Introduction and Quick Summary
Have you ever tasted a dessert that made your heart sing? The Strawberry Shortcake Cake is that magical treat! Picture layers of fluffy vanilla cake filled with sweet strawberries and creamy whipped topping. Each bite brings a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds. This delightful cake is not just a feast for the senses; it’s an experience that can elevate any gathering.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny afternoon picnic, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the perfect companion. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for warm weather events or family dinners. The combination of fresh strawberries and airy whipped cream creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a beautiful cake ready in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries elevates the flavor profile significantly. Their natural sweetness complements the lightness of the cake perfectly.
- Versatile Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer barbecue, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake fits right in at any event.
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 well for a lighter texture.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully while keeping it moist.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances sweetness and enhances flavors throughout the cake.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar to create a light texture.
- Eggs: Eggs provide moisture and help bind all ingredients together; use large eggs for best results.
- Milk: Whole milk adds richness to the batter; you can substitute almond milk if preferred.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they’ll be layered between cakes and on top as decoration.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For making luscious whipped cream that tops off your cake beautifully.
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). Prepare two round cake pans by greasing them with nonstick spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while beating until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Gradually stir in milk until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients
Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients gradually until just mixed; avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy texture.
Step 6: Bake Cakes
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Opting for fresh strawberries will enhance both flavor and presentation significantly.
- Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting your whipped cream topping.
- Adjust Sweetness as Needed: Taste your whipped cream before serving; you can add more sugar if desired based on personal preference.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: One common mistake when making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake is overmixing the batter. This can lead to a dense and tough cake rather than a light and fluffy one. When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. A few lumps are okay; remember, less is more when it comes to mixing!
- Using Unsweetened Strawberries: Another error is using unsweetened strawberries in your recipe. Strawberries need a touch of sweetness to enhance their flavor, especially when paired with whipped cream and cake. Always taste your strawberries before adding them to ensure they are sweet enough. If they aren’t, sprinkle a little sugar on them and let them sit for a few minutes.
- Skipping the Chilling Time: Don’t skip the chilling time for your whipped cream or cake layers! Proper chilling allows the flavors to meld and helps the whipped cream maintain its structure. If you assemble your Strawberry Shortcake Cake too soon, it may become soggy or unstable. Refrigerate each component for at least an hour before assembly for the best results.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh whipped cream: Top your cake with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance its creamy texture and sweetness. This addition creates a delightful contrast with the fresh strawberries.
- Scoops of vanilla ice cream: For an indulgent dessert experience, serve slices of this cake alongside scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of flavors and textures will impress your guests.
- Berry compote: Drizzle warm berry compote over each slice for an added burst of flavor. This can be made by simmering mixed berries with sugar until they break down into a sauce.
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Cake
What ingredients are needed for Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To make a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake, you’ll need basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Additionally, don’t forget fresh strawberries and heavy whipping cream for the frosting. These simple yet flavorful components come together to create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding lemon zest or almond extract to enhance the cake’s taste.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your Strawberry Shortcake Cake in advance! To keep it fresh, bake the cake layers a day or two before serving and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you plan to frost it later, wait until just before serving to add the whipped cream and strawberries. This will prevent the cake from becoming soggy. Assembling the cake shortly before serving ensures the best texture and taste.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake effectively, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator if you’ve used whipped cream; this helps maintain freshness for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it within this timeframe for optimal flavor and texture. If you have any unassembled cake components left over, store them separately to keep everything fresh.
Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic for this dessert, feel free to get creative by using other berries such as blueberries or raspberries. You could even try sliced peaches or nectarines during their peak season. Just remember that different fruits may alter the sweetness and moisture levels slightly, so adjust sugar accordingly when preparing your cake.
Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
In summary, Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines light sponge cake layers with sweet strawberries and rich whipped cream. Its versatility allows for various serving options, such as pairing it with vanilla ice cream or berry compote. Preparing this cake ahead of time makes entertaining easier while storing leftovers properly ensures every bite remains delicious. Whether you stick with traditional strawberries or experiment with other fruits, this simple yet elegant treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy creating memorable moments around this scrumptious dessert!
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful summer dessert that combines tender layers of fluffy vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and a rich whipped cream topping. This enchanting treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, picnic, or family gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter in another bowl until light and fluffy, then gradually add sugar.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture; stir in milk until combined.
- Gently mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg