Description
The best strawberry shortcake cake combines tender vanilla cake layers, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream frosting to create a nostalgic, summer dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool before transferring to wire racks.
- While cakes cool, hull and slice 1½ pounds strawberries. Macerate two-thirds of them with sugar for at least 30 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then continue beating to stiff peaks.
- Assemble the cake: layer one cake on a plate, spread whipped cream and macerated strawberries, top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream and decorate with diced strawberries.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra strawberry intensity, fold ¼ cup strawberry preserves into whipped cream.
- Add lemon curd for a bright complement to the strawberries.
- To stabilize whipped cream, add 1 tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix.
- Store refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, shortcake cake, summer dessert, strawberry cake recipe, easy cake recipe, fresh strawberry cake