Mixed Berry Shortcake

Name: Mixed Berry Shortcake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2-3/4 cups fat-free milk; 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons cold butter; 2/3 cup buttermilk; 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries; 4 cups fresh blueberries; 8 whole strawberries, halved; 1/2 cup reduced-fat whipped topping

This fruit-filled summer dessert looks so pretty served in parfait glasses. Strawberries, blueberries and a cool custard sauce are layered between tender cubes of homemade shortcake. Our Test Kitchen came up with the berry delicious treat.

Ingredients

1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2-3/4 cups fat-free milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold butter
2/3 cup buttermilk
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
4 cups fresh blueberries
8 whole strawberries, halved
1/2 cup reduced-fat whipped topping

Directions

In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in milk until blended. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. transfer to a bowl; press a piece of plastic wrap on top of custard. Refrigerate.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and remaining sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Pat gently into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Cut shortcake into 3/4-in. cubes. In parfait glasses, alternate layers of shortcake, custard, sliced strawberries and blueberries. Garnish with halved strawberries and a dollop of whipped topping.