Description

If you're looking for a dessert that combines the fresh burst of blueberries with the lightness of a fluffy cake, then this Sheet Pan Blueberry Shortcake is exactly what you need. It's the perfect treat for any celebration, family gathering, or even just a special weeknight indulgence. This recipe offers a delightful balance between the sweetness of the cake, the tartness of the blueberries, and the creamy richness of the whipped topping. Plus, it's easy to make and serve in a sheet pan, making it ideal for sharing with a crowd. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients

• Cake:
• 2 ¾ cups cake flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups sugar
• 5 egg whites
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Blueberry Topping:
• 4 ½ cups fresh blueberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Whipped Topping:
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Preparation Method

Preheat and bake the cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to assemble later. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Slowly stir in the milk, followed by the cake flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cake to cool completely and then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour. This will firm it up, making it easier to handle when assembling the layers.

Make the blueberry topping:
While the cake is chilling, it's time to prepare the delicious blueberry topping. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of blueberries, the sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup of fresh blueberries. This will give the topping a nice balance of textures, with some blueberries fully cooked and others still juicy and fresh. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the whipped topping:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mix on medium-high speed. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Whip the mixture until stiff peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The result should be light, airy, and perfectly sweetened.

Assemble the shortcake:
Now comes the fun part: assembling your shortcake! Start by cutting the chilled sheet cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Layer a piece of cake on the serving plate, then generously spoon over some of the blueberry topping. Follow this with a dollop of the whipped topping. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final flourish of whipped cream and a few extra fresh blueberries for garnish. The result is a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious dessert that’s ready to impress.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra twist, you can add a touch of zest from the lemon into the cake batter or the whipped topping to elevate the citrus flavor and complement the blueberry filling. Additionally, serving this dessert chilled on a hot summer day will make it even more refreshing. If you want a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling some crushed graham crackers or slivered almonds between the layers.

This Sheet Pan Blueberry Shortcake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining simple ingredients with an easy-to-follow process. The result is a beautifully layered shortcake that showcases the vibrant color and flavor of fresh blueberries, balanced with a rich yet light whipped topping. Its sheet pan preparation makes it ideal for feeding a crowd, and the delightful combination of textures and flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're serving this at a party, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoy each bite of this creamy, fruity, and delicious treat!