Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe to Try

Name: Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe to Try
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 2 pounds fresh strawberries; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

by Jannet Lisa

29 de April de 2025

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Have you ever craved the perfect balance of tender cake, sweet berries, and creamy frosting in one magnificent dessert? This best Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe delivers exactly that – a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Unlike traditional individual shortcakes, this impressive layer cake version brings all those beloved flavors into a celebration-worthy centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want to transform fresh strawberries into something extraordinary, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and wow-factor. The best part? It’s designed for bakers of all skill levels, with straightforward techniques that yield professional-quality results.

The Best Reasons to Try This Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Perfect for any occasion – works beautifully for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or summer gatherings
Impressive presentation with minimal effort – looks like it came from a bakery but requires basic baking skills
Customizable to your preferences – easily adapt the sweetness and strawberry quantity
Make-ahead friendly – components can be prepared in advance for stress-free assembly
Uses simple pantry staples – no specialty ingredients needed for this easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Showcases fresh, seasonal strawberries at their peak flavor

This homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. It’s the ideal way to celebrate strawberry season while creating memories around the table.

What You Need to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake

For the Vanilla Cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 pounds fresh strawberries, divided
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional for stability)

Common Substitutions: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for an even lighter texture. For dairy-free options, substitute plant-based butter, milk alternatives, and whipped coconut cream. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, thawed frozen strawberries will work for the filling (though save fresh ones for decoration).

How to make delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake easily at home

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Preparing the Vanilla Cake Layers

Step 1: Prepare your baking pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. Tip: Spray the pans before adding parchment for it to stick properly.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even leavening throughout your cake.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming creates the cake’s tender texture.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract. Tip: Room temperature eggs incorporate much better than cold ones.

Step 5: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture, then half the milk. Continue alternating, ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined – overmixing makes a tough cake.

Step 6: Bake the cake layers
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Creating the Strawberry Filling

Step 7: Prepare the strawberries
Wash, hull, and dry 2 pounds of strawberries. Set aside about 1 cup of the prettiest berries for decorating the top. Slice the remaining strawberries into ¼-inch thick slices.

Step 8: Make the strawberry filling
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to release their juices, creating a natural syrup. Tip: For a more intense flavor, prepare this filling up to 3 hours ahead.

Whipping the Cream Frosting

Step 9: Prepare the whipped cream
In a large chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. If using cream cheese for stability, beat it separately until smooth, then fold into the whipped cream.

Tip: For the most stable whipped cream, chill your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping.

Assembling the Cake

Step 10: Level the cake layers
If your cake layers have domed tops, use a long serrated knife to level them. This creates flat surfaces for stacking.

Step 11: Place the first layer
Put the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Tip: Place small strips of parchment paper under the edges of the cake to keep your plate clean during frosting.

Step 12: Add the strawberry filling
Spoon about half of the strawberry mixture (drained from excess juice) onto the center of the first cake layer, spreading it to within ½ inch of the edge.

Step 13: Add a cream layer
Spread about 1 cup of the whipped cream frosting over the strawberries, creating an even layer.

Step 14: Add the second cake layer
Carefully place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently to secure.

Step 15: Frost the entire cake
Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting. For a rustic look, use an offset spatula to create swirls and texture in the frosting.

Step 16: Decorate with fresh strawberries
Arrange the reserved fresh strawberries on top of the cake. You can slice them for a flat arrangement or leave them whole with the tops trimmed for an elegant presentation.

Step 17: Chill before serving
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. This helps firm up the frosting and allows the flavors to meld. Tip: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Info Snapshot

A typical slice of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake (1/12 of the recipe) contains approximately:

Calories: 485 calories
Fat: 29g (saturated fat: 18g)
Carbohydrates: 52g (sugars: 37g)
Protein: 6g

Health Notes:

Made with fresh strawberries, providing vitamin C and antioxidants
Can be modified with whole wheat flour for added fiber
Reduced-sugar versions can be made by decreasing sugar in both cake and filling

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage:
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is best stored in the refrigerator due to the fresh whipped cream frosting. It will keep well for up to 3 days when properly stored. Place it in a cake keeper or loosely tent with plastic wrap, being careful not to press the wrap against the frosting.

Freezer Storage:
The unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling. The completed cake doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Serving Recommendations:
For the best flavor and texture, remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to soften slightly and the flavors to bloom.

Top FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time to make assembly easier. The cake layers can be baked 1-2 days ahead and stored wrapped at room temperature. The strawberry filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. However, I recommend making the whipped cream frosting and assembling the cake no more than 12 hours before serving for the freshest results.

Why did my cake turn out dense instead of light and fluffy?

Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter, using cold ingredients, or inaccurate measuring. Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature. Use the spoon and level method for measuring flour rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup. And remember to mix just until ingredients are combined—overmixing develops gluten, which creates a dense texture.

Can I use a different type of fruit for this shortcake?

Absolutely! This best Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe works beautifully with other berries or summer fruits. Try raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or a mixed berry combination. Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your fruit. Some fruits may release more liquid, so you might need to drain them more thoroughly before assembling.

How do I prevent my whipped cream frosting from melting or deflating?

For a more stable whipped cream frosting, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese or 2-3 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix to the heavy cream before whipping. Both help the frosting hold its shape longer. Always keep the cake refrigerated until shortly before serving, especially in warm weather. For special occasions in hot conditions, consider a stabilized whipped cream using gelatin.

Wrapping It Up: Final Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This best Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe brings together all the elements of the classic dessert in a spectacular, shareable format that’s perfect for celebrations or simply making an ordinary day special. The combination of tender vanilla cake, juicy strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream creates a dessert that’s both nostalgic and impressive.

For the most visually stunning results, look for bright red, fragrant strawberries – they’ll provide the best flavor and color contrast against the white cream. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decoration; a few mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation even further.

Remember that this cake is all about fresh, simple ingredients working in harmony, so high-quality vanilla and in-season berries will make a noticeable difference in the final taste. The beauty of this easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake is that it doesn’t require expert decorating skills – its rustic elegance comes naturally from the ingredients themselves.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply the arrival of strawberry season, this homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your collection. Share your creation with friends and family, and don’t forget to save a slice for yourself!