Irresistible Mini Berry Shortcakes for Summer Bliss

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by Amelia

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Mini Berry Shortcakes are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that brings together fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and a medley of vibrant berries. Imagine biting into a warm shortcake topped with juicy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all drizzled with a creamy goodness that dances on your taste buds. It’s like a berry explosion in your mouth, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it!

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I have fond memories of summer picnics where mini berry shortcakes were the star of the dessert table. Picture this: a blanket sprawled under a gorgeous blue sky, laughter filling the air, and these little beauties stealing the show. They’re perfect for any occasion—birthdays, barbecues, or just because it’s Tuesday! I promise you’ll be left craving more after just one bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Mini Berry Shortcakes offer an effortless way to impress guests at any gathering.
  • Their delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Visually stunning with their bright colors, they make any table look festive.
  • Plus, they’re versatile enough to be served as breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients for Mini Berry Shortcakes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of our shortcakes; use unbleached flour for a better texture.
  • Baking Powder: This will help our shortcakes rise beautifully; make sure it’s fresh for maximum fluffiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten up the biscuits and enhance the berries’ natural sweetness.
  • Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out all those flavors.
  • Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter; it creates flaky layers that melt in your mouth.
  • Heavy Cream: This will give our shortcakes their rich texture; feel free to use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

For the Berries:

  • Strawberries: Fresh and ripe strawberries are essential for that juicy bite.
  • Blueberries: These little blue gems add color and burst with flavor.
  • Raspberries: Tart and sweet, they bring an extra zing to our dessert.

For the Whipped Topping:

  • Coconut Cream or Non-Dairy Whipped Cream: Use chilled coconut cream for a decadent topping or any non-dairy whipped cream you prefer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Mini Berry Shortcakes

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so our shortcakes won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic begins!

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Cut cold unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the dry mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—think sandy beach vibes!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in heavy cream. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! We want tender shortcakes here.

Step 5: Form Shortcakes

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it just until it holds together. Pat it into about one-inch thick rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly—like summer itself!

Once they’re out of the oven and cooled slightly (if you can wait), slice open those glorious shortcakes. Layer with fresh berries and top with whipped cream for an unforgettable dessert experience. Enjoy every last crumb!

You Must Know

  • These delightful Mini Berry Shortcakes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re an adventure in flavor and fun.
  • With their vibrant colors and sweet aromas, they’ll steal the show at any gathering.
  • Plus, they’re easy to whip up, making dessert a breeze!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the shortcake biscuits first. While they cool, whip up the dairy-free cream and prepare a fresh berry mix. Assemble everything right before serving to keep those shortcakes light and fluffy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite berries like raspberries or blackberries. For added flavor, sprinkle in some zest from a lemon or lime. You can even use coconut cream instead of whipped cream for a tropical twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover shortcakes in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep the whipped cream separate to maintain its fluffiness. Don’t attempt to reheat; these treats are best enjoyed fresh!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve perfect Mini Berry Shortcakes, ensure your butter is cold when making biscuits for that flaky texture.
  • Use fresh berries for vibrant flavors and bright colors.
  • Lastly, assemble right before serving to keep everything light and airy.

Sharing my first experience with mini shortcakes brings back memories of a summer picnic with friends. We devoured them so quickly that I barely had time to snap a photo!

FAQs:

What are Mini Berry Shortcakes made of?

Mini Berry Shortcakes consist of soft, fluffy cake layers typically made with flour, sugar, baking powder, and a dairy-free alternative to butter. For the filling, fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are combined with a sweet plant-based cream or whipped topping. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

How can I make Mini Berry Shortcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Mini Berry Shortcakes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Follow the same recipe directions by mixing the dry ingredients with wet alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil. The result will be equally delicious and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use frozen berries in Mini Berry Shortcakes?

Yes, you can use frozen berries in Mini Berry Shortcakes. However, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess in your dessert. Frozen berries can provide great flavor and convenience when fresh options are unavailable. Just remember to adjust sugar levels based on the sweetness of your frozen fruits.

How do I store leftover Mini Berry Shortcakes?

Store leftover Mini Berry Shortcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain texture, keep the berry filling separate from the shortcake layers until ready to serve. If you want to preserve them longer, you can freeze individual portions; just remember to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!

Conclusion for Mini Berry Shortcakes

Mini Berry Shortcakes offer a delectable treat that is both easy to make and delightful to eat. Using simple ingredients such as fresh berries and light cake layers ensures a satisfying dessert that everyone will love. Remember to customize your shortcakes with gluten-free options or frozen berries if needed. Enjoy this charming dessert at your next celebration or family gathering!

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Mini Berry Shortcakes


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8

Description

Mini Berry Shortcakes are a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines fluffy, buttery shortcakes with a vibrant assortment of fresh berries. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion—from summer picnics to cozy family gatherings. Topped with creamy whipped goodness, these mini shortcakes are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring that you and your guests will be craving more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup coconut cream or non-dairy whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. Cut cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Create a well in the center and pour in heavy cream. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead lightly and shape into one-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared sheet.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before slicing open.
  7. Layer with fresh berries and top with whipped cream before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shortcake (100g)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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