Strawberry Shortcake With Orange Zest Curds And Whipped Cream

There’s nothing quite like a classic strawberry shortcake to celebrate the sweetness of summer. But we’re taking this beloved dessert to the next level with a vibrant orange-zest curd that adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. This recipe combines the comforting simplicity of homemade shortcake biscuits with a sophisticated citrus flavor, creating a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful twist on a timeless favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our shortcake biscuits. All-purpose flour provides the perfect balance of protein for a tender yet structured crumb.
• 2 tsp Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, responsible for creating light and airy biscuits. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
• ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. Fine sea salt dissolves easily into the dough.
• 115g (½ cup) Cold Unsalted Butter, Diced: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky biscuits. The cold fat creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture.
• 50g (¼ cup) Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the biscuit dough and helps with browning.
• 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the dough together and adding richness.
• 120ml (½ cup) Whole Milk: Provides moisture to the dough, bringing everything together. Whole milk contributes to a softer biscuit.
• 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the biscuits with a warm, aromatic note.
• 300g (2 cups) Fresh Strawberries, Hulled and Sliced: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
• 1 tsp Fresh Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the strawberries, complementing the orange curd.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: The base for our vibrant orange curd, providing a concentrated citrus flavor.
• 2 Large Egg Yolks: Contribute to the richness and thickening power of the orange curd.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Granulated Sugar (for curd): Sweetens the orange curd, balancing the tartness of the orange juice.
• 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter, Melted (for curd): Adds silkiness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the orange curd.
• 200ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream: The base for our light and fluffy whipped cream. Ensure it’s well-chilled for best results.
• 20g (2 tbsp) Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps stabilize its structure.
• ½ tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract (for whipped cream): Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream with a delicate vanilla aroma.
• Candied Orange Zest, for garnish: Adds a beautiful visual contrast and a burst of citrus flavor.

Substitutions

Flour: If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use pastry flour for an even more tender biscuit, or a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Butter: You can substitute the butter with vegetable shortening, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Milk: Buttermilk can be used in place of whole milk for a tangier biscuit. Orange Juice: If fresh orange juice isn’t available, you can use a high-quality store-bought orange juice, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Assembling Your Strawberry Shortcake Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Biscuits: Once the shortcake biscuits are completely cooled, gently split each one horizontally using a serrated knife. Aim for a clean, even split to create two flat surfaces for layering.
2. Layer the Orange-Zest Curd: Take the bottom half of a biscuit and spread a thin, even layer of the chilled orange-zest curd. Don’t overdo it – a little goes a long way, providing a bright citrus counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries and cream.
3. Add the Strawberry Layer: Generously mound the sliced strawberries on top of the curd. Arrange them artfully, ensuring each bite will be bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
4. Dollop with Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the strawberries. The cream should be light and airy, providing a cool, creamy texture.
5. Drizzle with Extra Curd (Optional): For an extra touch of citrusy goodness, drizzle a small amount of the remaining orange-zest curd over the whipped cream.
6. Top with the Biscuit Crown: Carefully place the top half of the biscuit onto the whipped cream, completing the shortcake.
7. Garnish and Serve: Place each assembled shortcake on a serving plate. A light drizzle of remaining curd around the base and a scattering of candied orange zest adds visual appeal.

The Science Behind the Perfect Shortcake Biscuit

The key to a tender, flaky shortcake biscuit lies in keeping the butter cold and avoiding overmixing. Cold butter creates pockets of fat within the dough. As the biscuit bakes, the water in the butter turns to steam, creating layers and resulting in a light, airy texture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough biscuit. Rubbing the butter into the flour with your fingertips (or using a pastry blender) is crucial for creating those desirable pockets of cold butter.

Why Orange Zest? Elevating the Strawberry Flavor

While strawberries are delicious on their own, the addition of orange zest takes this shortcake to another level. The citrus notes in the orange zest enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries, creating a more complex and balanced flavor profile. The slight acidity of the orange also cuts through the richness of the cream and butter, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sweet. The orange-zest curd isn’t just a flavor addition; it’s a carefully considered element that complements and elevates the entire experience.

Tips for the Best Whipped Cream

Achieving perfectly whipped cream is easier than you think! Start with very cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl and whisk. Adding the powdered sugar gradually helps to stabilize the cream and prevent it from becoming grainy. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter. Soft peaks are ideal – they hold their shape but still have a light, airy texture. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Make-Ahead Components & Storage

To streamline the process, you can make the orange-zest curd and whip the cream up to a day in advance. Store the curd in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the whipped cream in a separate airtight container. The shortcake biscuits are best baked on the day of serving, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble the shortcakes just before serving to prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly to achieve the desired dough consistency.

How can I prevent the biscuits from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the dough and ensure the butter remains cold throughout the process. Gently pat the dough to the desired thickness instead of rolling it, as rolling can develop the gluten.

This Strawberry Shortcake with Orange-Zest Curds and Whipped Cream is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright flavors and delicate textures are sure to impress! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

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