Bring the taste of summer to your table with this irresistible strawberry shortcake cake. Combining fluffy vanilla layers, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, this dessert shines at birthday parties, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for sweetness. Unlike traditional shortcakes that use biscuits, this version features tender cake layers that soak up all the berry juices perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This recipe transforms classic strawberry shortcake into an eye-catching layer cake that’s surprisingly simple to make. You get the nostalgic flavors you love while impressing guests with your baking skills. Plus, the method uses basic pantry ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Unlike some quick dinner recipes, this dessert rewards your effort with a stunning presentation.
The cake stays moist for days thanks to the sour cream and oil in the batter. Meanwhile, the whipped cream frosting offers a lighter alternative to buttercream. Children and adults alike will adore the fresh strawberry filling that bursts with natural sweetness.
Recipe
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Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Layered vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream frosting
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour (360 g)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (12 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 g) [room temperature]
- 1 1/2 cups sugar (300 g)
- 4 eggs (large)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
- 1/4 cup oil (60 ml) [vegetable, canola or light olive]
- 1/4 cup sour cream (60 g) [full fat]
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- 2 pints fresh strawberries (680 g) [ripe]
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (20 g) [optional]
- 2 tablespoons sugar (25 g)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (480 ml)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g) [divided, see recipe below]
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (113 g) [full fat]
- 1/4 cup diced strawberries with glaze (40 g) [from the recipe above]
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in wet ingredients. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk. Bake 25-30 minutes.
- Prepare strawberries: Slice berries. Mix with sugar and jam. Let sit 15 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup diced berries.
- Whipped cream: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip cream cheese separately. Fold into whipped cream.
- Assemble the cake: Layer cake, strawberries, and cream. Repeat. Frost entire cake. Garnish with reserved berries. Chill 1 hour.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best texture.
- Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream.
- Cake layers can be baked 1 day ahead.
- Prep Time: 1 hr
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 305 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake
- Butter: Use unsalted for better control over sweetness
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients
Creamy Elements
- Whole milk: Creates tender crumb
- Sour cream: Adds moisture
- Heavy whipping cream: For fluffy frosting
- Cream cheese: Stabilizes whipped cream
Strawberry Components
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant ones
- Strawberry jam: Enhances berry flavor naturally
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract, oil, and sour cream.
Step 2: Prepare Strawberries
While cakes cool, hull and slice strawberries. Toss them with sugar and strawberry jam. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to release juices. Reserve ¼ cup of diced berries for garnish.
Step 3: Whipped Cream
Beat cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add most of the powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold cream cheese into whipped cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread half the strawberry mixture over it. Top with 1 cup whipped cream. Repeat with second layer. Cover entire cake with remaining whipped cream. Garnish with reserved diced berries. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature for even mixing
- Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream
- Use cake strips around pans for flat layers
Flavor Variations
Citrus Twist
Add lemon zest to cake batter or whipped cream. You can also substitute orange zest for a brighter flavor.
Berry Medley
Mix raspberries or blueberries with strawberries for a colorful filling. Adjust sugar as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with iced tea or coffee. For a themed meal, serve it alongside savory dishes like buffalo chicken casserole. Garnish each slice with mint leaves for extra elegance. Warm summer evenings call for light accompaniments that balance the dessert’s richness.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream frosting holds well due to cream cheese stabilization. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic for 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge. Keep leftovers covered to prevent dryness. While this dessert keeps, slow cooker meals often taste better as leftovers than delicate cakes.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503 | 29g | 56g | 8g | 5g | 28g | 305mg |
FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh berries work best for texture. Frozen strawberries become mushy when thawed. If necessary, drain thawed berries thoroughly to avoid soggy cake.
How do I prevent the cake from crumbling?
Creaming butter and sugar properly creates a stable base. Also, avoid overmixing batter once flour is added.
Can I make this cake ahead?
Assemble up to 4 hours before serving. Store components separately for longer prep. Whipped cream tastes best when fresh.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry shortcake cake brings joy to every bite with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether celebrating a special occasion or treating your family, it delivers homemade goodness that store-bought desserts can’t match. The moist cake layers, juicy strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream create a dessert worth savoring. Get ready to receive compliments when you present this stunning creation at your next gathering!
