Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of cake with the sweet and fresh taste of strawberries. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a picnic, or just a family gathering. The layers of fluffy cake, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries create a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures. The bright colors make it visually appealing, and it truly is a crowd-pleaser. If you love strawberries and cake, this recipe is a must-try!

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Making a Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with a stunning cake that tastes just as good as it looks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup strawberry simple syrup
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take two or three round cake pans and grease and flour them. This step ensures that your cakes do not stick to the pans once baked.
2. Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This might take around 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are well mixed, add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat the mixture well after each egg is added. After all eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients will help incorporate the baking powder evenly throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamy butter mixture. Alternate this with adding the milk, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix, or your cake may be tough.
6. Divide the Batter: Once the batter is ready, divide it evenly among the prepared cake pans. If you are using three pans, ensure that each one has an equal amount of batter.
7. Bake the Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
8. Cool the Cakes: After removing the cakes from the oven, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Make the Whipped Cream: In a clean mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and powdered sugar. Using a mixer, beat until soft peaks form. This may take a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overmixing.
10. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle it with the strawberry simple syrup. Spread a layer of sliced strawberries on top, and then add a layer of the whipped cream.
11. Add More Layers: Carefully place the second layer of cake on top and repeat the process of drizzling with syrup, adding strawberries, and spreading whipped cream. If you have a third layer, repeat these steps one more time.
12. Decorate the Top: For the final touch, decorate the top with more whipped cream and top it off with additional fresh strawberries. This will make it look extra inviting and beautiful.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is now ready to be sliced and served! Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Serving Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is simple. Slice the cake into wedges and place them on individual plates. You can pair the cake with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s ideal for sunny afternoons in the garden or festive celebrations. This cake can be the centerpiece of your dessert table, mesmerizing your guests with its beauty and flavor.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Storing your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake properly will help keep it fresh. If you have leftover cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the whipped cream may begin to soften and lose its structure over time, so it’s best enjoyed soon after it’s made. If you’ve used fresh strawberries as decoration, they may also release moisture, so try to consume the leftovers relatively quickly.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cakes. Mix until just combined for a fluffy and tender texture.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so always check your cakes a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
• Customize Your Strawberries: Feel free to add a tiny pinch of sugar to the sliced strawberries to enhance their sweetness. You can also mix in some other berries for variety.
• Chill Your Whipped Cream: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before making the whipped cream. This helps it whip up faster.

Variation

You can vary this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake by changing up the flavor profile. Some options include:

• Different Fruits: Instead of just strawberries, try mixing in blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to the whipped cream for a different flavor twist.
• Chocolate Version: For chocolate lovers, replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate cake base. Chocolate pairs wonderfully with strawberries!
• Shortcake Biscuits: For a more traditional take, replace the layer cake with shortcake biscuits. This will give you a more authentic strawberry shortcake experience.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake layers in advance. Bake and cool them, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to two days. You can assemble the cake just before serving for the best whip cream consistency.

Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. However, it’s best to freeze them unassembled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect them from freezer burn. They will last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble with strawberries and whipped cream.

What sort of strawberries should I use?

Fresh, ripe strawberries will work best for this cake. They should be sweet and juicy, as they are the star of the dessert. Look for strawberries that are bright red and firm, avoiding any that seem mushy or have dark spots.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or just prefer convenience, you can use store-bought whipped cream instead of making your own. Just note that homemade whipped cream tends to have a fresher taste.

How can I make the cake healthier?

To make a healthier version of Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Greek yogurt can also be used in place of some of the butter for added moisture without the fat.

What should I serve with the cake?

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake pairs nicely with a variety of beverages. Consider serving it with herbal tea, coffee, or a refreshing glass of lemonade. It also goes well with some vanilla ice cream on the side for those who enjoy a warm and cold dessert combo.

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Print Recipe

A delightful dessert combining fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup strawberry simple syrup
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
2. Combine the softened butter and granulated sugar; cream until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet, alternating with milk.
6. Divide the batter evenly among prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
9. Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
10. Assemble the layers with syrup, strawberries, and whipped cream.
11. Decorate the top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, dessert, layer cake, summer dessert, fresh strawberries