Strawberry-Basil Shortcakes
Strawberry-Basil Shortcakes is a flavorful Continental Desserts & Baking dish prepared with quality ingredients. Preheat oven to 400°.
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Easy Prep ≤ 4 steps · Fast & beginner friendly
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Moderate 5–8 steps · Everyday home cooking
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Expert ≥ 9 steps · Multi-step advanced prep
Ingredients Required
Tap or click any ingredient to check off during cookingStep-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow numbered steps for authentic taste and perfectionPreheat oven to 400°.
Whisk sugar, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups flour in a large bowl.
Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work in butter until the texture of coarse meal with a few pea-size pieces of butter remaining.
Add cream and mix until dough just comes together (it will be sticky).
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 12x4" rectangle about 3/4" thick.
Cut out rounds with a 2 1/2" biscuit cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed to make 8 rounds.
Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl.
Transfer rounds to a parchmentlined baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
Bake until tops are golden brown and shortcakes are cooked through, 15–20 minutes.
DO AHEAD: Shortcakes can be made 2 days ahead.
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
Coarsely chop 2 cups strawberries (use any bruised or less perfect ones) and cook with 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries are softened and mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Let berry compote cool.
Meanwhile, toss basil, 1 tablespoon sugar, and remaining 1 cup strawberries in a medium bowl and let sit until fruit begins to release juices, 10–15 minutes.
Discard basil.
Using an electric mixer, beat cream, crème fraîche, and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar to soft peaks, about 4 minutes.
Split shortcakes and fill with berry compote, whipped cream mixture, and macerated strawberries.
Chef's Secret Tips & Serving Pairings
- Serve hot and fresh as a wholesome vegetarian meal.
- Pairs excellently with steamed rice, flatbreads, or fresh salad garnish.