The sweet taste of summer – is there anything quite like a warm Vanilla Shortcake Recipe to get you in the mood for sunshine and good times? I think not! As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve tried my fair share of shortcake recipes, and let me tell you, some have been total disasters (think dry, crumbly biscuits and flavorless whipped cream). But don’t worry, friends, I’ve got you covered. Today, we’re going to make the fluffiest, most moist Vanilla Shortcake Recipe you’ve ever sunk your teeth into.
The Classic Vanilla Shortcake Recipe
This recipe rocks because it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect shortcake base for all your favorite toppings, from juicy strawberries to decadent chocolate sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds.
8. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This Vanilla Shortcake Recipe is a game-changer because it’s incredibly easy to make and yields the most tender, homemade biscuits you’ve ever tasted. Plus, it’s the perfect base for all your favorite toppings – get creative and have fun with it!
The Sweet Scones Variation
So, what if you want to mix things up a bit and try something new? Enter the sweet scones variation, which adds a hint of citrus and a crunchy sugar topping to the classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds.
8. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with granulated sugar and orange zest.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This sweet scones variation is a refreshing twist on the classic recipe, with the added bonus of a crunchy sugar topping and a hint of citrus. It’s perfect for springtime or summer, when you want something light and bright to pair with your favorite vanilla bean dessert.
The Make-Ahead Shortcake Recipe
Let’s be real – sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to whip up a Vanilla Shortcake Recipe from scratch. That’s where the make-ahead version comes in, which allows you to prep the shortcake base ahead of time and assemble the dessert just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Roll the dough out to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds.
8. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow the shortcakes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
10. To assemble the dessert, simply split the shortcakes in half and top with your favorite homemade biscuits, whipped cream, and fruit.
Why You’ll Love It
This make-ahead Vanilla Shortcake Recipe is a total lifesaver when you’re short on time or energy. The shortcake base can be prepped ahead of time, and the dessert can be assembled just before serving – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
In conclusion, these Vanilla Shortcake Recipes are total winners – they’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic shortcake base, a sweet scones variation, or a make-ahead version, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, get baking, and indulge in the sweet taste of summer with these amazing Vanilla Shortcake Recipes!
