Recipe: Six Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake

When I think of homemade strawberry shortcake I don’t usually think easy or simple; I think pastry dough, lots of lamination, kneading, cutting in butter, etc. After some research I found a few reputable recipes that were way simplified vis-à-vis the invention of all purpose baking mixes in the 1930’s (King Arthur, Serious Eats, Betty Crocker). Though skeptical, I gave it a try. I can confidently say this six ingredient strawberry shortcake is completely legit and will definitely be my go-to recipe from now on!

Domestocrat’s Six Ingredient Strawberry Shortcake (makes 6 shortcakes)

1. 2 cups all purpose baking mix (not to be confused with all purpose flour; I used Jiffy’s version but King Arthur has one, Bisquick would work, etc)
2. 1 cup heavy cream (you can use a second cup to make homemade whipped cream to top the shortcake, or just buy the kind in a can like I did)
3. 2 tbsp. sugar
4. 1 tsp. vanilla
5. Pinch of salt
6. 1 lb. strawberries

Getting the dough together couldn’t be easier…

Combine the baking mix, cream, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a big bowl or stand mixer and mix until the dough is thoroughly combined and smooth.

You can roll out the dough and use a biscuit cutter to get a more clean look. I like my shortcakes rustic so I just formed even-sized flattened discs with my hands (about 1/2 inch width). Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Brush each shortcake with a little cream and sprinkle the top with sugar. Bake on 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are brown and the center is cooked.

While the shortcakes are baking, rinse and slice the strawberries. The shape and size is up to you!

These biscuits won’t be too brown on the top so don’t let that be the indicator of doneness here. A golden brown bottom is the best way to tell when these shortcakes are done.

Cool the shortcakes for 5 or so minutes. Slice the shortcakes and top with the strawberries and whipped cream in whatever combination you like (I like a layer of whipped cream, strawberries, and then more whipped cream).

Put on the top and add more whipped cream and thinly sliced strawberries for garnish. There you have it: a perfect, simple, 6-ingredient summer strawberry shortcake!