Here’s a list of ingredients for **heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help your recipe stand out:
- **Fresh strawberries** (1 pound, sliced) - Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
- **Granulated sugar** (1/4 cup) - Sweetens the strawberries and enhances their natural juices.
- **All-purpose flour** (2 cups) - The base for the shortcake biscuits.
- **Baking powder** (1 tablespoon) - Helps the shortcakes rise and become fluffy.
- **Salt** (1/4 teaspoon) - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- **Unsalted butter** (1/2 cup, cold and cubed) - Creates a tender, flaky texture in the shortcakes.
- **Whole milk** (2/3 cup) - Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- **Heavy whipping cream** (1 cup) - For making homemade whipped cream.
- **Powdered sugar** (2 tablespoons) - Sweetens the whipped cream.
- **Vanilla extract** (1 teaspoon) - Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the whipped cream.
- **Heart-shaped cookie cutter** - Essential for shaping the shortcakes into hearts.
**Optional Garnishes:**
- **Mint leaves** - For a fresh, decorative touch.
- **Extra powdered sugar** - For dusting over the finished dessert.
This **heart-shaped strawberry shortcake recipe** is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any romantic occasion. The combination of **flaky shortcakes**, **sweet strawberries**, and **homemade whipped cream** makes it a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Steps
# How to Make Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcakes: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a romantic dessert or a sweet treat for Valentine's Day, these **heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes** are perfect! This recipe combines fluffy shortcakes, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for a delightful dessert. Follow these detailed steps to create a visually stunning and delicious treat.
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## **Ingredients for Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcakes**
- **For the shortcakes:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- **For the filling:**
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- **For the whipped cream:**
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling**
1. Wash and slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices.
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### **2. Make the Heart-Shaped Shortcakes**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough just comes together.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
6. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the shortcakes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Let them cool completely.
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### **3. Whip the Cream**
1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
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### **4. Assemble the Strawberry Shortcakes**
1. Slice each heart-shaped shortcake in half horizontally.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the macerated strawberries onto the bottom half of each shortcake.
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries.
4. Place the top half of the shortcake over the whipped cream.
5. Garnish with additional strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
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## **Tips for Success**
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for better results.
- If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, you can shape the dough by hand.
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## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
These **heart-shaped strawberry shortcakes** are not only adorable but also incredibly delicious. They’re perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or even a romantic date night at home. The combination of buttery shortcakes, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream is irresistible!
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By following these steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using hashtags like #ValentinesDessert and #StrawberryShortcake for inspiration!