Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries (blueberries and raspberries for color)
• 1 pack (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Strawberry jam for topping

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and sugar.
3. Add softened butter and eggs, then mix well.
4. Add milk and mix until a smooth batter is formed.
5. Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
6. Arrange fresh strawberries (and other berries for color) on top of the cake batter.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese filling by mixing cream cheese with heavy whipping cream until smooth.
9. Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool completely.
10. Spread the cream cheese filling on top of the cooled cake.
11. Use strawberry jam to create red lines or patterns on top of the shortcake for the final touch.

Nutritional Information: (per serving) Calories: Approx. 450 calories (based on ingredients listed) Fat: Approx. 20g Carbohydrates: Approx. 60g Protein: Approx. 6g (Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and visually appealing.
• Combines the flavors of fresh fruit and creamy cheese perfectly.
• Shortcake is light and fluffy with a hint of sweetness from the berries and jam.
• A classic American dessert that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

User Comments:

1. "This shortcake is delicious! The combination of flavors is perfect."
2. "The color really pops, such a pretty dessert."
3. "The cream cheese filling is so creamy and smooth."
4. "My family loved this dish, it was a hit at our dinner party."
5. "Easy to make, even my kids helped with the preparation."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh berries for best results; frozen berries can be used as a substitute but may affect the texture and flavor slightly.
• Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent it from melting.
• Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness.