If you’re on the hunt for a great Fourth of July dessert, look no further than this citrus and strawberry shortcake recipe. This shortcake gets a fun twist with some limoncello and lemon zest. Read on for the full recipe from Camp Makery and try your hand at this delicious updated American classic!
Photography: Jessica Noelle Photography
Recipe and styling: Ashley Stanley
Ingredients
(Makes 10)
For the shortcake:
2 ½ cups flour
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 stick butter, softened
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
For the strawberries:
2 pints fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons limoncello
For the Whipped Topping:
2 cups cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons limoncello
1 cup sugar
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Next mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter in a mixing bowl with a fork until fully combined. Now add the milk, lemon zest and lemon juice and mix until just combined — do not overmix, since it’ll make the shortcake tough.
Flour a work surface and pat out the dough to a ¼ inch thickness. (Note: This is slightly less thick than traditional shortcake recipes because this recipe does not cut the shortcake biscuits in half).
Next, use a fun cookie cutter (we used one in a USA shape from Williams-Sonoma, but stars would be great, too) to cut out shapes and place the cut out dough on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the shortcakes with one egg mixed with a tablespoon of water. This will help keep the shortcakes soft.
Bake the shortcakes for 10-15 minutes or until the shortcakes are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to fully cool.
While the shortcakes bake, slice two pints of strawberries and mix with 3 tablespoons of limoncello and set aside. If desired, save the first slice of the strawberry to cut into little strawberry heart garnishes.
For the whipped topping, whip the cold cream until peaks form and it holds its shape, then set aside. Be sure to not overwhip or you’ll have butter instead of cream! Next, cream the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest and limoncello until it is smooth with no lumps. Slowly fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in bathces until it is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
To assemble the shortcakes, place a generous helping of strawberries on top of one shortcake. Then spoon a generous amount of the cream mixture over the strawberries and top with another shortcake top. Place a strawberry heart on top of the shortcake and prepare to devour!
