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Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Flag Dessert Recipe Easy Patriotic Celebration Treats

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A festive and simple strawberry shortcake dessert layered to look like a flag, perfect for patriotic celebrations and summer gatherings. Combines fluffy shortcake, juicy strawberries, and whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on berry sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: fresh blueberries for the flag stars

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg until blended.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir gently just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 9×13 inch rectangle about 1 inch thick.
  7. Transfer dough to baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  8. While baking, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice; let sit at least 15 minutes to macerate.
  9. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  10. Slice cooled shortcake horizontally into two even layers using a serrated knife.
  11. Place bottom layer in serving dish. Spread half the whipped cream over it, then spoon half the macerated strawberries evenly on top.
  12. Place second shortcake layer on top and spread remaining whipped cream evenly.
  13. Arrange sliced strawberries in rows across the top to form red stripes, leaving a rectangle in the upper left corner.
  14. Fill the rectangle with fresh blueberries to mimic stars.
  15. Refrigerate assembled dessert for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Keep butter cold for flaky shortcake layers. Do not overmix dough to avoid toughness. Taste strawberries before adding sugar. Whip cream to soft peaks to avoid graininess. Use serrated knife and gentle sawing motion to slice shortcake. Assemble close to serving time but chill for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. Optional: brush shortcake layers with light sugar syrup to keep moist. Variations include gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk and cream, seasonal fruit substitutions, and spiced shortcake with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, patriotic dessert, flag dessert, Fourth of July, easy dessert, summer dessert, whipped cream, fresh strawberries

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/perfect-strawberry-shortcake-flag-dessert-recipe-easy-patriotic-celebration-treats/