Sugar-Crusted Pecan Shortcakes with Peaches and Raspberries (Dessert)

Recipe created by Heidi Johansen

Bliss can be messy: These sugar-crusted pecan shortcakes filled with peaches, raspberries, and whipped cream look perfect only until the first bite is taken; then they crumble into a delectable chaos. This fresh summer dessert is a part of the summer fruit menu.

Servings: Serves 12

Ingredients:

Shortcakes:
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup and 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
1/2 cup toasted pecans , coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp. sanding sugar or crystal sugar or raw sugar

Filling:
3 to 4 large ripe yellow peaches , sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup raspberries
3 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar
1 cup heavy cream , cold
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

To make shortcakes: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat; swirl pan every few seconds to ensure even browning. Cook until fragrant and browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until solid, about 30 minutes.

Put flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to combine. Add chilled browned butter and pulse until mixture looks like coarse meal. Add sour cream, 1/3 cup cream, and pecans; pulse until dough forms a ball. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and transfer dough to sheet. Press dough into a rough, 1-inch-thick circle. Cover top of dough with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400°. Using a 2"-round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut 8 shortcakes from dough. Press scraps together and cut 4 more. Brush top of shortcakes with remaining 2 tablespoons heavy cream and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Arrange cakes on baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes, turning pan after 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

To make filling: Toss together peaches, raspberries, and sugar; let sit 10 minutes. Whip cream with confectioners' sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

To assemble: Using a serrated knife, split each shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon fruit mixture and juice onto bottom layer, followed by 3 tablespoons of whipped cream. Cover with top of shortcake and serve immediately.

From Oprah.Com