Giant Cherry Shortcake Recipe
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 8–10
Ingredients:
Shortcake base:
2 ½ cups (315 g) of all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (170 g) of cold, cubed unsalted butter
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry filling:
3 cups of fresh or frozen pitted cherries
½ cup (100 g) of sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tbsp cornflour
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream layer:
2 cups (480 ml) of cold, heavy whipping cream
½ cup (60 g) icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish:
Extra cherries
Mint leaves
Instructions:
1. Make the shortcake.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch springform or round cake tin.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
Spread the batter evenly into the tin.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Leave to cool completely before assembling.
2. Prepare the cherry topping:
In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar and lemon juice.
In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with water.
Cook the cherries over a medium heat until they release their juices.
Add the cornflour mixture and stir until the mixture is thick and glossy.
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Leave to cool to room temperature.
3. Whip the cream.
Beat the cold cream, icing sugar and vanilla together until soft, fluffy peaks form.
Keep chilled until ready to use.
4. Assemble the giant shortcake.
Slice the cooled shortcake horizontally.
Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer.
Spoon some cherry filling onto the centre.
Place the top layer back on.
Generously cover the top with whipped cream.
Pour the cherry topping over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Serving tips:
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
For the best texture, serve cold.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays or sharing on social media!