Strawberry Scone Shortcakes Vanilla

Strawberry Scone Shortcakes with Vanilla Yogurt bring a fresh, modern twist to the beloved classic dessert. Imagine tender, buttery scones with golden crusts splitting open to reveal layers of juicy macerated strawberries and luscious vanilla yogurt cream. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant yet approachable treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you're hosting a garden party or treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, these scone shortcakes deliver all the charm of traditional strawberry shortcake with a delightful bakery-style upgrade.

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The secret to perfect scone shortcakes lies in three key components working together in harmony. First, the scones themselves must be tender and flaky, achieved by keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough. Second, macerating the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice creates a naturally sweet syrup that soaks into the scone layers. Finally, the vanilla yogurt cream offers a tangy counterpoint to the sweet berries while keeping the dessert feeling light and fresh rather than overly rich.

Ingredients

• For the Scones: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 2/3 cup (160 ml) heavy cream plus more for brushing, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Strawberries: 1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced), 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice
• For the Vanilla Yogurt Cream: 1 1/2 cups (360 g) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until just combined.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick circle.

Step 6: Cut and Prepare for Baking

Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with additional cream.

Step 7: Bake the Scones

Bake for 16–18 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 8: Macerate the Strawberries

While scones bake, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let stand for at least 10 minutes to macerate.

Step 9: Prepare the Vanilla Yogurt Cream

In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve

To assemble, split scones in half horizontally. Spoon vanilla yogurt onto the bottom half, top with strawberries, and cover with scone tops. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the flakiest scones, keep your butter as cold as possible and work quickly to prevent it from melting into the dough. You can even freeze the cubed butter for 10 minutes before incorporating it. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as the dough comes together—overmixing develops gluten and creates tough scones. The dough should look slightly shaggy. When patting out the dough, use gentle hands rather than a rolling pin to preserve the layers. If you don't have a pastry blender, two forks or a box grater (for frozen butter) work wonderfully. For make-ahead convenience, bake the scones up to one day in advance and store them in an airtight container, then assemble just before serving.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes countless variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. For extra richness, substitute half the Greek yogurt with whipped cream as suggested in the notes. Mixed berries—such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries—can replace or complement the strawberries for a beautiful medley of colors and flavors. If you prefer a sweeter yogurt cream, increase the honey or maple syrup to taste. For a gluten-free version, use a quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Those avoiding dairy can use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free yogurt, while egg substitutes like flax eggs work for vegan adaptations. Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the scone dough for a citrus twist, or fold in white chocolate chips for added indulgence.

Serviervorschläge

These Strawberry Scone Shortcakes shine as the centerpiece of any gathering. Serve them as an elegant brunch dessert alongside fresh coffee or sparkling wine. For afternoon tea, arrange them on a tiered stand with other petite pastries. At summer barbecues and picnics, they offer a lighter alternative to heavy cakes while still feeling celebratory. Garnish each serving with a fresh mint leaf and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-elegant presentation. If serving at a dinner party, plate individually with an extra drizzle of the strawberry syrup and a small dollop of yogurt cream on the side. The scone shortcakes are best enjoyed immediately after assembly while the scones are still slightly warm and the contrast between the flaky pastry and cool, creamy filling is at its peak.

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Strawberry Scone Shortcakes with Vanilla Yogurt prove that simple ingredients, when treated with care, create something truly special. This recipe honors the nostalgic appeal of classic strawberry shortcake while introducing a lighter, more sophisticated profile through the use of Greek yogurt and homemade scones. The contrast of textures—crisp golden exteriors giving way to tender crumb, juicy fruit, and silky cream—makes each bite a complete sensory experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary journey, this accessible yet impressive dessert will quickly become a warm-weather favorite that brings smiles to every table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes the scones tender and flaky?

Cold, cubed butter is cut into the dry ingredients to create small pockets that bake into a tender, flaky texture.

→ How are the strawberries prepared for optimal flavor?

Sliced strawberries are tossed with sugar and lemon juice to macerate, enhancing their juiciness and sweetness.

→ Can I substitute the vanilla yogurt with another dairy option?

Yes, for extra richness, half of the yogurt can be replaced with whipped cream for a creamier texture.

→ What is the best way to bake these scones evenly?

Shape the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F until golden brown.

→ Are there alternative berries that work well with this dish?

Mixed berries such as blueberries or raspberries can be used for a varied flavor profile.

→ How can this dish be adapted for dietary restrictions?

Use gluten-free flour, plant-based cream and yogurt substitutes, and egg replacements to accommodate allergies.