Have you ever tasted a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer? The Strawberry Shortcake Cake is that delightful treat. With its soft layers of sponge cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, this dessert offers a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine each bite melting in your mouth while the sweetness of ripe strawberries dances on your palate.
This cake isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s also an ideal addition to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny picnic in the park, this delightful dessert will be the star of the show. The combination of light cake and fresh strawberries creates an irresistible flavor experience that invites you to come back for seconds (or thirds.). So grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a standalone dessert or pair it with ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
- Fresh Seasonal Flavors: Using fresh strawberries ensures that every slice bursts with flavor, making it an excellent choice for summer celebrations.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating a light cake texture; ensure it’s sifted before measuring for accuracy.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully during baking.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness; use granulated sugar for best results in both the cake and whipped cream.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness to the cake; make sure it’s softened at room temperature.
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they add moisture and structure to the cake layers.
For the Topping:
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for natural sweetness; wash them well before use.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is crucial for making fluffy whipped cream; keep it chilled until ready to whip.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while alternating with milk until fully combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Remove cakes from oven and let them cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 6: Assemble Your Dessert
Once cooled, slice each layer in half horizontally. Layer one piece on a serving platter, spread whipped cream on top, add sliced strawberries, then repeat until all layers are stacked. Finish with more whipped cream and strawberries on top.
Transfer to plates and enjoy your beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh berries make all the difference in flavor; try to use them at their peak ripeness.
- Chill Your Equipment: For fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping.
- Make Ahead Option: You can bake the cakes ahead of time; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until needed.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the Wrong Strawberries: Selecting the right strawberries is crucial for a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Avoid using overripe or under-ripe strawberries, as they can affect the overall flavor and texture of the cake. Choose fresh, sweet, and firm strawberries that are in season for the best results. Washing and hulling them just before use preserves their natural sweetness.
- Skipping the Cake Soaking: A common mistake is neglecting to soak the cake layers in syrup. This step adds moisture and enhances the flavors of your Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Use a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, with optional vanilla or lemon juice for added taste. Brushing this syrup onto each layer prevents dryness and ensures every bite is luscious.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing your batter can lead to a tough Strawberry Shortcake Cake instead of a light and fluffy one. When combining your ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Use gentle folding techniques when adding dry ingredients to wet ones to maintain airiness in the batter. This will help you achieve that perfect texture everyone loves in a shortcake.
- Forgetting to Chill Your Whipped Cream: If you want your whipped cream to hold its shape well on your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, chilling it beforehand is essential. Warm cream whips poorly and may not stabilize properly. Make sure both your mixing bowl and beaters are cold before whipping for fluffy, perfectly textured cream that complements your cake beautifully.
- Ineffective Layering: Proper layering is key to creating an appealing Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Avoid piling layers without considering balance; this can lead to uneven distribution of flavors and textures. Start with a layer of cake, then add whipped cream and strawberries evenly before adding another layer. Repeat this process until you reach the top, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish can enhance the flavor profile of the cake, giving it a refreshing twist.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of each slice adds richness and complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Coffee or Tea: Serving this cake alongside a cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon treat, perfect for gatherings or quiet moments at home.
FAQs
What is Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines layers of fluffy vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This cake offers a light, sweet flavor that perfectly captures the essence of summer. The cake typically features three to four layers, each filled with sliced strawberries and creamy frosting, making it an appealing choice for birthday celebrations or casual get-togethers. The combination of textures from the soft cake and juicy strawberries creates an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries when making Strawberry Shortcake Cake. However, it’s best to thaw them beforehand to ensure they can be properly mixed in with the other ingredients. Frozen strawberries may release more juice than fresh ones, so consider adjusting the amount of sugar in your recipe if using them. This allows you to maintain the ideal sweetness while achieving the desired consistency for your cake.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Cake fresh after serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its flavor and texture. If you plan to keep it longer than two days, consider wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it in aluminum foil. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving again.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time. To do so, bake and assemble the cake a day prior to serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. If you prefer, you can also bake and freeze individual layers separately. Just ensure they cool completely before wrapping them tightly for freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the layers overnight and assemble them with strawberries and whipped cream just before serving.
Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
In summary, Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not only a visually appealing dessert but also a deliciously refreshing option for any occasion. With its moist layers of vanilla cake paired with sweet strawberries and light whipped cream, this treat is sure to impress your guests. Remember to experiment with various serving suggestions like adding mint or enjoying it alongside your favorite beverage. Whether you choose to use fresh or frozen strawberries or prepare it in advance, this cake offers flexibility without compromising on taste. Enjoy creating this delightful dessert as a centerpiece at your next gathering.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the ultimate summer dessert that brings together layers of fluffy vanilla cake, ripe strawberries, and airy whipped cream. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any festive gathering, this cake is sure to impress guests of all ages. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, even novice bakers can create this show-stopping dessert. Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer with Strawberry Shortcake Cake, where each slice melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together. Gradually add this mixture alternately with milk to the wet ingredients until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cakes to cool in pans for ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice each cake layer in half horizontally. Layer whipped cream and sliced strawberries between each layer and top with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
