Imagine the delight of digging into a slice of Butter Pecan Strawberry Shortcake on a cozy evening at home. This decadent dessert combines the rich flavors of butter pecan with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries, all nestled atop a fluffy shortcake base. Perfect for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home.
**Butter Pecan Strawberry Shortcake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
– 1/4 cup sugar
– Whipped cream, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until a crumbly texture forms.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a round disk, about 1-inch thick.
8. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out individual shortcakes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
10. While the shortcakes are baking, combine the sliced strawberries and sugar in a bowl. Let them sit at room temperature to macerate and release their juices.
11. Once the shortcakes are done, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.
12. To assemble, split each shortcake in half horizontally. Place a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries on the bottom half of each shortcake.
13. Top the strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream and then place the top half of the shortcake over the filling.
14. Garnish with additional strawberries and a drizzle of the strawberry juice.
Serve your exquisite Butter Pecan Strawberry Shortcake immediately and savor the combination of flavors and textures in each delightful bite. This dessert is sure to bring joy to your taste buds and will impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation. Enjoy this sweet treat as a perfect ending to a delicious meal or as a delightful snack for any time you crave a bit of indulgence.
