Shortcake biscuit recipe from 1934
This recipe is from ‘The Magic baking Powder Cook Book’ in the collection at the Minden Hills Museum & Heritage Village. It was published after 1931. A handwritten note on the front dates the booklet to 1934.
The historic Recipe

Shortcake Biscuits
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons Magic Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoons salt
4 tablespoons shortening (1/2 butter, 1/2 lard)
1 tablespoons sugar
Milk, sufficient to make soft dough, about 2 1/2 cups)
Crushed and sweetened strawberries, creamed butter and whipped creamSift together three times flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the shortening. Add sugar, mix well. Add milk to make soft dough. Turn on floured board. Pat or roll lightly to 1″ thickness. Cut rather larger than ordinary. Bake in oven 250° F. 15 to 20 minutes. When done split and spread with creamed butter. Put between biscuits some crushed and sweetened strawberries. The biscuits may be covered with whipped cream, and the juice from the fruit poured round the dish or served at the table as many people do not like the short cake biscuit soaked with juice.
– The Magic Baking Powder Cook Book
Our Bake
Our Bake
This recipe is part of our Great Historic Bake Off series! Watch the video to see how this recipe turns out! We recommend a higher baking temperature of at least 325° F, instead of the 250° F called for in the recipe.
Enjoy!
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