Spring Entertaining
Southern Socials
Strawberry Shortcake Derby Hat
Kentucky Derby parties become a little sweeter when pound cake graces the menu. It has long been a welcome guest of year round southern celebrations & bridges the generation gap of trendy foods on beautifully set tables decade upon decade. From tomato aspic to congealed salad– balsamic strawberry bruschetta, Caesar salad served in Parmesan cups & comfort food bars featuring a variety of perfectly curated pub classics with an upscale culinary twist– the iconic cake always receives accolades no matter the era nor occasion. It’s this kind of chatter that every southern woman cherishes, when her signature recipe is well received in a room full of good friends & good home cooks. Simplicity is the key to dressing this particular pound cake for a high brow celebration. Derby Day parties truly become magical with this stunning dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake Derby Hat
makes 16 servings
Pound cake
14 whole fresh strawberries
8 cups sliced or quartered fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 cups whipping cream
6 Tbsp sugar
Prepare your favorite pound cake recipe as directed. Grease & flour a {12-inch} cake pan. Line a {6-inch by 3-inch} springform pan with parchment paper; grease & flour the pan & the paper. Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon 4 1/2 cups of batter into the prepared 12-inch pan. Spoon 2 1/2 cups of batter into the prepared 6-inch pan. Spread the batter in both pans until level. Drop the pans several times on the countertop to settle air bubbles for an even rise. Position the second oven rack under the center oven rack. Place the filled pans on the center rack in the oven. Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the lower rack under the 6-inch pan.
Bake the 12-inch pan for 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick tests clean. Bake the 6-inch pan for 1 hour & 20 to 1 hour & 30 minutes or until a wooden pick tests clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a small palate knife between the cake & the pan edge. Remove the cakes from the pans. Cool completely on a wire rack, top sides up. The 6-inch cake will appear domed when removed from the oven but the surface will level as it cools. Use as directed.
Place the 12-inch cake onto a cake stand or serving plate. Place the 6-inch baked cake in the center of the 12-inch cake, pressing well to adhere. Arrange some of the whole strawberries halfway around the 12-inch cake & on the top of the 6-inch cake to resemble the decoration on a ladies hat. Cut & slice some of the strawberries to fill any gaps for a pretty presentation. Expect to use 2 1/2 {16-oz} containers of fresh strawberries to prepare the dessert. Toss 8 cups of sliced or quartered strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar, the lemon zest & the lemon juice. Let stand 15 minutes or until the sugar dissolves & creates a syrup. Beat the cream & the remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Serve the macrated strawberries & the sweetened whipped cream with pound cake slices.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HOSTESS OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{helpful advice}
How To Make A Strawberry Shortcake Derby Hat
A classic pound cake recipe can be used to make this eye-appealing dessert. Exchange the traditional tube pan for a 6-inch springform pan & a 12-inch cake pan. Fresh seasonal fruit accessorize effortlessly.
The Technique
A few pieces of equipment will be needed in order to complete the task. Read through the recipe instructions before beginning. Here’s what you should know.
No. 1
There is a small lip on the springform pan that may make removing the cake a little tricky. Lining the pan with parchment will allow it to easily lift away once baked. The larger cake size releases just fine without it. Grease & flour a {12-inch} cake pan. Line a {6-inch by 3-inch} springform pan with parchment paper; grease & flour the pan & the paper.
No. 2
A 6-inch springform pan also provides 3-inch sides while many traditional pans of that size only provide 2-inches. The cake will need the additional room to lift during baking. Once the batter is measured & added to the pans, use an offset spatula to spread it to the edges.
No. 3
Make certain the surface is as level as possible so no trimming will be necessary once baked as this particular design will show any imperfections. Drop the pans several times on the countertop to settle air bubbles for an even rise. Position the second oven rack under the center oven rack. Place the filled pans on the center rack in the oven. Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the lower rack under the 6-inch pan. The larger cake will need to be removed from the oven first as it’s a little thinner.
The Tune
“Puttin’ On The Ritz” Fred Astaire
social butterfly
instagram: buttermilklipstick
facebook: Buttermilk Lipstick
twitter: Buttermilk Lipstick@ButtermilkLips
{college football} Rebecca Gordon@TidefanFare
pinterest: Buttermilk Lipstick
Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
Comments are closed.