March is an odd time for the bakers out there. The typical winter flavors like cinnamon and peppermint are way out of place, but it’s still not warm enough to start celebrating summer with key lime pie or peach cobbler. As the weather begins to shift from the dry cool air of winter, to the windy gales of spring, March is the perfect time to start bringing in the lighter, fresher flavors…like homemade strawberry shortcake!
The peak of strawberry season isn’t until April, but that’s why we have the sugar, to help bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries. With the days getting longer and the hints of spring finally in the air, a dessert like this is the best way to celebrate the changing season.
I decided to follow this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction because it came with a biscuit-style shortcake, which ended up being flaky, buttery, and having a slightly sweet taste that beautifully complements the strawberries. Some people prefer angel cake or pound cake when baking strawberry shortcake, but I love the contrast of the crisp exterior of the biscuit to the soft skin of the strawberries.
One of the best things about strawberry shortcake is its versatility. Don’t like strawberries? That’s okay, switch them out for peaches, raspberries, or something else that you like. You can add a zesty taste to the whipped cream through something with citrus, or sweeten the biscuits by drizzling them with honey. The possibilities are endless. It’s one of those desserts that keeps an impressive look about it, but still comes together easily, which is perfect for easing into spring baking.
While the threat of “homemade” in the title might scare some people, don’t be afraid! I’ll admit that I was initially intimidated by everything being homemade, as it seems that the recipes that claim the title prove to be unnecessarily complicated. This recipe was different. Yes, everything was homemade — the sugared strawberries, the biscuits, and the whipped cream — but it was all so easy to make. Don’t let the “homemade” threat scare you away.
Find this recipe for “Homemade Strawberry Shortcake” on the website, “Sally’s Baking Addiction,” or use the link here.
