Sensational Strawberry Shortcake

Recipe View Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate to allow the juices to release. (10 minutes)

Recipe View In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg yolks. Add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just moistened. Do not overmix. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Divide the dough in half and gently pat each half into the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even layer. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. (8 minutes)

Recipe View Spread the meringue evenly over the dough in each cake pan. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and the cake is set. (40-45 minutes)

Recipe View Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. (10 minutes)

Recipe View While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. (5 minutes)

Recipe View To assemble the shortcake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped cream, then spoon half of the macerated strawberries and their juices over the cream. Top with the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining whipped cream and strawberries. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy! (2 minutes)