Bisquick Shortbread: 13X9 Pan Perfection

To make a 13x9 pan of shortbread using Bisquick, you'll need to preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the bottom and sides of your pan with shortening, or use baking spray with flour. In a large bowl, beat together 3 cups of Bisquick mix, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of butter or margarine (softened), and 1 cup of whipping cream. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the shortbread to cool completely before serving. This recipe yields a crowd-pleasing 15 servings.

The amount of Bisquick mix required

The Bisquick mix serves as a convenient base for the shortbread, providing a pre-mixed blend of flour, leavening agents, and other ingredients. It simplifies the baking process by eliminating the need to measure and mix multiple dry ingredients separately. By using Bisquick mix, you can save time and effort in preparing the shortbread dough.

In addition to the Bisquick mix, other common ingredients used in shortbread recipes include sugar, butter or margarine, milk, and flavourings such as vanilla extract. The specific quantities of these ingredients may vary depending on personal preferences and the desired taste and texture of the shortbread. However, a standard ratio of 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine, and 1/2 cup of milk for every 2 1/3 cups of Bisquick mix is a good starting point.

When preparing the shortbread dough, it is important to mix the ingredients thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Over-mixing should be avoided as it can affect the texture and toughness of the dough. Once the dough is ready, it can be pressed into an ungreased pan or dropped onto a greased baking sheet in spoonfuls, depending on the desired shape and presentation of the shortbread.

By following the suggested measurements and properly combining the ingredients, you can ensure that your 13x9 pan of shortbread has the right consistency and flavour. Adjustments can be made to the recipe based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions, such as using vegan or dairy-free alternatives for butter and milk.

The temperature to bake the shortbread

The ideal temperature for baking shortbread depends on the format you choose to bake it in. If you're making individual shortbread cookies, a temperature of 325°F is recommended. Baking at a lower temperature is necessary to prevent the cookies from turning golden brown, as traditional shortbread cookies are very pale.

If you're making a pan of shortbread, there are two approaches you can take. For a quicker bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13x9-inch pan, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

For a more authentic Scottish shortbread, preheat your oven to 300°F. Grease and line a 9" square pan with parchment paper. After baking the shortbread, you can slice it into fingers. This lower temperature and longer bake time of 50 to 55 minutes will give your shortbread a lighter golden colour.

It's important to note that the given oven temperatures are for conventional ovens, not fan ovens. Adjustments will need to be made if you are using a fan oven to ensure your shortbread doesn't overbake.

The time to bake for

It is important not to overbake shortbread, as this can make it dry and crumbly. Similarly, be careful not to underbake it, as it may not hold together properly.

Once your shortbread is baked, it is important to let it cool before serving. The shortbread biscuits should be cooled for 5 minutes on a rack, while the shortbread cake should be cooled for about 1 hour.

The ingredients to add

The ingredients you will need for a 13x9 pan of shortbread are:

• 3 cups of Bisquick baking mix
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of butter or margarine, softened
• 1 cup of whipping cream
• 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
• 6 cups of sliced fresh strawberries (about 2 lb)

You will also need shortening or baking spray with flour to grease the pan.

Some variations on the recipe include adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla for a fresh taste. You can also try adding other fruits such as peaches, kiwifruit, or raspberries.

If you are making a vegan or dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and the milk with almond milk.

How to serve the shortbread

To serve your shortbread, you can cut it into squares, bars, or wedges. It's best to do this while the shortbread is still warm, as it will be too hard to cut once it has cooled. You can also break the shortbread into chunks.

If you want to get creative, there are many ways to decorate and flavour your shortbread. For example, you can:

• Dip it in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes
• Drizzle with dark chocolate
• Sandwich with chocolate ganache, lemon curd, or dulce de leche
• Dip in milk and dark chocolates
• Pipe pink peppermint buttercream on top and garnish with crushed candy cane
• Dip in white chocolate and toasted coconut
• Top with leftover cheesecake
• Double-dip in dark and white chocolate
• Sprinkle with sparkling sugar
• Garnish with crushed candy
• Top with a sugary glaze
• Dust with powdered sugar
• Spread with frosting
• Top with fresh fruit, such as strawberries, peaches, kiwifruit, raspberries, or a mix of your favourites

Frequently asked questions