Elegant Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

Dreamy Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

Sweet summer berries burst with flavor in these delectable malted whipped cream strawberry shortcakes that elevate a classic dessert.

Soft, buttery biscuits cradle fresh, ripe strawberries in a delightful embrace.

Each layer promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Homemade shortcakes provide the perfect canvas for juicy strawberries and luscious cream.

The malted whipped cream adds a nostalgic twist to this beloved treat, bringing depth and richness to every bite.

Prepared with simple ingredients and a touch of love, these shortcakes transform an ordinary afternoon into a memorable culinary experience.

Indulge in this irresistible dessert that celebrates the best of seasonal bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Strawberry Shortcake Ingredients with a Brandied Twist

For Maceration:
  • Strawberries: Sweet, ripe berries bursting with summer flavor that will absorb the delightful brandy marinade.
  • Sugar: Creates a syrupy texture and helps draw out the natural juices from the strawberries.
  • Brandy: Adds a sophisticated, warm depth to the fruit's natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the aromatic complexity and rounds out the fruity flavors.

Kitchen Tools for Making Boozy Strawberry Shortcakes

  • Large mixing bowl: For combining strawberries and maceration mixture.
  • Medium bowl: For preparing strawberry marinade.
  • Cutting board: To slice strawberries neatly.
  • Sharp knife: For precise strawberry cutting.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir and mix ingredients gently.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: To blend whipped cream ingredients smoothly.

Directions for Brandied Strawberry Shortcakes

  • Marinate Strawberries

Toss fresh strawberries with a splash of brandy, sprinkle of sugar, and hint of vanilla. Let the berries sit and soak up all those amazing flavors, transforming into a luscious, boozy treat.

  • Prepare Shortcake Base

Craft golden, tender shortcakes with a delicate crumb that will cradle your brandied strawberries perfectly. Bake until they’re beautifully golden and your kitchen smells heavenly.

  • Whip Malted Cream

Create a cloud-like whipped cream with a nostalgic malted twist. Blend heavy cream with malted milk powder until soft peaks form, creating a dreamy, rich topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Assemble Decadent Dessert

Slice shortcakes in half, generously spoon those wine-soaked strawberries over the bottom half, crown with a luxurious dollop of malted whipped cream, and gently place the top shortcake. The result? A dessert that’s part classic, part sophisticated, and totally irresistible.

Tips for Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Cream

  • Maceration Magic: Let strawberries sit longer for deeper flavor infusion, but don't exceed 2 hours to prevent fruit from breaking down.
  • Booze-Free Option: Swap brandy with orange juice or apple cider for a kid-friendly version that maintains fruity depth.
  • Whipped Cream Wow: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help malted cream whip faster and hold its peaks perfectly.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Replace traditional shortcake biscuits with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Trick: Prepare macerated strawberries and biscuits separately up to a day in advance, assembling just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Serve Up Brandied Shortcakes Right

  • Elegant Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange the shortcakes on a beautiful platter, layering them with brandied strawberries and malted whipped cream for a stunning presentation that will impress dinner guests.
  • Refreshing Summer Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of rosé or sparkling wine to complement the sweet and boozy strawberry flavors, creating a perfect outdoor dining experience.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Transform this dessert into a brunch highlight by preparing individual portions in clear glass cups, allowing the beautiful layers of strawberries and cream to be visible and enticing.
  • Garnish Magic: Top each shortcake with a few fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a professional touch and enhance the visual appeal of the dessert.

Plan Ahead with Strawberry Shortcakes

  • Quick Refrigeration: Store macerated strawberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the whipped cream and biscuits separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Advance Prep Strategy: Bake shortcake biscuits 1 day ahead and store in a sealed container at room temperature. Slice strawberries and prepare whipped cream several hours before serving to save time during meal preparation.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap unfilled biscuits tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven before assembling dessert. Avoid freezing assembled shortcakes to prevent texture loss.
  • Smart Leftover Management: If any assembled shortcakes remain, individually wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 day maximum. Note that whipped cream may deflate and biscuits might soften, so best enjoyed fresh within hours of preparation.
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Elegant Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream Recipe

Elegant Strawberry Shortcakes with Malted Whipped Cream


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich brandied strawberry shortcakes with malted whipped cream showcase summer’s sweetest bounty. Delicate biscuits cradle boozy berries and airy cream, creating an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 6 tbsps unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsps brandy
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsps malted milk powder (e.g., Ovaltine or Carnation)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Macerate Strawberries: Slice strawberries into a medium bowl and sprinkle sugar, then drizzle brandy and vanilla extract. Gently fold to coat fruit without crushing, allowing the mixture to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
  2. Prepare Shortcake Base: Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cut cold butter into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually incorporate cold cream, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Shape and Bake Shortcakes: Gently pat dough onto a floured surface to approximately 1-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  4. Craft Malted Whipped Cream: Chill a mixing bowl and whisk attachment. Pour heavy cream into the bowl, adding malted milk powder and powdered sugar. Whip until soft, billowy peaks form, being careful not to over-mix.
  5. Assemble Shortcakes: Allow shortcakes to cool completely. Split each cake horizontally, layering with macerated strawberries and their syrup. Crown with a generous dollop of malted whipped cream, creating an elegant and indulgent dessert.

Notes

  • Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife and cut strawberries uniformly to ensure even maceration and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
  • Control Maceration Time: Let strawberries sit between 30-60 minutes – longer periods intensify flavor but can break down fruit’s delicate structure, so monitor closely.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients softly to prevent bruising strawberries, maintaining their structural integrity and preventing mushy consistency.
  • Temperature Matters: Keep maceration at room temperature to help strawberries release natural juices and absorb brandy and vanilla flavors effectively without compromising fruit’s quality.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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