Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that celebrates strawberry season! This layered cake combines fluffy yellow cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream frosting. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, it stands out with its bright flavors and beautiful presentation. Even if you’re not a pro at cake decorating, this recipe is approachable and guarantees a delicious outcome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: The steps are simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile for Occasions: Great for birthdays, holidays, or just a summer gathering with friends.
• Deliciously Fresh: Made with fresh strawberries that add a burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
• Stunning Presentation: The layers of cake and vibrant strawberries create an eye-catching dessert.
• Creamy Whipped Frosting: The whipped cream frosting perfectly complements the cake’s flavors without being overly sweet.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar for the cake.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Essential for shaping your layers evenly for stacking.

Ingredients

For this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk

For the Filling

• 1 ½ – 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (474ml) cold heavy whipping cream

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture while alternating with buttermilk. Start with flour and end with flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Layers

Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Strawberries

While cakes cool, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with granulated sugar. Let them sit so they release their juices.

Step 9: Make Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until combined.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread some frosting on top followed by sliced strawberries. Repeat this process with remaining layers. Finish by frosting the outside of the entire cake.

Enjoy every delicious bite of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance its appeal. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will make your cake shine.

Classic Slice

• Serve a classic slice of the cake with fresh strawberries on top for an elegant presentation.

Individual Servings

• Cut the cake into small squares and serve them on dessert plates. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Parfait Style

• Layer pieces of cake with whipped cream and sliced strawberries in a glass for a beautiful parfait presentation.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or chocolate sauce over each slice for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Garnish with Mint

• Top each serving with a sprig of fresh mint. This adds color and freshness to the dish.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the cake perfectly.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add vibrant flavor and texture. Look for ripe, juicy berries for the best taste.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.

• Whip Cream Properly: When whipping cream, stop once stiff peaks form. Over-whipping can lead to butter instead of cream.

• Chill Before Serving: Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

• Layer Carefully: When layering, spread fillings evenly to ensure balanced flavor and easier slicing.

• Adapt for Allergies: Substitute ingredients as needed (like gluten-free flour) to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Pairing your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with strawberry flavors.
3. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet provides a tart contrast that enhances the sweetness of the cake.
4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent treats offer an extra chocolatey bite that pairs beautifully.
5. Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty richness of pecan pie bars complements the lightness of the shortcake.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that balance out the sweetness of your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls will help you achieve the best results.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Always measure your ingredients carefully to ensure the right texture and flavor.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing leads to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well your batter comes together. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing.

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into a warm cake can lead to crumbling. Allow your layers to cool completely before frosting them for the best presentation.

• Not Using Fresh Strawberries: Using old or frozen strawberries can affect flavor and texture. Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the filling and topping.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds per slice.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick pan over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake?

Serving this cake chilled enhances its flavors. Slice it and top with extra whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a stunning look.

Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them properly and frost them on the day you plan to serve it.

What is a good substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

You can mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your cake batter.

How do I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe?

Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or experiment with flavored extracts in the whipped cream for unique variations.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you want to celebrate a birthday or enjoy a sunny afternoon dessert, this cake will impress everyone. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavors according to your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Strawberry Shortcake Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Strawberry Shortcake Cake, a perfect celebration of fresh strawberries and fluffy cake. This layered dessert features moist yellow cake, juicy strawberries, and a light whipped cream frosting that come together to create an unforgettable treat. Ideal for birthdays, summer gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. With stunning presentation and a burst of flavor in every bite, your guests will be asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
• 1 ½ – 2 pounds fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Cream melted butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs one by one followed by vanilla.
4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk until just combined.
5. Divide batter into pans and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool layers before frosting with whipped cream and topped with macerated strawberries.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg