The saying goes “nothing is more American than Apple Pie” – I beg to differ! To me fresh strawberries and whipped cream sitting on top of shortcake screams Americana and summer more than the pie in question. This easy strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream will have you whistling God Bless America {or perhaps..Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff } in no time!

No matter if it is Memorial Day, Fourth of July. Labor Day or a neighborhood BBQ this quick dessert looks fresh and festive placed on a tall white cake plate decorated with a few red paper fans as a finishing touch – kids and adults will think you baked for days!

Strawberry season in the US actually starts in late February when the fields in Plant City, FL produce their first batch in time for the Annual Strawberry Festival held each year in Plant City – in fact the town produces most of the strawberries available in the US during the early part of the season. If you happen to be in the area be sure to stop in my favorite local market, Parkesdale Market for one of their famous shakes!

This easy recipe saves time by using pre-made shortcake or vanilla cake bases. True, original shortcake offers a different texture and a homemade quality but if you are short on time your local market will most likely offer a version you can quickly pick up. BUT, do not compromise on the whipped cream. Fresh homemade whipped cream is incredibly easy to make with a noticeable difference in taste this is where I choose to spend my extra time in the kitchen.

EASY STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE WITH HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM

INGREDIENTS

2 pints fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed, cut into segments lengthwise
8 vanilla cake shells
1 pint whipping cream
1 tablespoon 10x confectioners sugar
4-5 strawberries, halved with greens intact

METHOD

Place strawberries in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir to combine. Let sit while preparing the homemade whipped cream.

For Fresh Whipped Cream

In a medium bowl whip heavy cream with a wire whisk until liquid has a heavy creamy consistency and begins to reach stiff peaks. Approximately 10-15 minutes – time varies on whipping speed and amount of breaks – you can do this! Shift in confectioners sugar and whisk to ensure completely combined. Do not over whip mixture as it will stiffen and take on a buttery quality.

To Completed Easy Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Whipped Cream Dessert

Place sweetened strawberries onto vanilla cake bases to fill each just slightly over flowing. Add a tablespoon of fresh whipped cream and top each on with a strawberry half. Serve chilled. Store unused whipped cream in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Serves 8 with additional strawberries.

Product Sources

Wedgwood USA
Homegoods
The Fresh Market

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And, if you are looking for even more ways to celebrate everyday check out An Appealing Plan the book.

Call it a trend or a return to the past, but I believe we are bringing back entertaining at home, lingering over a table after a lovingly prepared meal with friends. It has been a way of life and passion of mine my entire adult life, and I am thrilled to be able to invite you on this journey with me through a year of celebrating every day. Filled with recipes, tablescapes, floral inspiration and seasonal entertaining ideas An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations, is a dream come true for me a true honor to be able to share it with you. To learn more about An Appealing Plan :: A Year of Everyday Celebrations here. And of course, share how you are celebrating everyday.