Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

Name: Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons shortening; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2/3 cup buttermilk; STREUSEL TOPPING:; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries; Whipped cream

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. My grandma even carries out our family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Ingredients

10 tablespoons shortening
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup buttermilk
STREUSEL TOPPING:
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Whipped cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Transfer to a 12 in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet.
For streusel topping, in a small bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon and allspice; cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter. Top with strawberries. Bake until center is puffed and edges are golden brown, 50-60 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream.

Test Kitchen tips

Blot the strawberries dry after washing and slicing; use only the firm ones.

Try sprinkling cinnamon and sugar on top for a glistening top during the baking.

Do not overbake; bake just until at toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.