There have been some pretty impressive women that have stood alongside our country’s presidents over the years. Not only did they put countless hours into hosting and ensuring the White House guests were cared for, but they also focused on more pressing issues like civil rights, mental health, and education. These women worked tirelessly and deserve to be honored, which is how this First Lady Shortcake came to be. The golden slices of shortcake embracing the juicy, red strawberries and the fluffy whipped topping seemed like an appropriate, very American sweet treat to celebrate all that they have done. So, the next time you’re enjoying a perfect slice of First Lady Shortcake, take a minute and think about the lovely leading ladies of the U.S.!
Ingredients
For the strawberries:
- 6 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the shortcake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
For the whipped topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1 –In a bowl, add the strawberries, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla and slightly mash them together.
Step 2 –Let the strawberries stand, tossing occasionally, for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3 –Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 4 –In a bowl, whisk the flour, 4 tablespoons of the sugar, the baking powder, the baking soda, and the salt together.
Step 5 –Cut the butter into flour mixture until crumbly.
Step 6 –Add the buttermilk to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 7 –Drop the batter by 1/3-cupfuls, 2-inches apart, onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 8 –Brush the batter dollops with 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the sugar.
Step 9 –Bake until they are golden, about 18-20 minutes.
Step 10 –Transfer the shortcakes to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 11 –In a bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the remaining heavy whipping cream until it thickens.
Step 12 –Add the remaining sugar and the remaining vanilla to the whipping cream and beat until soft peaks form.
Step 13 –Cut the shortcakes in half.
Step 14 –Place the bottom halves on a plate and top with the strawberries and the whipped topping.
Step 15 –Place the remaining halves on top of the whipped topping and serve.
