The Prayer Porch

Tag: recipes

  • 🍓 Strawberry Shortcake

    🍓 Strawberry Shortcake

    Shakespeare reminds us that beauty is found in ordinary places. Sweetness often blossoms there too. 🌿
    “The strawberry grows underneath the nettle,
    And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best.”

    There’s something about the arrival of strawberry season that stirs up the sweetest memories. This small-batch air fryer version is just right for a summer afternoon treat and will make 4 servings.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

    • 1 tbsp + 2 tsp granulated sugar

    • 1 cup all-purpose flour

    • 1 tsp baking powder

    • 1/4 tsp baking soda

    • 1/4 tsp salt

    • 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, grated

    • 1/2 cup milk

    Whipped cream for serving and a light dusting of cocoa to finish

    Directions:

    In a bowl, combine strawberries and 1 tablespoon sugar. Mix well and set aside.

    Preheat your air fryer to 300°F and lightly grease a small round baking pan.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining 2 teaspoons sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    Add the grated cold butter and gently blend with fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Slowly pour in the milk and stir just until a soft dough forms. Do not over mix.

    Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

    Air fry for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.

    Let the shortcake cool slightly before slicing. Serve it with the sugared strawberries (and blueberries). Add a spoonful of whipped cream and dust with cocoa.

  • Delicious Strawberry Sourdough Cake Recipe

    Delicious Strawberry Sourdough Cake Recipe

    🍓 “Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.”
    – Dr. William Butler, 17th century


    Ingredients:

    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1/2 cup sourdough discard (or Greek vanilla yogurt)
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 3/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 lb strawberries, stems removed and halved
    • sugar and cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)

    For the Whipped Cream:

    • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350º.
    Prepare a 9-inch round pan by greasing the bottom or lining with parchment paper.

    In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
    Add the sourdough discard (or yogurt), egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
    Add the dry ingredients and stir until combined.

    Spread the batter in your prepared pan.
    Top with halved strawberries, cut side down.
    Sprinkle lightly with sugar and cinnamon for a cozy finish.

    Bake at 350ºF for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden.

    In a chilled glass bowl, combine whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla.
    Whip until medium peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

  • 🍎 German Apple Cake

    🍎 German Apple Cake

    This recipe comes from my father-in-law’s father and dates back to the 1940’s. It was a time when home baking was a treasured ritual. Recipes were passed down by hand, heart, and memory.

    During that era, many families in the U.S. found comfort in simple, resourceful cooking. The 1940’s were marked by both the hardship of war and the strength of community. Cakes like this were made with basic pantry staples and the seasonal abundance of apples. They became humble expressions of love, resilience, and gathering.

    Baking this cake now feels like more than just making dessert. It’s continuing a legacy. A quiet way to honor those who came before us, and to create new memories with every warm slice.

    Ingredients:

    • 4–5 apples, sliced
    • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Cinnamon and sugar (for sprinkling on the apples)
    • Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting after baking)

    Optional: Homemade Whipped Cream

    • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Directions:

    Preheat your oven to 375ºF.
    Slice the apples and sprinkle them with a cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.

    In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until soft and fluffy.
    Add the flour, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until a soft batter forms.

    Grease a 9-inch Springform pan.
    Spread or press the batter evenly into the bottom of the pan.
    Arrange the apple slices neatly on top of the batter, pressing them in just slightly.

    Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
    Allow to cool, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

    🍰 Homemade Whipped Cream (Optional)

    In a chilled bowl, combine the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla.
    Whip until soft-to-medium peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.