Healthy Shortcake Recipe with Nectarines: Reduced Calorie
Delicious and healthy shortcake recipe with nectarines using reduced-calorie ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for summer!
Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time for delicious and refreshing desserts! This healthy shortcake recipe with nectarines is perfect for the season. It’s made with reduced-calorie ingredients, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty. The shortcakes are light and fluffy, and the nectarines are sweet and juicy. What I love the most about this recipe is that it is easy to make. (Plus, I’ve added two other nectarine recipes for all my nectarine lovers: see them below)
This recipe is sure to become a summer favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.
The other thing I love is switching it up with the nectarines. Often times fresh berries such as fresh strawberries are used with shortcakes. Using nectarines is a fun twist on the typical healthy strawberry shortcake recipe. So grab a large bowl and a rubber spatula and read on to discover just how easy this recipe is!
I can’t wait to share it with you!
What is shortcake made of?
Shortcake is a type of biscuit that is typically made with flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk or cream.
The name “shortcake” is derived from the old English cooking definition of “short” which referred to something made crisp with the addition of fat.
Here are some additional facts about shortcake:
- Shortcake is a popular dessert in the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Shortcake is often served with strawberries and whipped cream, but it can also be served with other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches & nectarines.
- Shortcake can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, including individual biscuits, shortcake squares, or a shortcake cake.
- Healthy shortcake is a relatively simple dessert to make, and it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
What’s the difference between shortcake and regular cake?
The main difference between regular cake and shortcake is the texture. Shortcake has a crumbly texture. Regular cake, on the other hand, is made with a lower fat content, which gives it a more tender and spongy texture.
Additional details about the two types of desserts:
- Shortcake: In shortcake, the butter is cut into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles cornmeal. The liquid ingredients are then mixed in just until moistened, resulting in a shortened dough. The dough is then dropped in spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, rolled and cut like baking powder biscuits, or poured into a cake pan, depending on how wet the dough is and the baker’s preferences. Then it is baked at a relatively high temperature until set.
- Regular Cake: Regular cake is typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and baking powder. The eggs are beaten until they are light and fluffy, and then the dry ingredients are added alternately with the wet ingredients. The batter is then baked in a cake pan at a relatively low temperature until it is set.
How to Make Healthy Shortcake Recipe with Nectarines
Making a golden brown shortcake couldn’t be any easier. Plus, this simple recipe is one that the whole family can enjoy.
I have so many delicious dessert recipes this summer. In full disclosure, eating just one biscuit might not be enough. Consider this a fair warning. ha
Simple ingredients you’ll need
- Nectarines
- Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Reduced calorie biscuit mix
- Milk
- Butter
- Whipped cream
What makes this recipe low-calorie is the reduced-calorie biscuit mix.
Instructions
Combine Nectarines with sugar
- Heat oven to 425 degrees
- Pit the nectarines, then slice 3 of the 4 nectarines and toss together with 1/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract.
- Set aside the nectarines.
Next, pit, peel, and dice the last nectarine. (this will be added to the biscuit mixture.)
Mixing the dry ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. (a stand mixer or a hand mixer may be used)
- Add the milk, and cold butter to the flour mixture and stir in the diced nectarines.
- Once the biscuit mixture has been combined, drop round 1/2 to 1 cup mounds of batter onto a baking sheet, covered with parchment paper. (dividing the dough into 6 servings) Using parchment paper is an easy way to cut clean-up time in half.
The shortcake purpose flour is the key ingredient to making light and fluffy shortcakes.
Bake & Serve
- Bake at 425 degrees for about 12 minutes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cool the biscuits on a wired rack.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of heavy cream with a hand mixer until soft peaks form.
- Once cooled, split one in half horizontally and place the bottom half on a plate.
- Top with 1/3 cup of room temperature nectarines and 1/4 cup of whipped topping.
- Place the other half of the biscuit on top of the whipped topping and repeat with the remaining whipped cream.
- Serve immediately.
That’s it! The best part it took me only 30 minutes.
How to store shortcake biscuits?
Storing this tasty dessert is super easy. For best results, the leftover shortcakes may be stored in an airtight container for up to five days. You can also store your fresh whipped topping in the refrigerator for a few days. Using separate containers for the whip cream and cake will prevent the dessert from getting too soggy.
The fresh fruit may also be stored in an airtight container.
This is truly one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. We all love the classic versions but using the nectarines gives this delicious dessert just the twist you’ll need to wow your family and guests.
The first time you taste these sweet biscuits you’ll know why they are the best thing to end any summer meal!
Healthy Shortcake Recipe with Nectarines
Ingredients
- 4 Nectarines
- 1/4 + 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 2/3 cup Reduced-calorie biscuit mix
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups Whipped topping
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees
- Pit the nectarines, then slice 3 of the 4 nectarines and toss together with 1/4 cup of sugar and vanilla.
- Set aside the nectarines.
- Pit, peel and dice the remaining nectarine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit mix with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Add the milk, and butter and stir in the diced nectarines.
- Drop round mounds of batter onto a baking sheet, covered with parchment paper. (dividing dough into 6 servings)
- Bake at 425 degrees for about 12 minutes.
- Cool the biscuits on a wired rack.
- Once cooled, splt one in half horizontally and place the bottom half on plate.
- Top with 1/3 cup of nectarines and 1/4 cup of whipped topping.
- Place the other half of biscuit on top of the whipped topping and repeat with remaining biscuits.
- Serve immediately.
Do you love nectarines as much as I do? For more ways to use nectarines, check out the recipes below.
Recipe for Grilled Nectarines
Grilled Nectarines
Ingredients
- 4 Ripe Nectarines Peaches (Optional)
- 4 tsp Coconut oil Olive Oil (optional)
- 4 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Foil for Wrapping
Instructions
- Grease the foil with coconut oil or olive oil
- Remove the pit from the nectarine and cut in half.
- Place the nectarine halves cut side up on foil
- Sprinkle cinnamon, vanilla and sugar over the nectarines
- Put dollops of coconut oil on top
- Fold foil up and fold over firmly at the top. (no leaks)
- Place foil on grill for 15 – 20 minutes with lid down.
- Remove from grill and open foil carefully.
- Serve slightly warm.
Once you have grilled your nectarines, you can make this delicious salad using the grilled fruit on top.
Grilled Nectarine & Fresh Burrata Salad
Grilled Nectarine & Fresh Burrata Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups Arugula
- 4 4oz balls Burrata 4 oz ball per person
- 4 Grilled Nectarines See recipe above
- Basil (optional)
- 1/2 cup Pecans (slivered) if desired
Instructions
- Prepare grilled nectarines per recipe instructions
- Plate 1 cup of Arugula per person in a salad bowl or dish
- Thinly slice nectarines. Add to arugula.
- Add the balls of burrata and the nectarines and slice the burrata open.
- Add basil to salad (optional)
- Drizzle your favorite dressing over the Arugula salad
FAQ
How do I make sure my shortcakes are light and fluffy?
- There are a few things you can do to make sure your shortcakes are light and fluffy:
- * Use cold butter. Cold butter will help to create a tender and crumbly texture.
- * Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, which will make your shortcakes tough.
- * Bake the shortcakes until they are just golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry.
What are some tips for serving shortcake?
- Here are some tips for serving shortcake:
- * Serve shortcake with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
- * Top shortcake with whipped cream, ice cream, or yogurt.
- * Serve shortcake warm or at room temperature.
Other healthy dessert recipes ideas
Healthy Homemade Strawberry Protein Bar Recipe
Low Carb Goat Cheese Appetizer (Chevre Fig Spread Recipe)
Chocolate Charcuterie Board Ideas You Can Make Today
Easy Cappuccino Dessert to Make with Coffee
Be sure to save this easy and healthy shortcake recipe for future reference. It’s the perfect treat.
The best part of eating shortcakes is the combination of flaky shortcakes, sweet nectarines, and creamy whipped cream.
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Yum! These recipes sound delicious!
Thank you Renae. It’s a huge hit everytime I make it.
Such a great recipe!