We’ve always been captivated by the Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake a timeless favorite from New Orleans’ iconic Dooky Chase Restaurant. This recipe embodies the vibrant spirit of Southern cooking with its layers of fluffy shortcake fresh strawberries and creamy toppings that evoke pure comfort.
As food lovers we’re excited to guide you through this easy twist on a classic. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a slice of history that brings people together around the table.
Ingredients
In our Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake recipe, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the essence of Southern comfort. These components, ordered as they’re used in preparation, ensure a fluffy shortcake layered with juicy strawberries and creamy toppings.
Shortcake Ingredients
To build the base, we use:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for a light, airy texture
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds subtle sweetness to balance the berries
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – For the signature fluffy rise that defines this classic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor without overpowering
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Keeps the dough tender and flaky
- 2/3 cup milk – Whole milk preferred for richness; add gradually for the right consistency
Strawberry Filling
Next, for the fresh fruit layer that brings vibrant sweetness:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – Ripe, local varieties work best for peak flavor
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Tossed with strawberries to macerate and draw out natural juices
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – Chilled for optimal whipping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Provides a smooth, not-too-sweet finish
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Pure extract for authentic Southern warmth in every bite
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, we guide you through crafting the Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake with simple steps that highlight its Southern charm. Let’s create layers of fluffy biscuits, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped topping for a comforting dessert.
Prepare the Strawberries
First, hull and slice 4 cups of ripe strawberries into a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and gently toss to coat ensuring the berries release their natural juices. Let the mixture macerate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature stirring occasionally. This process draws out the strawberries’ vibrant sweetness and tartness creating a syrupy filling that perfectly balances the shortcake’s richness.
Make the Shortcake Biscuits
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Pour in 3/4 cup of whole milk and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms being careful not to overmix. The dough should feel tender and flaky promising biscuits that deliver a buttery, comforting texture.
Bake the Biscuits
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Cut out biscuits using a 2.5-inch round cutter and place them on the prepared sheet spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. The warm aroma of freshly baked biscuits will evoke the essence of Southern hospitality filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
Assemble the Shortcake
In a chilled bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract using a hand mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Slice each cooled biscuit in half horizontally. On a serving plate, layer the bottom half of a biscuit with a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries and their juices then top with a dollop of whipped cream. Add the biscuit top and repeat the layering for a stacked effect. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of crisp flaky layers, juicy berry bursts, and velvety cream capturing the heart of this classic dessert.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To streamline our preparation of the Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake, we can make several components ahead while preserving the dessert’s fresh, comforting flavors and textures. This approach allows us to focus on assembly when it’s time to serve, ensuring a seamless experience that highlights Southern hospitality.
Preparing the Strawberries in Advance
We recommend starting with the strawberries, as they benefit from macerating to develop their sweet, syrupy essence. Here’s how we do it:
- Hulling and slicing: Begin by hulling and slicing 1 pound of fresh strawberries. This step can be completed up to 24 hours ahead for maximum flavor infusion.
- Macerating: Toss the sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate them in an airtight container. This process draws out natural juices, creating a vibrant, tangy filling that enhances the shortcake’s fluffy layers.
Making the Shortcake Biscuits Ahead
Our shortcake biscuits form the heart of this classic dessert, and they hold up well when prepared in advance. Follow these steps to bake them early:
- Dough preparation and baking: Mix 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in ¾ cup of whole milk to form a soft dough. Shape and bake as outlined in the main recipe until golden brown. Once cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
- Reheating tip: If frozen, thaw the biscuits in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their tender, buttery crispness before assembling.
Whipped Cream Considerations
While whipped cream is best made fresh to maintain its light, airy texture, we can prepare it a few hours in advance if needed. Whip 1 cup of chilled heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, then give it a quick stir before use to keep it fluffy and flavorful.
By planning ahead, we ensure our Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake remains a simple yet elegant tribute to Southern traditions, ready to delight with its harmonious blend of juicy strawberries, warm biscuits, and creamy topping.
Conclusion
We’ve cherished exploring the Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake and its ties to Southern heritage. It’s a simple way to create lasting connections over fresh flavors and comforting layers.
Let’s keep these traditions alive in our kitchens, turning everyday moments into memorable gatherings with this delightful treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake?
Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake is a classic Southern dessert from the famous Dooky Chase Restaurant in New Orleans. It features layers of fluffy shortcake biscuits, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, representing comfort and Southern hospitality. This recipe celebrates its historical roots while offering an easy, modern twist to bring people together.
What ingredients are needed for Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake?
You’ll need simple, high-quality ingredients: for the shortcake, use all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, and milk. For the strawberries, ripe ones hulled and sliced with sugar. The whipped cream requires heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Focus on fresh components for the best Southern flavor.
How do you make Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake?
Start by preparing strawberries: hull, slice, and mix with sugar to macerate. Make shortcake biscuits by combining dry ingredients, cutting in butter, adding milk to form dough, then baking until golden. Assemble by layering biscuits with strawberries and whipped cream. The process takes about 30-45 minutes of prep and baking for a harmonious dessert.
Can I prepare Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Macerate strawberries up to 24 hours in advance. Bake shortcake biscuits ahead and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for a month. Whipped cream is best fresh but can be made a few hours early and refrigerated. This makes it easy to serve a fresh-tasting tribute to Southern traditions.
Why is Dooky Chase Strawberry Shortcake significant?
This dessert embodies Southern cooking and the legacy of Dooky Chase Restaurant, symbolizing comfort and community in New Orleans. It uses fresh, quality ingredients to create a simple yet elegant dish that brings people together, honoring cultural traditions while offering a delicious, accessible recipe for modern kitchens.