The Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This strawberry shortcake cake is the ultimate dessert for any celebration or just a sweet summer treat. With a light and fluffy cake base, layers of fresh, sweetened strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a special family gathering, this cake will become the centerpiece of your dessert table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry shortcake cake combines all the best parts of the classic dessert—fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and rich whipped cream—into a simple, easy-to-make, and beautiful layered cake. The soft, moist cake is complemented by the natural sweetness of macerated strawberries and topped with homemade whipped cream. It’s light, fresh, and irresistibly delicious, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a strawberry lover or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

For the Strawberries:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes cool, mix the sliced strawberries with the sugar and set aside to macerate for 15-20 minutes.
9. For the whipped cream, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Once the cake has cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a layer of the macerated strawberries.
11. Top with the second cake layer and repeat the process with whipped cream and strawberries. Garnish with extra strawberries if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 servings

Variations

• Berry Blend: While strawberries are classic, you can use a mix of berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different twist on this cake.
• Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the cake batter or the whipped cream for an extra burst of citrus flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free without compromising on texture or taste.
• Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolatey spin on this classic dessert.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may start to soften after a day, so it’s best eaten within a couple of days.
• Reheating: This cake is best served chilled, but you can bring it to room temperature if you prefer. The whipped cream and strawberries should be kept refrigerated.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe, as they provide the best texture and flavor. However, if using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before using.

2. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

3. Can I make the whipped cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the whipped cream ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a quick whip before using to re-fluff it.

4. How can I make the cake more moist?

For a more moist cake, make sure not to overbake it. You can also substitute some of the sour cream with buttermilk for an even richer texture.

5. Can I use a different type of cream for the whipped cream?

If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

6. Can I frost the cake with something other than whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute the whipped cream with frosting of your choice, such as cream cheese frosting or a light buttercream, for a different flavor profile.

7. How can I prevent the strawberries from making the cake soggy?

Make sure the whipped cream layer is thick enough to act as a barrier, and always macerate the strawberries just before serving to avoid them releasing too much juice into the cake.

8. How long can I store the cake?

The cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the whipped cream can start to soften and the strawberries can release more moisture.

9. Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take longer to bake.

10. Can I freeze this cake?

While it’s best eaten fresh, you can freeze the cake layers before adding the whipped cream and strawberries. Simply wrap the layers in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

The Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a family celebration, a summer picnic, or just a sweet indulgence. The light, fluffy cake combined with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and creamy whipped cream makes this treat a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this strawberry shortcake cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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