During this time of the year, nothing hits the spot more than homemade strawberry shortcake. Down below, you will find the best strawberry shortcake recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 pints of ripe, well-rinsed strawberries
• ½ cup sugar, or more 
• 4 cups of flour
• 3 tablespoons of sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 5 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 ¼ cups of  butter
• 3 cups of whipping cream
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:

• Step 1: Cut all strawberries in halves or slices depending on size. Then gently crush ¼ of the strawberries to release some strawberry juice. Take the remaining strawberries, and set them aside for half an hour in a ½ cup of sugar in order to develop flavor. 

• Step  2: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

• Step 3: Into a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt and baking powder. Next, add 3/4 cup of softened butter, and rub into dry ingredients as for pastry. Add 1 1/4 cups cream, and mix to a dough. Knead the dough for about one minute, and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Finally, take a 3-inch biscuit cutter, and cut an even number.

• Step 4: Take butter and grease a baking sheet. Then, place half of the rounds on it. Melt remaining butter, brush a tiny bit on the rounds, and place remaining rounds on top. Bake the rounds for about 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

• Step 5: Remove the cakes from the oven, and pull the shortcakes apart. Next, be sure to brush the insides with some of the remaining melted butter. 

• Step 6: Beat remaining cream until it thickens and add vanilla. 

• Step 7: Place a bottom half of a shortcake on each plate. Top with a generous spoonful of berries. Cover with a top half, add a few more berries, and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.

This homemade strawberry shortcake is fluffy, creamy, and sweet and makes the best summer treat!