Making Skillet Strawberry Shortcake can be a fun process if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Strawberries: In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Set aside to allow the juices to release.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
6. Assemble in Skillet: Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Pour the batter into the skillet, smoothing it into an even layer.
7. Top with Strawberries: Spoon the prepared strawberries over the batter, distributing evenly.
8. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the skillet shortcake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
10. Whip Cream: While cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Optionally, add sugar to taste if you prefer sweeter cream.

These steps will help you create an incredible Skillet Strawberry Shortcake that everyone will love!