Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a light and elegant dessert featuring fluffy vanilla cake layers paired with sweet, fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream. This delightful cake is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, and other special occasions, offering a refreshing and classic flavor combination.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and aerated.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract to add aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the whole milk into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light and avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
- Prepare Strawberries: Toss the sliced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 20 minutes. This macerates the berries, drawing out their natural juices and intensifying their sweetness.
- Make Whipped Cream Frosting: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a stable and fluffy whipped cream perfect for layering and frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped cream over it. Arrange a layer of the macerated strawberries on top, then cover with more whipped cream. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, finishing by frosting the outside of the cake with whipped cream.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, neat layers. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve cleaner, more stable layers.
- Use the freshest, ripe strawberries available for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Store the assembled cake refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
