Easy Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (about 10.75 oz) pound cake, store-bought
• 1.5 pounds strawberries, fresh
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. 1

   Place the cold heavy cream and a medium mixing bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes so they are very cold, which helps whipped cream form faster.

2. 2

   Rinse the strawberries under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove all surface moisture.

3. 3

   Hold each strawberry by its leafy green top and slice it lengthwise from the tip toward the stem into 1/4-inch-thick slices, like cutting a tomato.

4. 4

   Place the sliced strawberries in a medium bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over them, then gently stir to coat. Set aside for 5 minutes so the sugar draws out the juices.

5. 5

   Remove the bowl and cream from the freezer, pour the heavy cream into the cold bowl, and using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip for 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form—the cream should look fluffy and hold loose, floppy peaks when you lift the beaters.

6. 6

   Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip on medium-high speed for another 30 seconds until stiff peaks form—the cream should hold tall, firm peaks that do not fall over.

7. 7

   Slice the pound cake horizontally into two layers of roughly equal thickness, using a serrated bread knife in a gentle sawing motion.

8. 8

   Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate and spread half of the whipped cream evenly across the top, then arrange half of the sliced strawberries in a single layer over the cream.

9. 9

   Set the top cake layer in place, then spread the remaining whipped cream across the top of the cake in an even layer.

10. 10

    Arrange the remaining strawberry slices on top of the whipped cream in a decorative pattern, then sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the strawberries.

Tools you’ll need

• medium mixing bowl
• electric mixer (or whisk and elbow grease)
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• medium bowl
• serving plate
• serrated bread knife
• rubber spatula or spoon

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