This recipe makes the easiest, most delicious biscuit-style shortcake in the world*, which can be topped with any fruit for a dessert that will feed and delight a crowd.
Chuck Geyer grew up with his mother, Eleanor Ruth Madison Geyer, making this no-fuss shortcake for the family at their dairy farm in Pulaski, NY. Her recipe has been adapted over the years for maximum deliciousness by long-time farm friend and Team Agriberry member Julia Grimes.
If eaten plain, this cake will seem a bit dry and coarse, but that's in order to allow it to absorb the fruit juices without becoming soggy.
Add some freshly whipped cream and a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, and this dessert will serve 20. Note: The toppings and the cake can be made up to a day ahead.
- 2 Qts Strawberries (or 8 cups of any fresh fruit) Rinsed, hulled and sliced
- 2 C Sugar (1/4 c sugar per cup of fruit)
- 5 2/3 C Baking Mix (Bisquick is preferred.)
- 2/3 C Powdered Milk
- 1 1/2 C Sugar
- 1/4 C Butter melted
- 3 T Sour Cream
- 1 T Vanilla
- 1 1/2 C Water
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees; grease a 9x13 cake pan.
Combine fruit and sugar in a glass or plastic container. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow juices to release, while the cake bakes and cools.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add wet ingredients and stir until just mixed, then pour into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until this firm-textured cake is lightly browned. Let cool.
Slice the cooled cake into 20 squares (4 across, 5 long). Slice the cake square in half horizontally and place the two halves cut side up in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl. Place in a microwave and heat for 10 seconds, full power.
Use a ladle or measuring scoop to top the bottom piece of the cake approximately 1/8 C of fruit and released juices. The juice will soak into the cake.
Place the top slice on the fruit and pour another 1/8 C fruit/juice over all.
Add a scoop of ice cream and/or top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy of the Geyer family and Kitchen Magician Julia Grimes.
*We are totally biased in our assertion.