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Elegant Afternoon Tea Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Elderflower Cream

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A layered strawberry shortcake trifle crowned with delicate elderflower cream, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions. Combines fresh strawberries, fluffy shortcake, and a fragrant elderflower cream for a light, elegant dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2/3 cup (160ml) whole milk, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup (120g) crème fraîche
  • 2 tbsp elderflower cordial
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar, sifted
  • Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
  • Extra whole strawberries (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in cold milk and vanilla extract until just combined; dough will be slightly sticky. (About 15 minutes including prep)
  4. Turn dough onto floured surface and gently pat into a 1-inch thick rectangle.
  5. Cut into 8 pieces using a round cutter or knife. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
  7. While shortcakes bake, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let macerate for at least 20 minutes.
  8. In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, crème fraîche, elderflower cordial, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract if using.
  9. Whisk with electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping. (5 minutes)
  10. In trifle bowl, layer shortcake pieces, elderflower cream, and strawberries with juices. Repeat layers, finishing with cream on top.
  11. Garnish with whole strawberries and mint leaves.
  12. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and shortcake soften slightly.

Notes

Keep ingredients cold for light, flaky shortcake. Do not overmix dough or overwhip cream. Let strawberries macerate for at least 20 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Elderflower cordial can be substituted with orange blossom water or rose water sparingly. Shortcake can be replaced with pound or sponge cake for quicker assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, elderflower cream, afternoon tea dessert, layered dessert, easy dessert, spring dessert

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/elegant-afternoon-tea-strawberry-shortcake-trifle-with-elderflower-cream-recipe-for-a-perfect-homemade-dessert/