Who doesn’t love a good cake, especially one that screams summer and sunshine? If you are on the hunt for a dessert that is both stunning and surprisingly simple to make, you have hit the jackpot. We are talking about the ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Cake, folks!
This isn’t just any cake; it is a celebration in every bite. Imagine fluffy cake layers, sweet juicy strawberries, and a generous dollop of whipped cream. It is the kind of treat that makes you feel like a star baker without all the fuss. Let’s dive in and get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about a homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake? First off, it is incredibly easy to follow. You do not need any fancy equipment or culinary school degrees to nail this one. It is a fantastic recipe for beginners!
Secondly, the flavors are just out of this world. The combination of sweet cake, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream is truly comforting. It is a classic for a reason, you know?
Plus, this cake has a wonderful Strawberry Cake Aesthetic. It looks absolutely gorgeous on any table, making it perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a fun weeknight dessert. You can really get creative with your Strawberry Cake Decorations too!
It is also super customizable. Want more strawberries? Go for it! Prefer a lighter whipped cream? You got it. This recipe is all about making it your own and having a good time in the kitchen.
And let’s be real, making something from scratch always feels good. There is a special kind of pride that comes with serving up a delicious, homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake to your friends and family.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here is what you will need to create your amazing Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 16 ounces Whipped cream topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 quarts fresh or frozen strawberries (sliced)
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps to bring your delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake to life. You will be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9 x 11 inch baking pan and line it with foil or parchment paper. Make sure to grease it well. This step helps ensure your cake comes out easily and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Those Dry Ingredients
In a medium or large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients. That is your all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give them a good whisk until they are well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Cream It Up
Now, in a separate bowl, ideally one fitted with a mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and 1⅓ cups of granulated sugar. Beat them until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat everything well until it is smooth and lovely.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
With your mixer on low speed, slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients mixture and the milk to your wet ingredients. Start with a bit of dry, then a bit of milk, and keep going until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pour your cake batter into the greased baking pan you prepared earlier. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will know it is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Sweeten Those Strawberries
While your cake is cooling, let’s get those strawberries ready. Place your sliced strawberries and the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the strawberries start to release their juices. Take it off the heat and set it aside.
Step 7: Slice and Assemble
Once your cake is completely cool, cut it into 9 or 12 pieces. Then, carefully cut each piece in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream in the center of each bottom piece. Spoon some of your sweetened strawberries over the whipped cream.
Place the top layer of cake on each piece. Finish by spreading more whipped cream and spooning additional strawberries over the top of each individual Strawberry Shortcake Cake piece. Voila! You have made a beautiful and tasty dessert.
How To Store Leftovers
Got some delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake left over? Lucky you! Storing it properly will keep it fresh and tasty for another round of enjoyment. The key is to keep it cool and covered.
Because this cake features fresh strawberries and whipped cream, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. Place any leftover pieces in an airtight container. This helps prevent the cake from drying out and keeps the whipped cream from absorbing fridge odors.
Typically, a Strawberry Shortcake Cake will stay good in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. The strawberries might get a little softer over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic. Just be sure to enjoy it within that timeframe for the best quality.
If you prefer, you can also store the cake layers and the strawberry mixture separately before assembly. This can prolong the freshness of each component. Then, just assemble a fresh piece whenever a craving strikes!
Tips
Making a fantastic Strawberry Shortcake Cake is pretty straightforward, but a few insider tips can elevate your game. These pointers will help you achieve that perfect Strawberry Cake Aesthetic and flavor every single time.
First, always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. This is especially true for eggs and milk. Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly, leading to a lighter, fluffier cake texture. It is a small step that makes a big difference.
When it comes to the strawberries, do not be shy! Fresh, ripe strawberries are always best for flavor and that vibrant Strawberry Cake Aesthetic. If you are using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before sweetening them. This prevents a watery cake.
For whipping your cream, make sure your bowl and whisk attachment are very cold. You can even pop them in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better, which is great for Strawberry Cake Decorations.
Want to make your Strawberry Shortcake Cake extra special for a party? Consider adding a touch of lemon zest to your cake batter or strawberry mixture. It brightens up the flavors beautifully without overpowering the star of the show.
To achieve a truly impressive Strawberry Theme Cake, think about garnishing with a few whole, un sliced strawberries and maybe a sprig of fresh mint. These simple additions can make your cake look like it came straight from a professional bakery.
If you are short on time, you can certainly use a good quality store bought whipped cream, but making your own adds an extra layer of freshness that is hard to beat. It is a quick step that pays off in flavor.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks! A truly delightful and surprisingly simple recipe for a classic Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This dessert is a winner for so many reasons. It is quick, it is tasty, and it brings a smile to everyone’s face.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable and fun. You get to enjoy the process of creating something beautiful, and then, of course, the joy of eating it!
Remember, cooking should be an adventure, not a chore. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on some tunes, and whip up this fantastic Strawberry Shortcake Cake. You deserve a little sweetness in your life. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, absolutely! The recipe calls for fresh or frozen strawberries. If you are using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before slicing and combining with sugar. You might want to gently pat them dry to remove any excess water.
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Shortening?
While vegetable shortening gives the cake a specific tender crumb, you can substitute it with unsalted butter. Just make sure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.
How Can I Make This Cake Look Extra Special?
For a beautiful Strawberry Cake Aesthetic, arrange your sliced strawberries carefully on top. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for extra flair. These simple Strawberry Cake Decorations truly make a difference.
Can I Prepare Parts of This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you sure can! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them, well wrapped, at room temperature. The sweetened strawberry mixture can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the freshest results.
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This easy, no-fuss Strawberry Shortcake Cake features fluffy cake layers, sweet juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream. It’s a perfect, comforting dessert for family gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×11 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl with a mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and 1⅓ cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, gently stir the sliced strawberries and remaining ¼ cup of sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Once cool, cut the cake into 9 or 12 pieces. Slice each piece in half horizontally.
- Spread whipped cream on the bottom half of each piece, top with the strawberry mixture, place the top layer on, and finish with more whipped cream and strawberries.
Notes
Ensure ingredients like eggs and milk are at room temperature for a fluffier cake texture.
For best results, use a very cold bowl and whisk when making homemade whipped cream to help it hold its shape.
Add a touch of lemon zest to the cake batter or strawberry mixture to brighten the flavors.
You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them, well-wrapped, at room temperature. Assemble just before serving.
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