Skillet Strawberry Shortcake

Introduction

Welcome to the sweet world of Skillet Strawberry Shortcake, where the simplicity of everyday ingredients meets the elegance of a warm, fruity dessert. This delightful treat is perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a snack, offering a balance of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests in awe. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. With its short preparation time and impressive presentation, this Skillet Strawberry Shortcake is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Works

• The combination of fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and creamy whipped cream creates a flavor balance that is both comforting and exciting.
• The accessibility of the ingredients, including strawberries, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and heavy cream, makes this dessert feasible for anyone to try.
• The ease of preparation, which involves mixing, baking, and assembling, ensures that even the most novice bakers can achieve impressive results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of sliced strawberries
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup of heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
• Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
2. Step 2: Pour the dough into a 10-inch oven-safe skillet and smooth the top. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the strawberries with granulated sugar.
3. Step 3: Bake the shortcake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the strawberries are tender. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
4. Step 4: Split the shortcake into wedges and serve warm with whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries, if desired. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy biscuit, brush the top of the shortcake with a little bit of heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar before baking.
• To ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed, arrange them in a pattern or use a mixture of sliced and diced strawberries.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough biscuits. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients come together in a shaggy mass.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect bake, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature (375°F or 190°C). The shortcake is done when the biscuits are golden brown and the strawberries are tender. If you prefer a crisper biscuit, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the shortcake during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this Skillet Strawberry Shortcake comes from the crispy biscuit topping and the tender, caramelized strawberries. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overmix the dough and to bake the shortcake until the biscuits are golden brown. You can also add a sprinkle of granulated sugar on top of the shortcake before baking for an extra crunchy topping.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the whipped cream more stable, add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the heavy cream before whipping.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, use strawberry jam or preserves in place of some of the granulated sugar.
• To make the shortcake more impressive, serve it in the skillet and top with additional sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shortcake in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freeze the shortcake for up to 2 months. Wrap the shortcake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
• Use a glass or ceramic container to store the shortcake, as metal can react with the acidity in the strawberries.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Skillet Strawberry Shortcake is perfect for gifting to friends and family. Consider packaging the shortcake in a decorative tin or basket, topped with a bow and a gift tag. You can also package the shortcake in a mason jar or a glass container, topped with a lid and a ribbon. Add a few fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream to the top of the shortcake for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, in place of the strawberries.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the biscuit topping for a warm and spicy flavor.
• Use almond extract or lemon zest in place of the vanilla extract for a unique and delicious flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the biscuits are too dense, try adding a little more heavy cream or egg to the dough.
• If the strawberries are too tart, try adding a little more granulated sugar to the shortcake.
• If the shortcake is too dry, try adding a little more melted butter or heavy cream to the dough.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the shortcake? Yes, you can freeze the shortcake for up to 2 months. Wrap the shortcake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
• Is the shortcake gluten-free? No, the shortcake contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try using gluten-free flour in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger shortcake. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and bake in a larger skillet or baking dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Skillet Strawberry Shortcake is a delicious and impressive dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation, beautiful presentation, and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the shortcake your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy baking!