Plantation Peach Shortcake
A delightful peach shortcake featuring tender layers of biscuit-like cake filled with fresh sweet peaches and topped with whipped cream, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Sift dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder).
- Cut in brown sugar and shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg and light cream together.
- Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until all the flour is moist.
- Divide the dough evenly and spread in two greased round layer cake pans.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the layers to cool slightly, then place sweetened chopped peaches between the layers.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cold butter instead of shortening, which can enhance flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans and replace the light cream with buttermilk or a non-dairy alternative. For an added twist, incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Plantation Peach Shortcake with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with chilled sweet tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a sweet ending to a family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover shortcake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you have leftover peaches and whipped cream, keep them refrigerated. To reheat the cake layers, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until just heated through, then assemble.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Plantation Peach Shortcake contains roughly 462 calories, with 6g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shortcake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shortcake layers a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container. Assemble the dessert with peaches and whipped cream just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for light cream?
You can substitute light cream with half-and-half for a similar consistency. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut cream or almond milk, adjusting the quantity based on the desired richness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Plantation Peach Shortcake gluten-free, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, or add it separately if not included.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).