Oh yes — Italian-Style Strawberry Shortcake 🍓🇮🇹
Think of the classic American strawberry shortcake but with an Italian twist: light, airy biscuits or sponge cake, sweet macerated strawberries, and a rich mascarpone cream. It’s elegant, indulgent, and perfect for spring or summer desserts.
🍓 Italian-Style Strawberry Shortcake
Ingredients (serves 6–8):
For the Cake/Biscuits:
-
1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
-
2 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar
-
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberries:
-
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
-
2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Cream:
-
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
-
1/2 cup (120 g) mascarpone cheese
-
2–3 tbsp powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the strawberries:
-
Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
-
Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to macerate.
2. Make the cake/biscuits:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
-
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Stir in milk and vanilla just until combined.
-
Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet or form into a 9-inch round cake pan.
-
Bake 12–15 minutes (biscuits) or 20–25 minutes (cake) until golden. Cool slightly.
3. Make mascarpone cream:
-
Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
-
Gently fold in mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Assemble:
-
Split biscuits or cake layers in half horizontally.
-
Layer strawberries and mascarpone cream between layers.
-
Top with remaining strawberries and a dollop of mascarpone cream.
-
Optional: dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
🌟 Tips for the Italian Twist:
-
Use Mascarpone instead of whipped cream for richness and authentic Italian flavor.
-
Macerate strawberries with a splash of balsamic vinegar or Limoncello for extra depth.
-
Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
I can also give a quick, no-bake Italian strawberry shortcake version that layers ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberries — ready in 15 minutes and just as indulgent.