50

min
  • desserts

Softmax Strawberry Shortcake

The Softmax Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Inspired by the computational Softmax function, this shortcake is all about balancing flavors to achieve the perfect bite. The luscious strawberries, melt-in-your-mouth whipped cream, and fluffy cake layers are designed to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Just like the Softmax function assigns a probability that helps to classify objects, each ingredient in this cake has a crucial role to play in creating a culinary masterpiece that is bound to classify as a favorite!

  • SERVES
    8-10 people
  • PREP TIME
    30 minutes
  • Cook TIME
    20-25 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for strawberries
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar for cake
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 2/3 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Directions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Press the dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle.
  6. Cut out rounds using a biscuit cutter and place them onto a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the shortcakes to cool.
  8. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until soft peaks form.
  9. To assemble the shortcakes, slice each one in half. Spoon some macerated strawberries onto the bottom half, followed by a dollop of whipped cream. Place the top half of the shortcake on the cream.

The Softmax Strawberry Shortcake is more than just a dessert; it's a blend of culinary traditions and innovative inspirations. Strawberry shortcake has been a beloved treat in many cultures, with its earliest versions dating back to the 15th century. However, this particular recipe has been specially designed for the modern palate, incorporating the freshness of strawberries, the richness of cream, and the comforting taste of well-made shortcake.

The inspiration behind the Softmax Strawberry Shortcake was to create a dessert that is not just delicious but also balanced. The Softmax function in machine learning is all about assigning probabilities that sum to one, ensuring balance. This concept was transposed to this recipe, where each component - the strawberries, cream, and shortcake - has a distinct role to play, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.

The twist lies in the addition of lemon zest in the whipped cream. This touch of acidity cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the cream, creating a flavor profile that is complex and satisfying. The Softmax Strawberry Shortcake is not your average strawberry shortcake; it's a dessert that is as refined as it is comforting. Whether you're an expert baker or a novice, this recipe is a cinch to pull off and is bound to impress at any gathering. So why wait? Try your hand at the Softmax Strawberry Shortcake today and experience the perfect balance of flavors that this dessert has to offer.

desserts