cream. In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese with 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If it seems a bit too thick, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream, until you have the right consistency. Don't rush this step, it’s important for the texture of the cream.
- Once the shortcakes are baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Meanwhile, hull and slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Gently toss them with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices. This helps make them even more delicious!
- To assemble the shortcakes, spread a generous amount of mascarpone cream on the bottom half of each shortcake. Top with the macerated strawberries and a dollop more cream. You can also add a bit of strawberry jam for that extra sweet kick.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These are absolutely delightful.
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the shortcake dough.
- If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use your fingers to cut in the butter, just make sure your hands are cold!
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Leftover shortcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. But try to eat them all! They are delicious!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 50 mg
