Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. This layered cake features a soft yellow cake, luscious strawberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting. It’s simple enough for home bakers of all levels and makes an impressive centerpiece for birthday parties, picnics, or family gatherings. With fresh strawberries in every bite, this cake captures the essence of summer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible even if you’re new to baking.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Using real strawberries ensures a burst of freshness in every slice.
• Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, summer barbecues, or just because you crave something sweet!
• Stunning Presentation: The layers and vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or frostings!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when whipping cream and mixing batter, resulting in a light texture.
• 9-inch round cake pans: These provide the perfect shape for creating layered cakes, ensuring even baking.

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 Strawberry Filling

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

For the Whipped Cream 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: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Rinse the strawberries under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Remove the stems and slice them into halves or quarters depending on your preference.
3. In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
2. In another bowl, beat together melted butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add buttermilk while alternating with the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool the Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract then slowly pour in heavy whipping cream while mixing until stiff peaks form.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread half of the strawberry mixture over the first layer followed by a generous layer of whipped cream frosting.
3. Repeat with second layer and top with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Fresh Strawberries

• Serve slices with extra fresh strawberries on the side for a burst of flavor.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for extra creaminess.

Mint Leaves

• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing taste.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cake for a rich contrast to the strawberries.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is perfect, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and buttermilk to sit out before mixing; this helps create a smooth batter.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when ready.

• Chill the cream: Keep your heavy whipping cream cold for better stability when whipping it into frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake can complement its flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity that contrasts nicely with the cake’s richness.

3. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing treat can cleanse the palate between bites of the sweet cake.

4. Greek Yogurt: Serve alongside for a tangy addition that cuts through the sweetness.

5. Pistachio Crumble: Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs well with dessert, enhancing flavors while providing warmth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to dense cake layers.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to prevent a tough texture. Overmixing develops gluten, which can ruin the lightness of the cake.
• Not chilling the whipped cream: If you don’t chill your mixing bowl and beaters, the cream may not whip properly. Cold tools help achieve fluffy peaks.
• Ignoring cake cooling time: Letting the layers cool completely before frosting is crucial. Frosting warm layers can cause melting and messiness.
• Skipping fresh fruit prep: Make sure to wash and hull your strawberries properly. Properly prepared fruit enhances flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• For long-term storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• Slices can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake.

Can I use other fruits in the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a delicious twist on this recipe.

How do I make my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged.

What’s the best way to layer my cake?

Start with one layer of cake, spread filling evenly, add another layer, and repeat until all layers are stacked. Finish with whipped cream frosting on top!

How long does it take to make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe?

The total time is approximately 160 minutes, which includes both preparation and cooking time.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize it by using different fruits or adjusting sweetness according to your taste. Perfect for gatherings or just a sweet treat at home, give this recipe a try!