Dreamy Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance through these brandied strawberry shortcakes with malted whipped cream that spark pure joy.

Ripe strawberries soaked in brandy create a luxurious twist on classic desserts.

Delicate biscuits cradle luscious fruit, promising indulgence in every delectable bite.

Cream whipped with malt powder adds a nostalgic richness that celebrates simple pleasures.

Fragrant berries nestled between tender pastry layers make this treat irresistible.

Subtle hints of brandy elevate the shortcakes beyond ordinary summer sweets.

Serve these spectacular desserts and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Instructions for Making Shortcakes and Cream

Step 1: Prepare Boozy Strawberry Mixture

Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in sliced strawberries. Add sugar, brandy, and vanilla extract. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring every strawberry gets coated with the sweet, spirited mixture. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature.

• 30 minutes for a light infusion
• Up to 1 hour for deeper flavor development

The strawberries will release their natural juices, creating a luscious syrup that intensifies the dessert’s taste.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Shortcake Base

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. The mixture should resemble coarse breadcrumbs.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Cold unsalted butter

Step 3: Mix Shortcake Dough

Pour in heavy cream and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the shortcakes tough. Gently pat the dough onto a floured surface and cut into rounds.

Step 4: Bake Golden Shortcakes

Preheat the oven and arrange shortcake rounds on a baking sheet. Brush with additional cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until edges turn golden brown and centers are perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Whip Malted Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with malted milk powder. Beat until soft peaks form, creating a cloud-like topping with a nostalgic malt flavor.

Step 6: Assemble Decadent Dessert

Split the warm shortcakes in half. Spoon the brandied strawberries over the bottom half, crown with a generous dollop of malted whipped cream, and top with the shortcake lid. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrasting temperatures and textures.

Tips for Light, Fluffy Shortcake Success

• Boost Fruit Flavor: Add a splash of brandy to strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex, sophisticated taste profile.
• Perfect Macerating Technique: Let strawberries sit at room temperature to allow them to release natural juices and absorb the brandy, creating a more intense and delicious filling.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to achieve the lightest, fluffiest malted whipped cream with maximum volume.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional shortcake biscuits with gluten-free alternatives or use vegan cream options to make the dessert accessible to various dietary restrictions.
• Serve at the Right Temperature: Allow shortcakes to cool slightly before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting and maintain the perfect texture contrast.

Store and Assemble Like a Pro

• Store leftover macerated strawberries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Store biscuits and whipped cream separately from strawberries to maintain their texture. Wrap biscuits in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container at room temperature.
• Refrigerate leftover whipped cream in a covered container for 1-2 days. Gently whisk before serving to restore its fluffy consistency.
• When ready to enjoy, quickly reheat biscuits in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Top with chilled strawberries and freshly whisked whipped cream.

Pairing Drinks with These Shortcakes

• The delicate bubbles and light fruitiness complement the sweet brandy-soaked strawberries, creating a refreshing harmony that elevates the dessert's complex flavors.
• The creamy, cold ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, tender shortcake and brings out the richness of the malted whipped cream.
• The crunchy, nutty texture of biscotti offers a delightful counterpoint to the soft shortcake, while its subtle sweetness enhances the strawberry's brandy-infused profile.
• A small glass of smooth, almond-flavored liqueur mirrors the dessert's sweet notes and adds a sophisticated touch to the overall tasting experience.

Flavor Variations for a Fancy Finish

• Mocktail Berry Shortcakes: Replace brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version that's kid-friendly and refreshing.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional shortcake biscuits with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream, and substitute dairy biscuits with plant-based alternatives made from coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the dessert's natural sweetness.

Strawberry Shortcake FAQ Section

• What is macerating and why do we do it in this recipe?

Macerating softens fruits and draws out their natural juices by mixing them with sugar and alcohol. This process intensifies the strawberries’ flavor, creates a syrupy liquid, and makes the fruit more tender and delicious.

• Can I use a different alcohol instead of brandy?

Absolutely! You can substitute brandy with grand marnier, rum, or cognac. Each will add a unique flavor profile to the strawberries. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use orange juice or balsamic vinegar.

• How ripe should the strawberries be for this recipe?

Choose strawberries that are bright red, firm, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid strawberries with white or green patches or soft, mushy spots. Ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for your shortcakes.

• What makes malted whipped cream different from regular whipped cream?

Malted whipped cream includes malted milk powder, which adds a rich, nutty, and slightly caramelized flavor. This gives the whipped cream a deeper, more complex taste compared to traditional whipped cream.

Strawberry Shortcakes with a Malty Twist

• Elevate traditional strawberry shortcake with a splash of brandy and malted whipped cream, adding unexpected depth and elegance to a beloved classic.
• Suitable for summer gatherings, dinner parties, or a luxurious weekend treat that appeals to both adults and dessert lovers seeking something special.
• Make components ahead of time, allowing for stress-free entertaining and easy last-minute assembly when you're ready to serve a stunning dessert.

Ingredients for a Boozy Strawberry Dessert

• Strawberries: Sweet, ripe berries that form the star of the dessert, best when fresh and in season.
• Sugar: Helps draw out strawberry juices and creates a syrupy maceration.
• Brandy: Adds depth and complexity to the strawberry flavor, optional for non-alcoholic version.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and provides a subtle aromatic background.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base for creating fluffy whipped cream.
• Malted Milk Powder: Provides a nostalgic, slightly nutty flavor to the whipped cream.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient for creating a tender, crumbly shortcake texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the shortcake rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the shortcake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a flaky, tender crumb.
• Cold Milk or Buttermilk: Provides moisture and helps bind the shortcake ingredients.

Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes With Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful brandied strawberry shortcakes with malted whipped cream bring summer’s sweet essence to dessert lovers’ tables. Rich layers of buttery biscuits, boozy berries, and cloudlike cream promise a luxurious finale you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberries and Dairy:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream, chilled
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Dry Ingredients and Flavorings:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons malted milk powder (e.g., Ovaltine or Carnation)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Gently slice strawberries into a medium mixing bowl, ensuring uniform thickness for even maceration.
2. Sprinkle sugar over the strawberries, allowing the crystals to begin breaking down the fruit’s cellular structure.
3. Pour brandy into the bowl, creating a luxurious liquid that will enhance the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
4. Add vanilla extract to complement the brandy’s warmth and deepen the fruit’s aromatic profile.
5. Delicately fold the ingredients together, coating each strawberry slice without crushing the delicate flesh.
6. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, letting the mixture rest at ambient temperature.
7. Allow the strawberries to macerate for approximately 30-60 minutes, during which time they will release their juices and absorb the elegant liquid infusion.
8. Periodically give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure even flavor distribution and liquid absorption.
9. The maceration process will transform the strawberries into a glossy, syrup-laden delicacy, intensifying their natural flavor and creating a luscious topping for the shortcakes.

Notes

• Boost the brandy’s flavor by choosing a high-quality, smooth brand that complements the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
• Adjust sugar levels based on the ripeness of strawberries; less ripe fruits might need a touch more sweetness.
• Enhance the maceration process by gently crushing a few strawberry slices to release more juices and intensify the overall flavor profile.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace brandy with orange juice or apple juice to maintain depth and complexity in the fruit mixture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg