The Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake brings a timeless favorite to life with minimal effort. Each buttery, flaky shortcake is paired with fresh, macerated strawberries, creating a dessert that is both simple and indulgent.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a special summer celebration. It’s easy to assemble and bake, and the fresh strawberries provide the perfect balance of sweetness. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence, or enjoy it just as is for a light, refreshing treat.
Full Recipe:
-
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
-
2/3 cup heavy cream
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Whipped cream for topping (optional)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside to allow them to macerate and release their juices.
-
In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring until the dough comes together.
-
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a ball. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
-
Cut the dough into squares or rounds and arrange them on the prepared sheet pan, leaving some space between each one.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the shortcakes are golden brown.
-
To assemble, place a shortcake on a plate, top with the macerated strawberries, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake: A Delicious and Easy Twist on a Classic Dessert
If you’re a fan of strawberry shortcake but want a quicker, easier way to make this beloved dessert, look no further than the sheet pan strawberry shortcake. This delicious variation on the traditional shortcake features all the classic flavors of buttery, flaky shortcake and sweet, juicy strawberries, but with far less fuss. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple, quick, and perfect for anyone looking to serve a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Origins of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a dessert with roots that date back to the 16th century, with early versions appearing in England. The classic dessert typically consists of sweet, shortbread-like biscuits or cakes layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Over the centuries, the recipe has evolved, with many variations coming into existence. One popular version is the American take, which usually features a biscuit base, layered with strawberries and topped with whipped cream. This dish is particularly popular in spring and summer when strawberries are in season and at their sweetest.
Why Choose a Sheet Pan Version?
The sheet pan strawberry shortcake is a game-changer for busy bakers or anyone who wants to serve up a delicious dessert without all the stress of individual servings or complicated baking techniques. By preparing everything on a single sheet pan, you can save time and energy, as well as reduce the mess of mixing different components. Plus, it’s much easier to serve when it’s all laid out in one pan, making it perfect for gatherings and parties.
In a traditional strawberry shortcake recipe, you often have to bake individual shortcakes or biscuits, which can be time-consuming. With the sheet pan method, you make one large batch of shortcake, then cut it into squares or rounds. The result is a much faster way to prepare the dish, without compromising on flavor or texture. Not only does it make assembly easier, but it also allows the strawberries and whipped cream to shine, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake
While the sheet pan version of strawberry shortcake is easy to make, there are a few tips to ensure that your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
-
Use Fresh Strawberries: The key to a great strawberry shortcake is the strawberries. Choose ripe, fresh strawberries that are in season for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute frozen, but be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them.
-
Keep the Butter Cold: For the best texture in the shortcakes, it’s important to keep the butter cold. Cold butter will help create flaky, tender biscuits. Cut the butter into small cubes and place it in the fridge before using it in the dough. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is a key step in ensuring that your shortcakes have a light, flaky texture.
-
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can result in tough shortcakes. Stir until the dough just comes together, then stop. A little bit of lumpiness is okay—it will still turn out perfectly.
-
Let the Shortcakes Cool Before Assembling: After baking the shortcakes, let them cool for a few minutes before cutting them. This will help them firm up and make it easier to slice them into neat squares or rounds. If you’re in a rush, you can also place them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process.
-
Layer with Fresh Whipped Cream: The combination of fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream is what takes this dessert over the top. While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, homemade whipped cream has a richness and lightness that really enhances the dessert. It’s easy to make—just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until it forms soft peaks.
Serving Ideas and Variations
One of the best parts of making sheet pan strawberry shortcake is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
-
Add Some Chocolate: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the shortcakes or sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the strawberries before assembling. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries and light shortcakes.
-
Make It a Parfait: If you’re looking for a fun way to serve this dessert, consider turning it into a parfait. Layer chunks of shortcake with strawberries and whipped cream in individual cups or jars for a cute and portable treat. This is a great option for picnics, parties, or even as a fun way to get kids involved in making dessert.
-
Try Other Berries: While strawberries are the classic choice, you can easily swap them out for other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Each berry brings its own unique flavor, creating a refreshing twist on the original.
-
Serve with Ice Cream: For an even more indulgent treat, serve the sheet pan strawberry shortcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, flaky shortcake with cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
-
Make It Gluten-Free or Vegan: If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter and heavy cream substitutes, such as coconut milk or a plant-based whipped cream.
The Joy of Sharing This Dessert
One of the best things about sheet pan strawberry shortcake is how easy it is to share. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, having friends over for tea, or simply treating your family to a homemade dessert, this dish is perfect for sharing. The large sheet pan allows you to serve a crowd without the stress of preparing individual servings.
When serving, you can either present the shortcake as a whole and let everyone slice their own portions or pre-cut it into squares for easy individual servings. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Conclusion
Sheet pan strawberry shortcake is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic dessert with minimal effort. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, a picnic, or a special event, this dessert is sure to impress. By using fresh, in-season strawberries and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that everyone will love. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, try this simple sheet pan version of strawberry shortcake, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!