CAKE CUPS FOR STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Note: I think this could be prepared in mini-muffin tins. fyi.
• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a metal mixing bowl and electric mixer beaters in the freezer.
• Butter a 12-cup muffin tin.
• In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.
• Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
• Add the milk and stir until well combined. I needed to add about one more tablespoon milk to the dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
• Divide the dough into 12 balls.
• Lightly flour the balls and place in a wax paper-lined tortilla press and press to 4 1/2" in diameter. If the dough is still too sticky, lightly flour the waxed paper. Note: Original recipe has you using a rolling pin, rolling the dough out to 1/4" thickness and cutting out rounds with a drinking glass. Using the tortilla press was much easier for both adult and child.
• Place each flattened round in the buttered muffin tin. The dough should line the cup and come up to the brim. Original recipes says to crimp the edges but I skipped that part.
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Let cool in the pan before removing to a plate.
• Meanwhile, prepare the strawberries. Wash and hull the berries and cut them up into either slices or small pieces (small pieces for our toddler). Toss with the sugar and set aside.
• To whip the cream, pour the whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until soft peaks form; approximately 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds.
• Assembling the cups: Fill each cup with a spoonful of whipped cream and top with a spoonful of the strawberries.
• Preparation time may take longer depending on the age of the child.

Steps:

• Mash or slice the strawberries; place in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and set aside. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, beat egg and milk; stir into flour mixture just until moistened. , Fill 8 greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 425° until golden, about 12 minutes. Remove from the pan to cool on a wire rack. , Just before serving, split shortcakes in half horizontally. Spoon berries and whipped cream between layers and over tops of shortcakes.