Strawberry Shortcake Cake brings the taste of summer to your table with soft, fluffy layers infused with vanilla and a light hint of lemon. Each slice features buttery cake stacked with honey-sweetened whipped cream and juicy, ruby-red strawberries for a fresh, classic flavor. Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness, while a touch of chopped mint gives a subtle, garden-fresh finish. Easy to bake and perfect for gatherings or simple treats, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake delivers bright, joyful flavor in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- It’s incredibly moist and fluffy, making every bite a delight.
- Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
- It’s a showstopper for any occasion, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened. Cool to room temperature.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Slice cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread half the whipped cream on the bottom layer, top with half the strawberries filling, then place the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining whipped cream and garnish with reserved strawberries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 40g |
Ingredients
Gather these delicious ingredients for your Strawberry Shortcake Cake!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – for the cake base
- 1½ cups granulated sugar – adds sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – for leavening
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – for moisture
- 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk – adds richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced) – main fruit component
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavor
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the strawberry filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – for the frosting
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – sweetens the cream
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake is perfect for any occasion! With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 25-30 minutes, and an additional chilling time of at least 1 hour, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened. Cool to room temperature.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Slice cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread half the whipped cream on the bottom layer, top with half the strawberries filling, then place the second layer on top.
Step 8: Frost and Chill
Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining whipped cream and garnish with reserved strawberries. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (Chilling) |
| Total Time | 110 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Chilled and garnished with strawberries! |
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Choose fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for fluffy whipped cream.
- Layer the cake with strawberries and cream for a beautiful presentation.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for later enjoyment.
How to Serve this Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Serve with fresh strawberries on the side for a fruity burst.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle with a strawberry sauce for added sweetness.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea for a refreshing afternoon treat.
- Layer with lemon curd for a zesty twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Wrap the whole cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight.
- For slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for best taste.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What’s the best kind of cake to use for strawberry shortcake?
The best kind of cake for strawberry shortcake is a light and fluffy vanilla sponge or angel food cake. These types of cakes absorb the juices from the strawberries without becoming soggy, allowing for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. You can also use a biscuit-style cake for a more traditional approach, which adds a nice crumbly texture to the dessert.
2. Is strawberry shortcake just vanilla cake?
Not exactly! While vanilla cake is a common base for strawberry shortcake, the dessert typically features layers of cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. The combination of these elements creates a unique flavor profile that goes beyond just vanilla cake. So, while vanilla cake can be a part of it, strawberry shortcake is much more than that!
3. What’s the difference between strawberry shortcake and strawberry cake?
Strawberry shortcake is a layered dessert that includes cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream, while strawberry cake is a cake that is flavored with strawberries, often incorporating strawberry puree or extract into the batter. The key difference lies in the structure and presentation: strawberry shortcake is more of a layered treat, whereas strawberry cake is a single, flavored cake.
4. Why was strawberry shortcake discontinued?
Strawberry shortcake has not been discontinued as a dessert; however, if you’re referring to a specific product or brand, it may have been discontinued due to changes in consumer preferences or production challenges. Regardless, the classic homemade version of strawberry shortcake remains a beloved treat that many enjoy making and sharing with loved ones!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cake to bring back sweet memories! This delightful dessert is not only easy to whip up but also incredibly rewarding. So gather your loved ones, enjoy the fresh strawberries, and savor every moist, delicious bite. You’ll be glad you tried this recipe!