Robert Redford is an iconic actor known for films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, and Out of Africa. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most legendary stars in Hollywood history. However, when it comes to desserts, there is one that is often described as even better than the famous actor himself. Keep reading to find out what sweet treat is considered more delicious than Robert Redford.
The Dessert Called Better Than Robert Redford
The dessert referred to as better than Robert Redford is strawberry shortcake. This classic summertime dessert features layers of airy biscuits or spongecake paired with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that many regard as absolute perfection.
So where does the comparison to Robert Redford come from? It seems to originate from food writer David Leite, who famously stated “A good strawberry shortcake is better than Robert Redford.” This quirky quote highlights just how incredibly delicious strawberry shortcake can be when made well. The balance of fluffy biscuits, sweet and tart strawberries, and pillowy whipped cream is apparently so amazing that it transcends even Hollywood royalty.
Why Strawberry Shortcake is Considered Better Than Robert Redford
There are several reasons why strawberry shortcake earns such high praise and gets compared to Robert Redford:
- Fresh strawberries at their peak are simply divine. The juicy, sun-ripened berries have a potent sweetness tinged with just the right amount of acidity.
- The biscuits or cake provide a perfect base. They soak up the vivid strawberry juices while remaining tender and light.
- Whipped cream adds a decadent, cooling richness that perfectly balances the berries.
- The textures – the soft berries, the fluffy cream, the tender cake – complement each other beautifully.
- The beauty of the sliced berries and dollops of cream evoke summertime nostalgia.
- The flavors blend together in a way that’s both comforting and blissfully tasty.
When everything comes together just right, each bite of strawberry shortcake is a little piece of fruity heaven. The experience of eating it is so rewarding that it invokes feelings of contentment similar to seeing your celebrity crush up on the silver screen. So while Robert Redford may be the pinnacle of Hollywood heartthrobs, strawberry shortcake occupies that status for the dessert world.
The Origins of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake has a long and delicious history. Here’s a look at the origins of this beloved dessert:
- 1845 – The oldest published strawberry shortcake recipe appears in The Virginia House-Wife cookbook by Mary Randolph.
- Late 1800s – Strawberry shortcake recipes gain popularity in the United States and Canada.
- 1930s – Packaged “biscuit mix” like Bisquick makes it easy for home cooks to whip up shortcakes.
- 1950s – Strawberry shortcake desserts become a staple of church potlucks and summer parties.
- 21st century – The dessert evolves with new twists but remains a warm-weather favorite.
While strawberry shortcake likely has English origins, early American cookbooks helped popularize the dessert. As strawberries became more readily available, strawberry shortcake cemented itself as a beloved summer tradition. It remains an iconic way to celebrate the juicy berries’ short but sweet season.
How to Make Classic Strawberry Shortcake
Want to whip up a strawberry shortcake worthy of topping Robert Redford? Here are tips for making it perfectly:
Ingredients
- Fresh, ripe strawberries (about 2 lbs)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 shortcakes or biscuits
- Whipped cream
Steps
- Hull and slice the strawberries, then toss them with the sugar. Set aside to macerate for 30 minutes, allowing the juices to form.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Split the shortcakes in half. Place the bottom halves on serving plates.
- Top with the sugared strawberries, dividing them evenly.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Place the shortcake tops on and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately for the perfect texture.
This simple preparation allows the spectacular strawberries to truly shine. The cream balances their tartness while the shortcake provides just enough sweetness. Follow these tips and your strawberry shortcake will deliver on its reputation as better than Robert Redford!
Variations on Classic Strawberry Shortcake
While the straightforward biscuit-berry-cream version is perfection, there are many delicious twists on strawberry shortcake you can also try:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Pound Cake Shortcakes | Use sliced pound cake in place of biscuits for a more elegant and dessert-like take. |
| Lemon Shortcakes | Add a little lemon zest and juice to the biscuit mix for a brightness that complements the berries. |
| Mascarpone Cream | Blend mascarpone cheese into whipped cream for a richer, creamier topping. |
| Macerated Berries | Let the berry slices soak in sugar and liqueur for extra fruity flavor. |
| Different Berries | Swap in raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries for new flavors. |
Feel free to get creative and make the shortcake your own! Any added flavors should enhance, not overwhelm, the gorgeous strawberries.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake
Follow these pro tips for building the most phenomenal strawberry shortcake:
- Choose ripe, in-season berries. Strawberries from the supermarket in winter just won’t cut it. Use fresh-picked local berries at their peak ripeness for the best flavor.
- Gently wash and hull the strawberries. Rinse them very gently to avoid making them soggy. Removing the stems allows their lovely juices to flow.
- Macerate the sliced berries. Tossing them with sugar draws out their liquid and intensifies the flavor.
- Wait to add the cream. Only top the cake right before serving so the cream doesn’t get watery.
- Use an airy cake or tender biscuit. You want a base with some structure but not something dense or bready.
- Skip the strawberry glaze. The berries provide plenty of juice; extra syrup isn’t needed.
With high-quality ingredients and thoughtful assembly, you’ll create a strawberry shortcake that truly earns its reputation. Just be prepared for it to become your new summer obsession!
Enjoying Strawberry Season to the Fullest
Strawberry shortcake is just one of many ways to enjoy these ruby red beauties at their peak. Here are more delightful ways to indulge in strawberries during their fleeting season:
- Fresh strawberry pie
- Strawberries and cream
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries
- Strawberry jam
- Strawberry ice cream
- Strawberry margaritas
- Strawberry rhubarb crisp
- Strawberry salad with balsamic
- Grilled strawberries with black pepper
- Strawberry lemonade
With so many options, you can enjoy strawberry shortcake along with a whole menu of other strawberry treats. Don’t hold back – strawberry season is short and you’ll want to make the most of it. You can always go on a health kick later!
The Takeaway on Strawberry Shortcake
When fresh, ripe strawberries are used to top tender baked goods and dollops of cream, the result is pure magic. The balance of flavors and textures in strawberry shortcake is so perfect that it’s easy to see why food experts claim it outshines even the iconic Robert Redford.
This beloved dessert has graced summer tables for centuries for good reason. With its deliciously straightforward formula and timeless appeal, strawberry shortcake is sure to remain a warm weather staple for generations to come.
The next time you see those red berry beauties show up at your local farm stand, pick up a basket. Make this American classic and taste for yourself why strawberry shortcake reigns supreme as the dessert better than Robert Redford himself!
