Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending the sweetness of fresh strawberries with light and fluffy cake layers. This delightful treat is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser at birthdays, picnics, and summer celebrations. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, even novice bakers can impress their guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, ensuring that you can whip up this cake without any baking anxiety.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh strawberries elevates the flavor and makes each bite refreshing.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a casual family gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy frosting and sweet strawberries is irresistible.
• Stunning Presentation: This layer cake looks fabulous on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Electric mixer
• Baking pans
• Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and airy batter for the cake.
• Baking pans: Proper-sized pans ensure even baking and beautiful layers for your Strawberry Shortcake Cake.

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 Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 2 cups (474ml) cold heavy whipping cream

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pans will also help ensure that your cake layers come out easily.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, beat together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk until combined.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour the batter evenly into prepared baking pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare Strawberries

While the cake layers cool:
1. Slice fresh strawberries and place them in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out juices.

Step 5: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until creamy.

Step 6: Whip Heavy Cream

In another bowl:
1. Whip cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of frosting on top followed by sliced strawberries.
3. Repeat with second layer before adding frosting on top and around sides.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, perfect for any celebration!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Serving Strawberry Shortcake Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and presentation. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the cake on a dessert plate. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic treat.

Individual Mini Cakes

• Create individual portions by cutting smaller rounds from the cake. This makes for an adorable and easy-to-serve option at parties.

Strawberry Drizzle

• Drizzle fresh strawberry sauce over each slice. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal, making your cake even more inviting.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Serve slices alongside vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Top each slice with additional fresh strawberries or mixed berries. This enhances the fruitiness and freshness of the dessert.

Whipped Cream Clouds

• Add a mountain of whipped cream on top of each serving for an indulgent and creamy experience. This makes each bite rich and satisfying.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and buttermilk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that rises evenly.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid adding too much flour, which can make your cake dense.
• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake texture.
• Cool completely: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before assembling. This prevents the whipped cream from melting and keeps layers stable.
• Fresh strawberries are key: Use ripe, sweet strawberries for both filling and garnish. They will elevate your cake’s flavor significantly.
• Chill before serving: Letting the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour allows flavors to meld 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 great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake with natural flavors.
2. Minty Green Salad: A fresh salad with mint leaves provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying a sweet slice of cake.
4. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and complement the strawberry theme perfectly.
5. Sweet Tea: A cool glass of sweet tea pairs well with dessert, enhancing southern charm alongside your shortcake.
6. Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty flavor of pecan pie bars offers a delightful contrast while keeping within dessert territory.
7. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory notes that balance out sweetness effectively when enjoyed together.
8. Vanilla Custard: Rich vanilla custard served on the side can be drizzled over or enjoyed separately for added decadence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake requires some attention to detail. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Using stale ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper rising. Check expiration dates before starting.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle with your mixing.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture. Allow them to reach room temperature for better results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups. Inaccurate measurements can alter the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Skipping chilling time for frosting: Let the whipped cream chill before using it. This helps it hold its shape better on the cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the Strawberry Shortcake Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 3 days in the fridge, maintaining freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s well protected from freezer burn.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

• item Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.
• item Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds; check if warmed through.
• item Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once, until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe?

A Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe combines layers of soft yellow cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for better structure.

How do I make my whipped cream stiffer?

To achieve stiffer whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand and add cornstarch or powdered sugar while whipping.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for best flavor, you can use frozen ones if thawed and drained well. They may release more moisture.

How long does it take to prepare this cake?

The total time for preparation and baking is approximately 160 minutes, including both prep and cook times.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough for various occasions, from family gatherings to celebrations. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavors in the frosting!