Strawberry Shortcake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 450° F. Butter or spray a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 2

Remove 6-8 nice looking berries and set aside for garnish.

Step 3

Wash and hull the remaining berries. Cut into fourths and sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar to macerate, mash slightly.

Step 4

Beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until medium-soft peaks form. It should be firm but not stiff. Set aside.

Step 5

In a medium bowl, measure 1/4 cup sugar, flour, shortening, milk, egg, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.

Step 6

With mixer at medium speed, beat mixture until well combined and a soft dough forms. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake 15 minutes or until golden on top.

Step 7

Remove cake from the oven and invert onto a plate. Using a bread knife, carefully split hot shortcake horizontally. You can also use plain (no flavorings) dental floss!

Step 8

Spread both halves of the cake evenly with softened butter.

Step 9

Spoon half of macerated strawberry mixture onto the bottom half of the cake. Spread half of the whipped cream on top of the berry layer.

Step 10

Place other cake half on top and spoon remaining macerated strawberry mixture over the top.

Step 11

Spread the remaining whipped cream over the macerated strawberries.

Step 12

To decorate, garnish with the reserved strawberries.