Stars & Stripes Balsamic Berry Shortcake

Ingredients

For the shortcake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the berries:

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 Tbsp Strawberry Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)

To serve:

• Fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream (optional if you want to avoid dairy)
• Extra Strawberry Balsamic for drizzling

Instructions

Make the Shortcake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly.
• Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined (don’t overmix).
• Pat dough into a rectangle on a floured surface, about 1" thick.
• Cut into squares or rounds and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.

Prepare the Berries:

• Toss sliced strawberries and blueberries with Strawberry Balsamic and sugar/honey. Let sit for 10–20 minutes to macerate.

Assemble:

• Split shortcake in half horizontally.
• Layer with balsamic berries and whipped cream or ice cream.
• Top with more berries and a drizzle of Strawberry Balsamic for a beautiful, glossy finish.