Catch a whiff of sweet strawberries mingling with whipped cream as you dive into a slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This heavenly treat combines fluffy layers of cake with juicy strawberries that dance on your taste buds like they’re at a party. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing friends and family to the table faster than you can say “dessert time.”
This delightful cake is not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate, making it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply an afternoon snack while binge-watching your favorite show. My first encounter with this gem was at my grandma’s picnic – I still can’t decide if I loved her more or her legendary strawberry shortcake. Spoiler alert: it was definitely the cake!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not only easy to make but also bursts with fresh flavors that scream summer
- Its eye-catching layers make it a showstopper at any gathering
- You can easily adapt the recipe by adding other berries or toppings based on your preferences
- Perfect for any occasion, this dessert will bring smiles to everyone who tries it
I remember serving this cake at my friend’s wedding; the joy on their faces was priceless as they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a fluffy cake texture that holds up well against the juicy strawberries.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum puffiness; check expiration dates before starting.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best; it adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness in your cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming; it gives richness to the batter.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together and add moisture; room temperature is ideal.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an aromatic flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Strawberries: Fresh and ripe berries are key! Look for vibrant red ones without blemishes for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whip up this cream until fluffy; it’s an essential topping that adds decadence to each slice.
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetening the whipped cream without adding graininess; it dissolves easily into the cream.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This step is crucial for even distribution of leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and creamy – about 3 minutes should do it.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is well combined and smooth.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!
Bake Your Cakes: Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Cool and Prepare Strawberries : Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Slice fresh strawberries while waiting – sprinkle them lightly with sugar if desired.
Whip Cream Topping : In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; this creamy topping will elevate your cake!
Assemble Your Masterpiece : Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread whipped cream over top followed by sliced strawberries. Top with second layer of cake and repeat process.
Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake is ready to be devoured! Slice generously and watch everyone’s faces light up at first bite!
Enjoy every crumb knowing you’ve created something magical that captures summer in every forkful!
You Must Know
- Strawberry shortcake cake is a delightful dessert that combines fluffy cake layers with sweet strawberries and whipped cream
- The aroma of fresh strawberries and vanilla wafting through your kitchen will have everyone drooling before it’s even served
- Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a slice before dinner!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake layers first, allowing them to cool while you prepare the strawberries and whipped cream. This sequence saves time and ensures each component is ready when needed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla for almond extract or mix in some lemon zest for a citrusy twist. These small changes can elevate your strawberry shortcake cake into something uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry shortcake cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, as reheating may affect the texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect layers, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing
- Avoid overmixing the batter; stop as soon as everything is combined to keep your cake light and fluffy
- Always taste your whipped cream before serving; adjust sweetness to your liking!
Sometimes, I find myself reminiscing about the first time I made this delightful treat for friends. The look on their faces when they took their first bite was priceless!
FAQ
What is strawberry shortcake cake?
Strawberry shortcake cake is a layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and fluffy vanilla cake.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work too! Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I make whipped cream stable?
Adding a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar can help stabilize whipped cream for longer-lasting results.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a light, airy dessert that layers fluffy vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, creating a perfect summer treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Baking Powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Fresh Strawberries
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until just mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
- Slice fresh strawberries and sprinkle them with sugar if desired; whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Assemble by layering cake, whipped cream, and strawberries, repeating until all components are used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
