Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, combining layers of fluffy vanilla cake, sweetened whipped cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries. This cake is perfect for any celebration, especially during strawberry season when fresh berries are at their peak. With a light texture and balanced sweetness, it’s a beautiful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Follow along to create a cake that tastes as good as it looks, capturing the essence of summer in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Set aside for at least 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this will cause the cream to turn grainy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Layer 1: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spoon half of the strawberry mixture over it, letting the juices soak into the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the strawberries.
- Layer 2: Add the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining strawberries and whipped cream.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Decorate the top with a few extra strawberry slices for a finishing touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Chill Your Bowl and Beaters: Chilling the mixing bowl and beaters helps the cream whip up more quickly and stay stable.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Fresh Strawberries Only: This cake is best with fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much liquid and won’t have the same texture.
- Stabilizing Whipped Cream: If you want the whipped cream to hold up longer, add 1 tbsp of powdered gelatin dissolved in water to stabilize it.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Strawberries: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, strawberries boost immunity, support heart health, and aid digestion.
- Whole Milk: Provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health.
- Whipping Cream: Though a treat, heavy cream is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin A.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Light and Fresh: The combination of airy cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries makes for a dessert that is light and not overly sweet, perfect for summer.
- Simple yet Elegant: Despite its simple ingredients, this cake looks impressive and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Customizable: You can swap strawberries for other seasonal berries or even add a hint of liqueur to the strawberry filling for an adult twist.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: All ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly.
- Contains Dairy: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and a non-dairy whipped topping.
- Contains Gluten: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Nut-Free: This cake is naturally nut-free, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe builds on classic flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. The soft, buttery cake acts as a sponge for the slightly tart strawberry juices, intensifying the flavor. Whipped cream ties everything together with its light, airy consistency, balancing the sweetness of the cake and strawberries. By using fresh ingredients and simple layering, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture, making this cake an instant favorite.
Variations:
- Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy kick, add lemon zest to the cake batter or whipped cream.
- Boozy Strawberries: Mix strawberries with a splash of Grand Marnier or amaretto for a grown-up twist.
- Berry Mix: Substitute half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a berry medley shortcake.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the assembled cake for a touch of decadence.
Additional Information
Ingredient Insights:
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter ensures a moist and tender cake. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the amount of salt, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Lemon Juice in Strawberries: A touch of lemon juice enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness and keeps them bright, preventing any dullness in flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For the whipped topping, heavy cream is ideal for a stable, fluffy consistency. Using a touch of powdered sugar rather than granulated helps maintain the smooth texture.
Key Techniques:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: This process is essential for incorporating air into the batter, making the cake light and fluffy. Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, as this will affect the final cake texture.
- Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients: Adding dry and wet ingredients in stages helps prevent overmixing and keeps the cake batter well-aerated, contributing to the cake’s softness.
- Whipping Cream to Stiff Peaks: Whipping cream to stiff peaks ensures it holds up well between layers, creating distinct, airy layers without sinking into the cake.
Texture and Flavor Combinations:
- Light Cake with Fresh Strawberries: The fluffy cake acts as a sponge for the juicy strawberries, which soak into the cake layers slightly, creating a delicious combination of textures.
- Creamy and Tart Contrast: The slightly tart strawberries balance out the sweet cream and cake, while the airy whipped cream provides a light contrast to the more substantial cake.
- Cooling the Cake: Ensure the cake layers are fully cooled before assembly. A warm cake will melt the whipped cream, causing the layers to slip and affecting the presentation.
Presentation Tips:
- Decorative Strawberry Slices: For a beautiful finish, slice a few strawberries thinly and arrange them in a fan pattern on top. This adds visual appeal and lets guests know the flavor inside.
- Piping the Whipped Cream: Use a piping bag with a star tip for the whipped cream if you want a more decorative look for the layers or the cake’s exterior.
- Extra Garnishes: For an elegant touch, add mint leaves or edible flowers on top. These small details enhance the cake’s visual appeal, making it perfect for special occasions.
Nutritional Insights:
- Vitamin C Boost: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, providing a healthy immune boost. Pairing this with the fats from the cream allows better absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A.
- Moderate Sugar: With only a light touch of sugar in the whipped cream, the recipe is moderately sweet, allowing the natural flavor of strawberries to stand out while keeping the cake less calorie-dense than traditional frosting-laden cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container and assemble with strawberries and cream just before serving for optimal freshness.
- What if strawberries aren’t in season? Substitute with other fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, or use a homemade berry compote for a similar flavor profile.
- How can I stabilize the whipped cream? Adding a little powdered gelatin (dissolved in warm water) helps the whipped cream stay firm for longer, making it more suitable for warm-weather occasions.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Chilled: This cake is delicious served slightly chilled, allowing the whipped cream to set while keeping the flavors fresh.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or tea complements the cake’s delicate sweetness.
- Add Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Conclusion:
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake captures the essence of a classic dessert in an easy-to-make layer cake. It’s the perfect treat for warm-weather gatherings, bringing fresh flavors and a light texture to your table. With layers of fluffy cake, sweetened whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, this cake is as delicious as it is visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a summer afternoon, this strawberry shortcake cake is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy the flavors of strawberry season in every bite with this delightful dessert!
PrintIrresistible Strawberry Shortcake Cake: A Deliciously Fresh Take on a Classic Dessert
- Total Time: 50mins
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, combining layers of fluffy vanilla cake, sweetened whipped cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries. This cake is perfect for any celebration, especially during strawberry season when fresh berries are at their peak. With a light texture and balanced sweetness, it’s a beautiful dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Follow along to create a cake that tastes as good as it looks, capturing the essence of summer in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Set aside for at least 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this will cause the cream to turn grainy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Layer 1: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spoon half of the strawberry mixture over it, letting the juices soak into the cake.
- Whipped Cream: Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the strawberries.
- Layer 2: Add the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining strawberries and whipped cream.
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Decorate the top with a few extra strawberry slices for a finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20mins
- Cook Time: 30mins