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Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe


  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A classic and delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake featuring moist layers of buttery cake, fresh macerated strawberries, and fluffy homemade whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful summer dessert, this cake combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the richness of a tender vanilla cake and light whipped cream.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour (measured properly)
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted Challenge butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk

Strawberries

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries
  • 3 tbsp (39g) sugar

Whipped Cream

  • 2 1/2 cups (600ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/4 cups (144g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans and Oven: Prepare three 9-inch cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper circles and greasing the sides. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light in color and fluffy. Proper creaming is important for texture.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even incorporation.
  5. Combine Batter: Add half of the dry ingredients to the mixture and mix until mostly combined. Slowly add the milk while mixing and then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing. Scrape down sides as needed.
  6. Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs.
  7. Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and let them cool in pans for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Toss the sliced strawberries with sugar in a large bowl. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to macerate and release juices.
  9. Make Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until medium to stiff peaks form.
  10. Assemble Cake – Layer 1: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread or pipe a layer of whipped cream across the top.
  11. Layer Strawberries: Add half of the macerated strawberries (including some of their juice) over the whipped cream layer.
  12. Assemble Cake – Layer 2: Place the second cake layer on top. Add another layer of whipped cream followed by the remaining strawberries.
  13. Final Layer and Decoration: Add the final cake layer. Top with whipped cream swirls and fresh strawberries for decoration. Drizzle any leftover strawberry juices on top or serve alongside the cake slices.
  14. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve. The cake layers and strawberries can be prepared a day in advance; assemble on the day of serving for best freshness.

Notes

  • Do not skimp on creaming the butter and sugar for a light and fluffy cake texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
  • Macerating the strawberries with sugar enhances their flavor and releases natural juices for added moisture.
  • Whip the cream to medium-stiff peaks for best texture and stability.
  • Cake layers and strawberry mixture can be made up to one day ahead; assemble right before serving.
  • Use fresh and ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Cake, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, vanilla cake, summer dessert, classic dessert