A Saucy Spin on Shortcake

We know, we know, it's summer and it's a lot easier to stay away from the sweet treats in this heat but trust us, this dessert is too good to pass up! A true comfort food, this saucy spin on shortcake is the perfect way to end an outdoor barbecue. Strawberries and blueberries soaked in amaretto accompany a fluffy vanilla bean biscuit making one unbelievable bite! Check out the recipe and dish out this dessert to your family and friends before summer ends.

Shortcake Sliders with Mascarpone Whipped Cream

Vanilla Bean Shortcake Sliders

Makes about 12 cakes

• 2 cups chopped strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries
• 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) cold butter, cut into pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

A few hours before making the cakes, place the berries in a bowl and add liqueur. Stir to combine, then let sit at room temperature, stirring every half hour or so.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and soda, and whisk until combined. Using a fork, pastry blender or your hands, add butter pieces to the flour and mix until coarse little crumbles remain. Mix egg and milk together, then pour in and stir with a spoon until just combined, not over mixing. Add in vanilla bean paste. Use your hands if needed to bring the dough together.

Use a 1/3 cup measure to drop batter onto a nonstick baking sheet, or press dough on a sheet of parchment paper or cutting board into a 1-inch thick slab, then using a biscuit cutter to shape the dough into rounds. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown. Let cool completely.

Once cool, slice cakes in half and fill with mascarpone whipped cream and berries.

Mascarpone Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extact

Instructions:

In the bowl of your electric mixer (fitted with a whisk attachment), add heavy cream and mascarpone. Beat on medium high speed until peaks form, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in sugar and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Serve immediately!

Definitely one dessert we want to devour! Get a little buzz and sugar rush with this saucy spin on shortcake and end your summer day the best way--sweet!