With millions of new recipe ideas a short click away, it’s easy to feel the pressure to bake and cook only the things we’ve never tried before. I too am guilty of getting caught up in the latest crazy flavor combinations (hello, Rhubarb Swirl Buttermilk Ice Cream) and buzz words I don’t really understand. Sometimes it seems that simple, classic, un-messed-around-with recipes (like this Blueberry Buckle) are losing their place in our homes and kitchens. This is why I think we need Grammy’s old-fashioned peach shortcake recipe. It’s made from scratch (like her equally famous Grammy’s Lemon Cream Pie), and features simple, pure fresh peaches, and real whipped cream. Some foods deserve to be left in their traditional state because they are already perfect. My Grammy’s old-fashioned Peach Shortcake is one of them (as are these classic One Bowl Brownies). When I called my Grammy for her shortcake recipe, I almost started laughing it is so simple (like these Lemon Bars). No need to roll, chill, or stamp out the dough. No secret spices. We simply work cold butter into flour, a little sugar, and baking powder. We pour it into a pan, and we bake it for 20 minutes where it becomes the warmest, most wonderful classic shortcake you’ll ever eat. This classic dessert comforts my soul (like a slice of Pumpkin Pecan Pie does in the fall), and makes me feel as if there is nothing else more I need in life except for a slice of this shortcake with juicy peaches, and a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Make Peach Shortcake
Made with simple, wholesome, limited ingredients and a bounty of summer’s freshest peaches, this old-fashioned peach shortcake recipe is an understated masterpiece that, somehow, makes a huge statement (almost as loud as this Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler).
The Ingredients
Peaches. One of my all-time favorite summer fruits, peaches lend this dessert (and this Peach Upside Down Cake) an array of healthy antioxidants along with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.Flour. No sneaking swaps for whole wheat here (that’s what Rhubarb Scones are for). All you’ll need is some good ol’ all-purpose flour for this classic shortcake recipe.Sugar. Sweetens the shortcake dough, adds moisture, and makes the finished shortcakes incredibly tender.Baking Powder. For a quick rise that makes these shortcakes light and fluffy.Butter. COLD butter makes these shortcakes (and Raspberry Scones) tender, flakey, and loaded with comforting butter flavor.Egg + Milk. Add moisture and additional fat for added softness and tenderness.Spiced Rum. Grammy’s one secret ingredient. But, hey, it’s the way she always did it and Grammy knows best! Mix with some melted butter and slather your peach shortcake generously. (If you like your desserts boozy, try this old-fashioned Brownie Pie.)
The Directions
Extra peaches on your hands? Try my Peach Crisp, Baked Peaches, or Ricotta Pizza with Peaches! Or, eat more peach shortcake. The choice is yours, and you can’t go wrong!
