Who doesn’t love a good slice of cake? Especially when it brings back all those nostalgic feelings of summer. We’re talking about the ultimate crowd-pleaser, the star of any potluck or family dinner: a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Forget complicated baking projects. This recipe is all about making a stunning dessert without the fuss. It’s perfect for home food lovers, especially if you’re a beginner or just looking for a budget-friendly treat that tastes like a million bucks. Get ready to bake some joy!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a good Strawberry Shortcake Cake? It hits all the right notes: sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s a true celebration in cake form, and so much fun to make.
This isn’t just any cake; it’s a comforting, family-friendly dessert that always gets rave reviews. Imagine that light, fluffy cake paired with a dreamy cream cheese whipped topping and juicy, ripe strawberries. Pure bliss, right?
For anyone new to baking, this recipe is a fantastic starting point. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just a hand mixer or a stand mixer will do the trick for that smooth, creamy frosting.
Plus, the visual appeal is just incredible. You can achieve a beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic with minimal effort. Think rustic charm meets elegant simplicity. It truly makes for a gorgeous presentation.
It’s also surprisingly customizable. Want more strawberries? Go for it! Prefer a lighter frosting? Adjust it to your taste. This recipe gives you the freedom to make it your own, ensuring it’s exactly what your family loves.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. You probably have most of these staples in your pantry already. Fresh strawberries are key for that authentic Strawberry Shortcake Cake taste.
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 And Topping
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
For The Cream Cheese Whipped Topping
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (474ml) cold heavy whipping cream
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the fun part: baking this incredible Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice in no time. It’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven And Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, grease and flour three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans. This ensures your cake layers come out cleanly and beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, giving your cake that perfect rise.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients And Combine
In a separate, larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment to combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until well blended. It should look light and fluffy.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This creates a stable emulsion, leading to a tender cake.
Now, alternate adding the buttermilk and the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in two additions. Mix between each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake tough.
Step 4: Bake The Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. For 8-inch pans, bake for 25 to 33 minutes. For 9-inch pans, it will be 24 to 27 minutes. The key is to bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cake layers cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about assembling your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Patience is a virtue here!
Step 5: Prepare The Whipped Cream Topping
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is super smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything gets mixed.
With the mixer running, slowly add the cold heavy whipping cream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. This creamy, dreamy frosting is what makes your Strawberry Shortcake Cake truly irresistible.
Step 6: Macerate The Strawberries
Wash and hull about one pound of your fresh strawberries. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and gently stir in one tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Let the sugared strawberries sit for about five minutes. This process, called macerating, draws out their natural juices and enhances their sweet flavor. It creates a lovely, juicy filling for your cake.
Step 7: Assemble Your Cake
Time to build your masterpiece! Place one cooled cake layer on your chosen cake plate or serving stand. Spread a generous dollop of the whipped cream frosting over the top of this layer.
Then, spoon a portion of your delicious macerated strawberries over the frosting. Repeat this process for any additional cake layers you have. You’re building a tower of pure strawberry joy!
Step 8: Frost And Decorate
Frost the top and sides of the entire cake as desired. For that popular naked cake look, just give the sides a very light crumb coating, allowing some of the cake to peek through. It gives it a charming, rustic vibe.
For those lovely swirls on top, use a Wilton 1M tip. Pipe beautiful rosettes or swirls around the top and edges of the cake. Then, take your remaining strawberries, cut them in half, and arrange them artfully around the top for a stunning Strawberry Theme Cake decoration.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any slices of this amazing Strawberry Shortcake Cake left over, no worries. Proper storage keeps it fresh and tasty for another day.
Simply cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake carrier. Then, pop it into the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to two days.
A little heads up: freezing this cake is not recommended. The texture of the fresh strawberries and the whipped cream topping can change quite a bit after thawing, and we want you to enjoy it at its best!
Tips
Want to make your Strawberry Shortcake Cake even more amazing? Here are a few handy tips and tricks to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful, and your cake is absolutely delicious.
Always use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter, especially the eggs and buttermilk. This helps everything combine smoothly, resulting in a more uniform and tender cake texture. It makes a real difference!
Don’t skimp on the quality of your fresh strawberries. They are the star of the show for this Strawberry Theme Cake, so choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. Local farmers’ markets are great for this.
When making the whipped cream topping, ensure your heavy whipping cream is very cold. You can even chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment for about 15 minutes before you start. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its stiff peaks better.
For a truly beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic, take your time with the decorating. Arranging the halved strawberries around the top and edges really elevates the look. You can even add a few mint leaves for a pop of color.
If you’re feeling adventurous with your Strawberry Cake Decorations, try adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top of the finished cake, especially if you’re going for that rustic, naked look. It adds a charming touch.
Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the sweetness of your macerated strawberries. If your berries are a little tart, you might want to add another half tablespoon of sugar. It’s all about personal preference here.
Conclusion
So there you have it: a fantastic, easy-to-follow recipe for a showstopping Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This dessert is truly a celebration of simple, fresh flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for any occasion, big or small.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success. You’ll love how straightforward it is and how impressive the final result looks and tastes. Get ready to impress your family and friends!
Go ahead, grab those ingredients and whip up this delightful treat. You deserve a slice of this homemade happiness. Happy baking, everyone!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
While fresh strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and macerating them with sugar. Be aware that the texture might be a bit softer.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute at home. Simply pour 1 ¼ cups of regular milk into a measuring cup and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This DIY buttermilk works wonderfully in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. This can be a real time-saver if you’re planning to assemble the Strawberry Shortcake Cake for a party or special event.
How can I achieve the best Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic?
For that charming Strawberry Shortcake Aesthetic, focus on fresh, vibrant strawberries and a slightly rustic frosting. Don’t worry about perfect, smooth sides. A “naked” or crumb-coated look is very in style. Arrange your halved strawberries artfully on top and around the edges for a natural, appealing finish. A simple Wilton 1M tip for swirls works wonders.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This no-fuss Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the perfect family-friendly dessert. It’s a tasty, comforting treat with a light, fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any potluck or weeknight dessert.
Requirements
Ingredients
For The Cake Layers
For The Strawberry Filling And Topping
For The Cream Cheese Whipped Topping
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, grease and flour three 8-inch round pans or two 9-inch round pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- In a separate, larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the melted butter and granulated sugar until well blended. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Alternate adding the buttermilk and the flour mixture in two additions, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. For 8-inch pans, bake for 25 to 33 minutes. For 9-inch pans, it will be 24 to 27 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake layers cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is super smooth. With the mixer running, slowly add the cold heavy whipping cream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Wash and hull about one pound of your fresh strawberries. Dice them into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and gently stir in one tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let the sugared strawberries sit for about five minutes to macerate.
- Time to assemble! Place one cooled cake layer on your cake plate. Spread a generous dollop of the whipped cream frosting over the top, then spoon a portion of your macerated strawberries over it. Repeat for any additional cake layers.
- Frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For a charming naked cake look, give the sides a very light crumb coating. Pipe swirls on top and arrange halved strawberries artfully for decoration.
Notes
Always use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter (especially eggs and buttermilk) for a smoother, more uniform cake texture.
For the best whipped topping, make sure your heavy whipping cream is very cold. You can even chill your mixing bowl and whisk for 15 minutes beforehand.
Don’t skimp on quality fresh strawberries! They are the star of the show, so pick ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.
If your berries are a bit tart, feel free to add a little extra sugar when macerating them to suit your taste.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
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