This Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake takes the classic shortcake to a whole new level with the addition of rich, almond-flavored frangipane. The buttery, almond cream layers are baked to perfection and paired with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, creating a dessert that’s indulgent, fruity, and filled with nutty flavors. It’s the perfect showstopper for special occasions or when you want to elevate a traditional dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
- Elegant Twist on a Classic: The frangipane brings an almond richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries and cream.
- Rich & Buttery: The combination of shortcake and almond cream gives this dessert a rich, buttery flavor and texture.
- Fresh & Fruity: Juicy, ripe strawberries add freshness and sweetness, perfectly balancing the richness of the frangipane and shortcake.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This dessert looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery, making it ideal for parties, birthdays, or celebrations.
Key Ingredients for Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake
1. Fresh Strawberries
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. You’ll need about 2 cups, hulled and sliced.
2. Shortcake Biscuits
- Buttery, flaky shortcake biscuits are the base of this dessert. You can make them from scratch or use store-bought biscuits for convenience.
3. Frangipane (Almond Cream)
- The frangipane is a rich almond cream made with ground almonds (almond flour), butter, sugar, and eggs. It’s the star of this recipe, adding a delicious nutty flavor.
4. Whipped Cream
- Freshly whipped cream is essential for that light, airy topping. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought whipped cream for ease.
5. Almond Extract
- A touch of almond extract in the frangipane enhances the almond flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
How to Make Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake
This dessert has three main components: the shortcake biscuits, frangipane, and strawberries. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Make the Shortcake Biscuits
- From Scratch: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 3/4 cup cold milk until a dough forms. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into 6-8 rounds using a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- Using Store-Bought Biscuits: If using store-bought biscuits, bake according to the package instructions and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Frangipane (Almond Cream)
- In a medium bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 large egg and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, beating until combined. Stir in 1 cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds) until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Frangipane
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the frangipane evenly into a greased 9-inch tart pan or pie dish, or form small round disks to bake separately. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Let the frangipane cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries
- In a small bowl, toss 2 cups of sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar and let sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.
Step 5: Assemble the Shortcake
- Slice the cooled shortcake biscuits in half. Place the bottom half of each biscuit on a plate, spread a generous layer of frangipane over the biscuit, and top with a spoonful of macerated strawberries. Add a dollop of whipped cream, then place the top half of the biscuit on top. Garnish with more whipped cream and strawberries if desired.
Tips for Making the Best Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake
1. Use Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh, ripe strawberries are key for the best flavor. They add a sweet, juicy contrast to the rich frangipane and biscuits.
2. Make the Shortcake Biscuits Flaky
- When making the shortcake biscuits, be careful not to overmix the dough to keep them light and flaky. Using cold butter also helps create a tender biscuit.
3. Let the Frangipane Cool
- Allow the frangipane to cool completely before assembling the dessert. This will help it set and make it easier to spread on the biscuits.
4. Whip the Cream Fresh
- For the best texture, whip the cream just before assembling the dessert. Freshly whipped cream is lighter and airier than pre-made versions.
5. Serve Immediately
- This dessert is best served immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast of textures from the warm biscuits, creamy frangipane, and juicy strawberries.
Recipe Variations
1. Berry Frangipane Shortcake
- Swap the strawberries for a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
2. Frangipane Peach Shortcake
- Use fresh, ripe peaches instead of strawberries for a summery variation on this dessert.
3. Chocolate Almond Shortcake
- Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the frangipane for a rich, chocolatey almond cream. Pair with strawberries for a decadent treat.
4. Gluten-Free Frangipane Shortcake
- Make gluten-free shortcake biscuits using a gluten-free flour blend and use almond flour for the frangipane to keep the dessert gluten-free.
5. Frangipane Lemon Shortcake
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the frangipane for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the strawberries.
FAQs: Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake
1. Can I Make the Shortcakes Ahead of Time?
- Yes! You can make the shortcake biscuits a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them in the oven before serving if you like them warm.
2. Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
- Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen if necessary. Thaw the strawberries and drain any excess liquid before using.
3. Can I Make the Frangipane Ahead of Time?
- Yes, the frangipane can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before assembling the dessert.
4. Can I Use Almond Paste Instead of Frangipane?
- Almond paste is denser and sweeter than frangipane, so it’s not a direct substitute. If using almond paste, mix it with butter and cream to lighten it up before using.
5. What Can I Serve with Frangipane Strawberry Shortcake?
- This dessert pairs well with a glass of cold milk, tea, or a light dessert wine. You can also serve it with extra whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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