She Strengthens

Summer’s Sweetest Treat: Orange Strawberry Shortcake

As the sun shines bright and warm, our taste buds crave something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious. That’s why we’ve created a twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, infusing it with the sweetness of orange and the comfort of vanilla.

A Midwestern Summer Tradition

For many of us, shortcake biscuits piled high with juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream evoke memories of summer gatherings and lazy afternoons. With the arrival of fresh strawberries at the farmer’s market, we’re excited to share our take on this beloved dessert.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

Our shortcake recipe features a slightly sweet biscuit infused with the subtle warmth of vanilla bean and a hint of orange zest. To complement these flavors, we’ve added a touch of orange juice to the whipped cream, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.

Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist

With just 9 ingredients and 30 minutes of prep time, you can create this show-stopping dessert for your next summer gathering. Simply combine the ingredients, roll out the dough, and bake until golden brown. Then, assemble the shortcakes with sweet strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon orange zest (from approximately 1/2 medium orange)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
• 1 cup half & half mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or use buttermilk instead)

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl.
2. Add Shortening and Butter: Cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Orange Zest and Vanilla: Stir until dry ingredients are incorporated and a dough forms.
4. Roll Out and Cut: Roll out the dough to 1-inch thickness and cut out shortcakes using a biscuit cutter or overturned juice glass.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned and doubled in height. Transfer to a rack to cool.
6. Assemble and Serve: Split shortcakes in half, layer with sweet strawberries and whipped cream, and serve immediately.

Get ready to indulge in the sweet taste of summer with our orange strawberry shortcake!