Skillet Strawberry Shortcake

This Skillet Strawberry Shortcake is a fresh twist on the beloved classic — buttery biscuit-style cake baked in a skillet, loaded with juicy macerated strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. It’s rustic, easy to serve family-style, and comes together in under an hour. Perfect for picnics, cookouts, or cozy summer nights!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Total time: 40–45 minutes

Servings: Serves 6–8 people

Ingredients:

For the Strawberries:

1½ lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Skillet Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

For the Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for at least 15–30 minutes to release their juices.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add milk and vanilla; stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
Press the dough into a lightly greased 10-inch cast iron skillet. Smooth the top and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool slightly in the skillet.
In a chilled bowl, beat the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Top the cake with a generous spoonful of the macerated strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations:

Add lemon zest or a touch of almond extract to the batter for extra flavor.
Use a mix of berries like raspberries or blueberries for variety.
Want to skip homemade whipped cream? Use store-bought for a quick shortcut.

This Skillet Strawberry Shortcake is everything summer desserts should be — simple, shareable, and bursting with juicy berries and buttery goodness. It’s a beautiful centerpiece that brings a rustic charm to your table with zero fuss.

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