Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups caster sugar; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 cups heavy cream

Published: May 23, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake

For more inspiration, check out this recipe index recipe.

Deliciously Fresh: The use of fresh strawberries elevates this cake, providing a burst of flavor in every bite while highlighting seasonal produce.
Impressive Presentation: With its tall layers and vibrant colors, this cake makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.
Customizable Recipe: You can easily modify this recipe by incorporating different fruits or adding flavors like lemon zest for a unique twist.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the structure of the cake; sift it for a lighter texture.
Caster Sugar: Fine sugar dissolves quickly and helps achieve a delicate sweetness in the cake layers.
Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully for that perfect fluffy texture.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for creaming with sugar; it adds richness to the cake.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries for maximum sweetness; they’ll be layered throughout the cake and on top.
Heavy Cream: Whipping cream provides a rich frosting; chill it before whipping for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before adding vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with milk until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Assemble

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, slice each layer in half horizontally if you desire extra layers.

Step 6: Whip Cream and Layer

Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Place one layer of cake on a serving platter, spread a layer of whipped cream on top along with sliced strawberries, then repeat with remaining layers. Finish by topping with whipped cream and additional strawberries.

Transfer to plates and serve chilled for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs, butter, and milk to sit at room temperature before mixing; this helps create an even batter.
Test Doneness Carefully: Check cakes at around the lower end of baking time; ovens vary, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Decorate Creatively: Garnish with mint leaves or drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for added flair when serving.

How to Serve strawberry Shortcake Cake

This strawberry Shortcake Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream enhances the cake’s sweetness and adds a creamy texture.
Fresh Berries: Additional strawberries or mixed berries provide a burst of freshness that complements the cake beautifully.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: These refreshing drinks serve as perfect accompaniments, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the strawberry Shortcake Cake layers up to two days in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature.
Storing: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to prolong freshness, consider freezing the layers individually wrapped for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat slices, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. This method keeps the cake moist without drying it out.

Suggestions for strawberry Shortcake Cake:

Avoid using stale ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial when making a strawberry shortcake cake. Stale or expired ingredients can significantly alter the taste and texture of your cake. For instance, old baking powder may not provide enough leavening, resulting in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one. Always check the expiration dates on your flour, baking powder, and strawberries. Fresh strawberries enhance the flavor and freshness of your dessert, creating a delightful experience. If you use frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture that can ruin the cake’s texture. For more inspiration, check out this strawberry crunch poke cake recipe.

Don’t skip the maceration step

Macerating strawberries is an essential step for achieving maximum flavor in your strawberry shortcake cake. This process involves sprinkling sugar over sliced strawberries and letting them sit for about 30 minutes. During this time, the sugar draws out the juices from the berries, creating a sweet syrup that enhances both flavor and moisture. Skipping this step can result in bland strawberries that don’t complement the cake properly. The syrup also helps to keep the layers moist, preventing dryness as you enjoy each slice.

Be cautious with frosting consistency

When it comes to frosting your strawberry shortcake cake, maintaining the right consistency is vital. If your frosting is too thin, it will slide off the cake rather than adhere nicely to each layer. Conversely, overly thick frosting can be challenging to spread evenly and may lead to a messy presentation. To achieve the perfect consistency, start with softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until you reach a smooth, spreadable texture. Adjust with milk or additional sugar as necessary to ensure it holds its shape well but remains easy to work with.

Use quality cake pans

The type of pans you use significantly influences how evenly your strawberry shortcake cake bakes. Using high-quality, non-stick pans ensures that your layers release easily without sticking or breaking apart. Additionally, opt for light-colored pans instead of dark ones; darker pans absorb heat more quickly and can lead to overbaking on the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Make sure to grease and flour your pans adequately before pouring in the batter for best results.

FAQs:

What is strawberry shortcake cake?

Strawberry shortcake cake combines layers of soft vanilla sponge cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It’s a delightful dessert that celebrates seasonal strawberries while offering a light yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. The base typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, which create a fluffy texture ideal for soaking up strawberry juices. vanilla custard cream squares The addition of whipped cream adds richness without overwhelming sweetness, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or special celebrations.

How do I store leftover strawberry shortcake cake?

To store leftover strawberry shortcake cake properly, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out. You can also place slices in an airtight container if preferred. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days for optimal freshness. If you want to extend its life further, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil; they can last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture when thawed properly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare elements of strawberry shortcake cake ahead of time for convenience without sacrificing flavor. Bake the vanilla sponge layers one day prior and store them wrapped at room temperature until ready to assemble. You can also prepare macerated strawberries earlier in the day or even overnight; just keep them refrigerated until assembly time. Assemble the entire cake closer to serving time so that whipped cream retains its stability and freshness when enjoyed.

What are some variations of strawberry shortcake cake?

There are numerous delicious variations of strawberry shortcake cake you can try! Consider adding different fruits like blueberries or raspberries alongside strawberries for a mixed berry version that packs extra flavor and color into each slice. You could also experiment with flavored whipped creams—like vanilla bean or lemon-infused—to enhance taste further. chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies Some people enjoy using alternative cakes such as gluten-free options or chocolate layers instead of traditional vanilla sponge for unique twists on this classic dessert.

Conclusion for strawberry Shortcake Cake:

Creating a delicious strawberry shortcake cake involves several key steps that ensure both taste and presentation are top-notch. By avoiding common mistakes like using stale ingredients or skipping essential processes such as maceration, you’ll elevate your dessert experience significantly. Remember also to maintain proper frosting consistency and utilize quality bakeware for optimal results when crafting this delightful treat at home. With these tips in mind alongside some creative variations available at hand, you’ll surely impress family and friends alike with every bite of your homemade creation!

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