Sunny Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Recipe for Summer

Sweet summer memories flood back when I craft this tropical strawberry pineapple shortcake that bursts with vibrant island flavors.

Ripe fruits dance together in a delightful melody of taste and texture.

Juicy strawberries and golden pineapple chunks create a perfect harmony on a tender, crumbly base.

Cream adds luxurious smoothness to each delectable bite.

Layers of tropical ingredients promise a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts.

Crisp edges and soft centers make this shortcake irresistibly tempting.

Let’s dive into a dessert that will transport you to a sunny paradise with just one forkful.

Why Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Feels Like Summer

• Craft a Tropical Delight: Simple steps transform basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that screams summer.
• Customize with Ease: Mix and match fruit combinations or adjust sweetness levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Quick Family Celebration: Perfect for impromptu gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches where everyone can participate in assembling their own shortcake.
• Sensational Seasonal Treat: Highlights fresh strawberries and pineapple, capturing the vibrant essence of warm-weather produce in one delectable dessert.

Key Ingredients for Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

• Strawberries: Fresh, juicy berries that provide a sweet and tangy base for the dessert.
• Pineapple: Tropical fruit that adds a bright, zesty flavor to the shortcake.
• Sugar: Helps to draw out the natural juices of the fruits and enhance their sweetness.
• Lime Juice: Adds a citrusy brightness and helps to balance the sweetness of the fruits.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure for the tender, flaky biscuit.
• Baking Powder: Provides the necessary lift and lightness to the shortcake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the biscuit.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the shortcake base.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and rich flavor in the biscuit.
• Milk: Helps to bind the dough and create a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the shortcake.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a light, sweet, and creamy topping that complements the fruit and shortcake perfectly.

How to Bake Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Perfectly

Step 1: Create Vibrant Fruit Base

Grab a mixing bowl and toss together sweet strawberries, juicy pineapple chunks, sugar, and a splash of zesty lime juice. Let the fruits mingle and release their natural juices for about half an hour, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Step 2: Craft Fluffy Shortcake Biscuits

Fire up the oven to a toasty 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar

Crumble cold butter into the dry ingredients using fingertips until the mixture looks like rough sand. Pour in milk and vanilla, stirring until dough barely comes together.

Dust a surface with flour and gently knead the dough 3-4 times. Pat into a thick round and cut into 6-8 biscuit shapes.

Transfer biscuits to the prepared sheet and bake until golden and gorgeous, about 12-15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up Dreamy Cream

Using a chilled bowl, whisk heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft, billowy peaks form.

Step 4: Build Tropical Masterpiece

Slice each biscuit horizontally.

Layer with macerated fruit mixture and a generous cloud of whipped cream. Crown with the biscuit top and add extra cream and fruit if desired.

Step 5: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve immediately and savor the explosion of tropical flavors in every single bite!

Tips for Delicious Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

• Let strawberries and pineapple sit with sugar and lime juice for 30 minutes to release natural juices and enhance sweetness.
• Use a cold bowl and whisk when preparing whipped cream to help it form soft, fluffy peaks faster and more effectively.
• Minimize kneading the shortcake dough to keep biscuits tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Use chilled butter and work quickly when mixing to create flaky, light shortcake biscuits with perfect texture.
• Assemble shortcakes just before serving to maintain crisp biscuit texture and prevent soggy bottoms.

Flavor Variations for Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

• Coconut Tropical Remix: Replace milk with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream for an extra tropical punch.
• Rum-Infused Island Style: Add a splash of rum to the fruit mixture and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a Caribbean-inspired dessert.
• Grilled Fruit Fusion: Grill strawberries and pineapple before macerating to enhance their caramelized sweetness and add smoky depth to the shortcake.
• Passion Fruit Punch: Mix passion fruit pulp into the whipped cream and drizzle passion fruit syrup over the assembled shortcake for an intense tropical flavor profile.

What to Serve with Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake

• Tropical Rum Cocktail Companion: Mix a light Caribbean rum with pineapple juice and fresh strawberry puree to mirror the dessert's vibrant tropical flavors.
• Sweet Wine Elevation: Select a chilled Moscato d'Asti or sweet Riesling, which will complement the fruity shortcake with their delicate, honeyed notes.
• Citrus Sorbet Sidekick: Prepare a zesty lime or passion fruit sorbet as a refreshing palate cleanser that enhances the dessert's tropical essence and provides a cool contrast.
• Tropical Tea Pairing: Brew a cold hibiscus or mango-infused iced tea that echoes the shortcake's bright, summery character and adds a light, refreshing dimension to the dessert experience.

How to Store Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Correctly

Store assembled shortcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep whipped cream and fruit separate to prevent soggy biscuits.

Wrap individual shortcake biscuits in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze fruit and cream separately for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before reassembling.

Warm cold shortcake biscuits in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain crispy texture.

Sprinkle fresh fruit and add a new dollop of whipped cream to revive day-old shortcakes, instantly boosting flavor and appearance.

FAQs

• Are these shortcakes difficult to make?

No, they’re surprisingly easy! With basic baking skills and simple ingredients, anyone can create these delicious tropical shortcakes in under an hour.

• Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh?

Fresh fruits are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen fruits if fresh aren’t available. Just drain excess liquid before mixing.

• How do I know when the shortcake biscuits are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden brown color around the edges and a light, fluffy texture. They should rise slightly and appear puffy when done, typically after 12-15 minutes of baking.

Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Luscious Tropical Strawberry Pineapple Shortcake brings Caribbean sunshine to classic dessert lovers. Sweet berry and pineapple layers meld perfectly with buttery shortcake, offering you a delightful escape to island paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries
• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh pineapple
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters/12 fluid ounces) heavy whipping cream

Shortcake Base Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters/6 fluid ounces) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Macerate tropical fruits by combining sliced strawberries, chopped pineapple, sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Allow mixture to rest for 30 minutes, gently stirring periodically to release natural juices.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Blend dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) in a mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate cold butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter until texture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce milk and vanilla, mixing until dough barely holds together.
4. Transfer dough onto a floured surface, gently knead 3-4 times. Shape into a 3/4-inch thick round and cut 6-8 biscuits using a circular cutter.
5. Arrange biscuits on prepared baking sheet, bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove and allow slight cooling.
6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla in a chilled bowl until soft peaks develop.
7. Horizontally slice each shortcake. Layer bottom half with macerated fruit mixture and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
8. Crown with shortcake’s top half, garnishing with additional whipped cream and fruit if desired.
9. Serve immediately to preserve optimal texture and enjoy vibrant tropical flavors.

Notes

• Let the strawberries and pineapple sit in sugar and lime juice to intensify their natural sweetness and create a juicy, flavorful filling.
• Keep butter extremely cold when making shortcakes to ensure a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Minimally handle the dough to prevent tough biscuits, just lightly knead to bring it together for light, airy shortcakes.
• Easily modify the recipe by using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version or coconut cream for a dairy-free whipped topping alternative.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 216
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 169 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg