The Zesty Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

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

Ripe berries soaked in smooth brandy create an unexpected twist on a classic dessert.

Crumbly biscuits provide the perfect canvas for rich, complex flavors.

Soft whipped cream kissed with malt powder adds a delightful layer of indulgence.

Elegant yet unpretentious, this dessert feels like a warm embrace from your favorite baker.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and sophisticated taste profiles.

Grab a fork and let your taste buds embark on an incredible culinary journey.

Ingredients That Make Every Layer Shine

• Strawberries: Sweet summer berries that create the fruity core of the dessert, best when ripe and red.
• Sugar: Helps draw out strawberry juices and adds natural sweetness.
• Brandy: Adds depth and sophisticated flavor to the macerated strawberries.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the fruit's natural flavors and adds aromatic complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient for creating a tender, crumbly shortcake base.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the shortcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract: Work together to create rich, moist, and flavorful shortcake with a delicate texture.

• Heavy Cream, Malted Milk Powder, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a luxurious, light, and subtly malty whipped cream topping.

Instructions for Fluffy, Flavorful Stacks

Step 1: Transform Strawberries

• Slice fresh strawberries into a mixing bowl
• Add
• Granulated sugar
• Brandy
• Vanilla extract

Gently mix ingredients and let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. The strawberries will release their juices and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 2: Create Flaky Shortcake Bases

Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and prep a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend cold butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs.

Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Dust a clean surface with flour and gently pat dough to 1-inch thickness.

Cut out round or heart-shaped shortcakes, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Place shortcakes on baking sheet, brush tops with cream, and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Whip up Dreamy Cream

Chill a mixing bowl beforehand for extra fluffy cream.

• Heavy cream
• Malted milk powder
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip with an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form.

Step 4: Build Decadent Dessert Towers

Carefully slice shortcakes in half horizontally.

• Brandied strawberries
• Generous dollop of malted whipped cream

Crown with top shortcake half.

Add another spoonful of whipped cream and strawberries.

Step 5: Serve and Delight

Present immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Optional fancy touch: Sprinkle with extra malted milk powder or garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Tips for Shortcakes That Melt in Your Mouth

• Boost Strawberry Flavor: Let strawberries macerate longer than 30 minutes to intensify their sweetness and develop deeper, more complex flavors.
• Prevent Soggy Shortcakes: Cool baked shortcakes completely before assembling to maintain a crisp texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and achieve more stable, fluffy peaks.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy-free butter and coconut cream for a vegan version, or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive alternative.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare shortcakes and macerated strawberries separately up to a day in advance, assembling just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Keep Shortcakes Light and Moist

• Refrigerate leftover shortcakes and brandied strawberries separately in airtight containers.
• Keep the shortcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp texture.
• Store whipped cream and macerated strawberries in sealed containers in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.
• Avoid assembling the entire dessert in advance, as the shortcakes will become soggy quickly.
• When ready to serve again, gently reheat shortcakes in a low oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispness, then top with fresh cream and strawberries.
• For best flavor and texture, consume the dessert within one day of preparation.

Perfect Pairings With Creamy Layers

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Complement the sweet strawberries and rich brandy notes with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé, enhancing the dessert's fruity and creamy flavors.
• Match with Almond Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or almond liqueur alongside the shortcake to add depth and nutty undertones that beautifully intertwine with the malted whipped cream.
• Serve with Cold Brew Coffee: The robust and slightly bitter notes of cold brew coffee create a delightful contrast against the sweet, creamy shortcake, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Accompany with Moscato: The light, sweet Moscato wine brings out the strawberry's natural sweetness while offering a delicate effervescence that mirrors the dessert's luxurious texture.

New Takes on the Classic Shortcake

• Tropical Rum Splash: Swap brandy for dark rum and add diced mango or pineapple to the macerated strawberries for a Caribbean-inspired fruity shortcake.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Dream: Replace malted milk powder with cocoa powder and fold crushed hazelnuts into the whipped cream for a rich, nutty version of the dessert.
• Lavender Lemon Breeze: Infuse the cream with dried lavender and add lemon zest to the shortcake dough for a fragrant, citrusy take on the classic recipe.
• Berry Bourbon Bliss: Use bourbon instead of brandy and mix in a combination of raspberries and blackberries with the strawberries for a deeper, more complex fruit layer.

FAQs for Strawberry Shortcake Lovers

• What makes the strawberries special in this recipe?

The brandied strawberries are macerated with sugar, brandy, and vanilla, which intensifies their flavor and creates a rich, boozy syrup that adds depth to the dessert.

• Can I substitute the brandy with something else?

Yes, you can use Grand Marnier, rum, or orange liqueur as alternatives. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use orange juice or leave out the liquor entirely.

• Why use malted milk powder in the whipped cream?

Malted milk powder adds a nostalgic, slightly nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and provides a unique twist to traditional whipped cream.

• How do I know when the shortcakes are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color and a slightly crisp exterior. When touched, they should feel light and sound hollow, indicating they’re done baking.

Why These Strawberry Shortcakes Taste Like a Dream

• Craft a Gourmet Dessert: Elevate your dessert game with this sophisticated yet approachable strawberry shortcake recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant treat perfect for special occasions.
• Minimize Prep Effort: The recipe requires minimal technical skills, with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master in under an hour, making it an accessible and impressive dessert option.
• Customize Your Indulgence: Easily personalize the shortcakes by adjusting the brandy intensity, experimenting with different berries, or playing with the malted whipped cream for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
• Impress with Versatility: This dessert works beautifully for summer gatherings, romantic dinners, or as a show-stopping finale to a home-cooked meal, appealing to both casual and sophisticated palates.

Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes With Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Brandied strawberry shortcakes with malted whipped cream blend classic summer dessert elegance with grown-up sophistication. Rich strawberries macerated in brandy crown buttery shortcakes, creating an irresistible finale you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Strawberries and Fruit:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Shortcake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Shortcake Wet Ingredients and Cream:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons malted milk powder (e.g., Ovaltine or Carnation)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Infuse strawberries with rich flavor by combining sliced berries, sugar, brandy, and vanilla in a mixing vessel. Allow the mixture to rest and meld flavors at ambient temperature for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even maceration.
2. Prepare the pastry foundation by blending flour, sugar, leavening agent, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using fingertips or a specialized cutting tool until the mixture transforms into grainy, uneven crumbs. Gently introduce cream and vanilla, forming a tender, cohesive dough.
3. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly dusted surface, pressing it to a uniform one-inch thickness. Craft circular or heart-shaped pastry rounds using a precise cutting implement, reusing remnants to maximize yield. Carefully position the delicate rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Embellish the pastry tops with a light cream wash and a delicate sugar sprinkle. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing the shortcakes to transform into golden, aromatic treasures over 12-15 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to stabilize their structure.
5. Whip the cream mixture in a chilled receptacle, integrating malted milk powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat energetically until soft, billowy peaks emerge, creating a luxurious, cloud-like topping.
6. Construct the final dessert by gently separating each shortcake horizontally. Layer the base with macerated strawberries and a generous dollop of malted cream. Crown with the pastry’s upper half, adding an additional flourish of cream and fruit.
7. Present the assembled delicacy immediately, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of malted milk powder or a fragrant mint sprig for visual and aromatic appeal.

Notes

• Enhance strawberry flavor by using ripe, in-season berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
• Experiment with different spirits like rum or kirsch instead of brandy to create unique flavor profiles.
• Prevent tough shortcakes by handling the dough minimally and using cold butter for flakier texture.
• Make shortcakes gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg