'I Tried Ina Garten's Berry Shortcakes & Can't Get Enough'

It’s that time of year again when stores and farm stands are overflowing with peak-of-the-season blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. To celebrate the season, Ina Garten has been sharing some of her beloved berry recipes on Instagram, including a perfect panna cotta and gorgeous Red Berry Shortcakes that feature a combo of strawberries and raspberries.

In the IG caption, Ina mentions that in her pal Sarah Leah Chase's family, strawberry shortcakes were served for dinner when the berries were finally ripe. "I wish my family was that much fun growing up," said Ina. Us too, Ina. Us too.

That charming backstory got my attention, but what really sealed the deal was the photo. A sugar-topped split biscuit stuffed with whipped yogurt a SO MANY juicy berries. I knew I had to head to the kitchen and give it a try.

Related: 19 Classic Ina Garten Recipes That Prove She's the GOAT

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Ina Garten's Red Berry Shortcakes with Honey Yogurt

Red Berry Shortcakes with Honey Yogurt is a delightful combination of seasonal berries and pillows of tart fresh-whipped yogurt sandwiched between two halves of a soft, flaky biscuit. The recipe makes six, so it is perfect for both large and small families to enjoy.

Related: Copycat Shortcake McFlurry

I know what you're thinking: Why go through the trouble to make homemade biscuits when you can easily grab prepackaged ones at the store? Trust me, although they require a bit of work, they're well worth it.

What You Need for Ina's Red Berry Shortcakes

Like other Garten recipes, this one is totally customizable. Not into strawberries? Just about any other berry would be a good substitute. What about peaches, you ask? Yes, peaches will work great too. Garten doesn't address using a flavored honey but I used my favorite lavender honey and thought it was amazing in this recipe.

• flour

• sugar

• baking powder

• unsalted butter

• heavy cream

• eggs

• grated orange zest

• egg wash

• turbinado sugar

• strawberries

• raspberries

• Greek yogurt

• Savannah Bee Company Lavender Honey (or regular honey)

• fresh mint

How To Make Shortcakes Like Ina Garten

Garten's shortcakes take some time to make but are easy nonetheless.

1. Begin by sifting flour with baking powder and salt and adding it to a mixer bowl with small cubes of butter. It's important to make sure your butter is cut into small cubes so it's evenly distributed in the biscuit dough.

2. Next, mix heavy cream and eggs and mix them into the flour until a very sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead slightly until it comes together.

3. Roll out the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut out the shortcakes with a 3-inch cookie cutter.

4. Place the shortcake rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and stick them in the freezer for 30 minutes.

5. Before baking, lightly brush each shortcake with egg wash and generously sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

6. While the shortcakes are baking, macerate the berries and whip together the yogurt and honey.

Related: Ina Garten's Boozy Ice Cream Dessert 

Tips for Making Better Shortcakes

These are a few tips I've found for making shortcakes:

1. For a better rise, use cold or frozen butter. The colder the butter, the better. Once frozen, grating the butter with a cheese grater is easy.

2. Don't overmix the dough. An overmixed dough leads to tough, heavy biscuits. If the dough looks a little shaggy with some visible pieces of butter, you're doing it right.

3. Once the shortcakes are shaped, space them about one inch apart and chill in the freezer.

4. Don't overbake your shortcakes. You'll know they are done when the tops are golden brown.

My Honest Thoughts About Ina's Red Berry Shortcakes

These shortcakes take a bit of work but they are totally worth the hype! And I understand completely why Garten would eat these for dinner. They're hearty and filling in the best way. No matter what time of day you decide to make them, these half-biscuit half-scone treats are pure summer goodness!

Want More Berry Recipes? Try These:

• 30 Blackberry Recipes

• Strawberry Summer Salad

• Raspberry Ricotta Cake

• Berry Baked French Toast