This Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a buttery, golden-brown shortcake, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, all in one pan. It’s perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, or even a casual weekend dessert. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with other berries or decorations, like a flag design for patriotic holidays!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Shortcake:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 5 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp table salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, 2 sticks)

• 2 lightly beaten eggs

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 lbs fresh strawberries (washed and sliced)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (more or less depending on berry sweetness)

• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

• Optional: Chamomile flowers for decoration

Directions

1. Make the Shortcake:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a non-stick 13×18 sheet pan. In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Transfer to a mixing bowl, then stir in eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla.
   Spread the dough evenly on the sheet pan with slightly damp hands. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let the shortcake cool completely.

2. Whip the Cream:
   In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-beat.

3. Prepare the Strawberries:
   Slice the strawberries and toss them with sugar and lemon juice. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Assemble the Shortcake:
   Once the shortcake has cooled, top with whipped cream and the sugared strawberries. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrients

Estimated per serving (1/12th of the recipe):

• Calories: 652 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 57g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 45g

• Sodium: 134mg

• Sugar: 26g

What Makes Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake a Great Dessert Choice

A traditional strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert, typically made with biscuits or sponge cakes, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. However, this Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake takes a simpler approach by spreading the shortcake batter across a sheet pan, allowing you to bake and serve it in one easy-to-manage dish. The result is a light, fluffy, golden-brown shortcake that serves a crowd and saves you time in both preparation and cleanup. This approach allows for more servings in one pan without compromising the flavor or texture.

The charm of this recipe is that it’s just as delicious as traditional strawberry shortcake, but without the need for individually assembled portions. Whether you are hosting a casual BBQ or looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for a family reunion, the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake provides an effortlessly beautiful presentation and the perfect balance of sweet and rich flavors.

The Shortcake Base: The Heart of the Dessert

The base of this dessert, the shortcake, is a simple yet rich dough that bakes into a soft, slightly crumbly texture, which contrasts beautifully with the juicy strawberries and light whipped cream. The secret to a perfect shortcake lies in the proportions of butter and cream, which create the signature golden-brown crust and tender interior. When baked on a sheet pan, the shortcake forms an even, uniform layer that can be easily sliced into generous squares for serving.

The beauty of this shortcake base is that it’s both easy to make and extremely versatile. While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with different flours or even incorporate whole wheat flour for a more rustic, hearty flavor. Additionally, this shortcake can be customized by adding a hint of citrus zest, like lemon or orange, for an extra layer of freshness. The shortcake base sets the stage for the strawberries and whipped cream, but it’s also delicious enough to stand on its own.

The Whipped Cream: A Luxurious Topping

What’s a strawberry shortcake without its signature whipped cream? The whipped cream is a critical component that elevates the dessert from good to extraordinary. In this Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake recipe, the whipped cream is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweetened with powdered sugar, making it the ideal topping to balance the rich shortcake and the tangy-sweet strawberries.

The key to achieving the perfect whipped cream is to avoid over-beating the cream. You want it to form soft peaks that hold their shape without turning into butter. This step is essential for creating that airy texture that complements the other elements of the dish. The whipped cream also provides a smooth contrast to the crisp, golden shortcake, and when paired with the juicy strawberries, it’s the perfect texture combination for each bite.

The Strawberries: Fresh, Juicy, and Flavorful

Strawberries are the star of this dessert, and their freshness makes all the difference. When selecting strawberries, choose ripe, sweet berries that will release their natural juices as they macerate with the sugar and lemon juice. This brings out the full depth of their flavor, and the natural syrup formed from the strawberries makes the dessert even more decadent.

To get the best flavor and texture, it’s important to slice the strawberries just before assembling the shortcake. If you slice them too early, the berries may become mushy and lose their texture. Tossing them with a little sugar and fresh lemon juice enhances their natural sweetness and adds a zesty note that balances the richness of the whipped cream and shortcake.

Customization and Variations

While the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake recipe is delicious as it is, it’s also incredibly flexible, allowing for various modifications based on your preferences or the occasion. If strawberries aren’t in season, or if you prefer a different berry, feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. A mix of berries adds color and texture variety, giving your dessert a unique twist.

For those celebrating holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, you can easily create a festive, patriotic design by arranging the berries in the shape of a flag, with strawberries for the red stripes and blueberries for the stars. You can also decorate the shortcake with edible flowers like chamomile or lavender for a more sophisticated look.

If you want to add more richness to the dessert, consider layering the whipped cream with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese for a tangier, fuller flavor. Additionally, for those who prefer a touch of alcohol in their desserts, you could drizzle a small amount of liqueur like Grand Marnier over the strawberries or even add a splash to the whipped cream. These variations allow you to tailor the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake to suit your taste preferences and make it even more special for your guests.

The Simplicity of Assembly

One of the best things about this dessert is how simple it is to assemble. After baking the shortcake and letting it cool, the rest of the process is all about layering the ingredients in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to serve. The whipped cream is spread over the cooled shortcake, and the sweetened strawberries are piled on top. You can serve it straight from the pan or slice it into squares for individual portions. This no-fuss assembly makes the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake an excellent choice for busy cooks who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake is a delightful dessert that combines the perfect elements of a classic treat into one easy-to-prepare dish. From its buttery shortcake base to the sweet, juicy strawberries and airy whipped cream topping, every bite of this dessert is a celebration of summer flavors. The best part is its versatility, allowing for creative customization and decoration for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a large family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply indulging in a sweet weekend treat, this dessert is sure to be a hit. So, next time you need a simple yet impressive dessert, reach for a sheet pan and make this classic favorite your own.