Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist yellow cake, fresh strawberry filling, and fluffy whipped cream frosting, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake brings the taste of summer to your table. The vibrant strawberries and creamy texture make it a standout choice for gatherings and casual get-togethers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Fresh Ingredients: With real strawberries and homemade whipped cream, each bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration where you want to impress guests.
• Beautiful Presentation: Layers of cake and fruit create an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out strawberries with other fruits for a unique twist!

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your process and make baking more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter, essential for the perfect cake texture.
• Baking pans: Using the right size pans ensures even baking, so your layers cook perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers

• 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 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 Your Strawberries

Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems and slice them into thin pieces. In a bowl, sprinkle them with granulated sugar to enhance their sweetness. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into greased baking pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing.
3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture gently until combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over it followed by sliced strawberries.
3. Repeat with remaining layers.
4. Top with additional frosting and strawberries as desired.

Enjoy this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe at your next gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Serving your Strawberry Shortcake Cake is an essential part of the experience. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its appeal for any occasion.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice on a dessert plate, allowing guests to savor the layers of cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Individual Servings

• Cut smaller portions and serve in clear cups or jars. This presentation allows guests to appreciate the beautiful layers while making it easy to enjoy.

With Extra Strawberries

• Top each slice with additional fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor and color. This adds freshness and enhances the visual appeal.

A La Mode

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture complements the cake beautifully and makes for a delicious combination.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top just before serving. This adds a decadent twist to the classic recipe.

Garnish with Mint Leaves

• Add fresh mint leaves on top or on the side of each serving. This not only elevates the presentation but also adds a refreshing aroma.

How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Creating the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delightful result.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and airy—overmixing can lead to dense layers.
• Select Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the filling as they provide optimal flavor and sweetness.
• Chill Your Whipping Cream: For optimal whipping results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream; this ensures it holds its shape well.
• Layer Thoughtfully: When assembling, place strawberries evenly between layers to ensure every bite has that delightful fruit flavor.
• Let It Set Before Serving: Allow the cake to set in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Shortcake Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this sweet treat perfectly.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with strawberry shortcake for an indulgent treat.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The tangy flavor of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
4. Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy chocolate mousse provides a rich flavor that compliments strawberry well.
5. Panna Cotta: A smooth panna cotta can be served alongside for an elegant touch with its creamy texture.
6. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds a nice texture contrast and is great for dipping into coffee or tea after dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve a perfect cake.

• Bold baking powder: Using expired baking powder can lead to a flat cake. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before starting.
• Bold overmixing: Mixing the batter too much can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Bold incorrect measurements: Not measuring flour and sugar properly can throw off the recipe. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy or spoon and level your dry ingredients.
• Bold skipping chilling time: Failing to chill the whipped cream can prevent it from holding its shape. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping for best results.
• Bold using warm strawberries: Adding warm strawberries to the cake can make it soggy. Ensure they are cooled completely after cooking or macerating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• Bold oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Bold microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds; avoid overheating.
• Bold stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each slice for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe that may help clarify any doubts.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before use.

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

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend will work well in this recipe.

Can I customize the filling of my Strawberry Shortcake Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other berries or switch to a different fruit flavor for your filling.

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

The total time is approximately 160 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors to suit your taste. This delightful dessert will surely impress friends and family; give it a try!