Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like sunshine on a plate, then Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake is the one for you! This sweet, refreshing treat takes the classic shortcake and gives it a tropical twist with juicy strawberries, pineapple, and a creamy whipped topping. Every bite is like a vacation in your mouth with the perfect balance of tangy pineapple, sweet strawberries, and soft, buttery shortcake. It’s the ideal dessert for summer parties, picnics, or whenever you need a little tropical flair in your life. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears once you serve it!

Why You’ll Love Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

A Tropical Twist on a Classic

You can never go wrong with a classic shortcake, but adding the tropical combo of pineapple and strawberry takes it to the next level. It’s the best of both worlds—a dessert that’s light, fruity, and totally irresistible!

Refreshing and Light

With all the fresh fruit and a whipped topping, this shortcake is perfect for those warm days when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. It’s refreshing, light, and satisfies those summer dessert cravings.

Quick and Easy to Make

No complicated steps here! This shortcake comes together in a breeze, with minimal ingredients and a simple method. You can whip it up in less than an hour, making it an ideal treat for when you’re short on time but want something fabulous.

Crowd-Pleasing and Beautiful

Not only is this dessert delicious, but it also looks stunning. The colorful strawberries and pineapple, paired with the golden shortcake and fluffy whipped cream, make for a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty.

Ingredients

For the Shortcake:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your shortcake, creating a light, buttery texture.
• Baking Powder: To help the shortcake rise and become perfectly fluffy.
• Sugar: A little sweetness for the shortcake itself.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Butter: Cold and cubed to make the shortcake tender and flaky.
• Milk: To bring everything together into a soft dough.
• Vanilla Extract: For a touch of warmth and flavor.

For the Fruit Topping:

• Strawberries: Fresh and sliced, these juicy berries add that familiar shortcake flavor.
• Pineapple: Fresh or canned, chopped into bite-sized pieces for a tropical zing.
• Sugar: A sprinkle to bring out the juices from the fruit.

For the Whipped Cream:

• Heavy Cream: The base for your whipped cream—rich and creamy!
• Powdered Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the richness of the cream.
• Vanilla Extract: For an extra flavor boost.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Make the Shortcake:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your shortcakes bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add milk and vanilla: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently a couple of times to bring it together. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
6. Cut the shortcakes: Use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut out round shortcakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Prepare the Fruit Topping:

1. Prep the fruit: Slice the strawberries and chop the pineapple into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss with sugar: In a small bowl, sprinkle the fruit with sugar and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help release the natural juices and make the fruit extra flavorful.

Make the Whipped Cream:

1. Whip the cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
2. Add the sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until stiff peaks form and the cream is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Shortcakes:

1. Cut the shortcakes: Slice the baked shortcakes in half horizontally.
2. Layer with fruit and cream: Spoon some of the fruit mixture onto the bottom half of each shortcake. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream, then top with the other half of the shortcake.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with extra fruit and whipped cream on top!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 18g
Carbs per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 22g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

How to Serve Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

As a Sweet Summer Dessert:

This shortcake is the perfect way to end a summer meal. Serve it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade for a true tropical experience.

For a Party or Potluck:

This dessert is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great choice for a party or potluck. The colorful fruit topping and fluffy whipped cream will wow your guests every time!

Make It a Breakfast Treat:

Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? These shortcakes would make a fabulous weekend breakfast paired with a cup of coffee or fresh juice.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead:

If you’re prepping for a gathering, you can make the shortcakes and whipped cream ahead of time. Just store the shortcakes in an airtight container and keep the whipped cream in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Use Other Fruits:

Feel free to swap the pineapple or strawberries for other tropical fruits like mango, kiwi, or passion fruit. They’d all be delicious in this shortcake!

Customize the Whipped Cream:

If you want to make the whipped cream even more special, you can add a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of coconut extract to give it a tropical twist.

Gluten-Free Option:

For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 with regular flour.

Leftovers:

Store any leftover shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can store the whipped cream separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the shortcakes the day before?
A1: Yes! You can bake the shortcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the shortcakes just before serving.

Q2: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
A2: Yes, frozen fruit will work, but make sure to thaw and drain it before using to avoid excess moisture in the shortcake.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A3: Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple well before adding it to the topping.

Q4: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A4: Yes! Use a dairy-free whipped topping or coconut whipped cream, and substitute plant-based milk for the milk in the shortcake.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the shortcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep the whipped cream in the fridge and assemble when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add coconut to the shortcake?
A6: Yes! Shredded coconut would be a great addition to the shortcake for extra tropical flavor.

Q7: Can I make this dessert with a different type of cake?
A7: Yes! You can use sponge cake, angel food cake, or even pound cake in place of the shortcakes for a different texture.

Q8: How can I make the whipped cream extra fluffy?
A8: Make sure the heavy cream is cold before whipping. If you want it extra stiff, refrigerate the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.

Q9: Can I make individual servings of this shortcake?
A9: Yes! You can serve this as individual shortcake cups by layering the fruit, whipped cream, and shortcake pieces in individual bowls or glasses.

Q10: Can I add a drizzle of chocolate?
A10: Absolutely! A drizzle of melted chocolate would be a delicious addition to this dessert for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake is the perfect way to celebrate summer or add a touch of tropical magic to any meal. With its light and fluffy shortcakes, juicy fruit topping, and rich whipped cream, it’s a dessert that’s both beautiful and mouthwateringly delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just treating yourself, this shortcake is sure to be a hit. Get ready for a tropical flavor explosion with every bite!

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