Imagine biting into a dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Blood Orange Strawberry Shortcake isn't just another dessert - it's a vibrant symphony of citrusy brightness and sweet, tender goodness that will elevate your baking game from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of zesty blood orange and luscious strawberries nestled between golden, buttery shortcake, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that looks like it was crafted by a professional pastry chef.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup blood orange juice
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by washing and slicing them. In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with blood orange juice and zest. Let macerate at room temperature for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 6 equal rounds using a biscuit cutter or sharp knife.
- Place the shortcake rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush the tops with a little extra cream for golden color.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown and risen. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- To assemble, split each shortcake in half. Layer with macerated strawberries and whipped cream if desired. Garnish with additional blood orange zest.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, citrusy flavors of this Blood Orange Strawberry Shortcake.
Tips
- Keep your butter ice-cold: The secret to flaky, tender shortcakes is using cold butter that creates steam pockets during baking.
- Don't overwork the dough: Mix just until ingredients come together to ensure a light, delicate texture.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of vanilla-infused whipped cream.
- If blood oranges aren't in season, you can substitute with regular orange juice and zest.
- Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the shortcake's crisp texture.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare shortcake dough in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
