Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for light, fruity desserts that feel like a comforting hug on a plate, you are going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. This show-stopping cake takes the classic strawberry shortcake you love and transforms it into an elegant, layered masterpiece that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a lovely afternoon treat. Imagine fluffy sponge cake layers soaked in sweet strawberry syrup, enveloped in velvety cream cheese whipped cream, with fresh, juicy strawberries nestled inside and on top. Every bite bursts with vibrant strawberry flavor and a freshness that instantly brightens your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the texture, flavor, and vibrant color that make this cake special. From the tender cake crumb and the tangy cream cheese frosting to the perfectly balanced strawberry components, you’ll see how simple essentials come together beautifully.

• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s soft yet sturdy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, airy perfection.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors for depth.
• 4 large eggs, separated: Egg whites whip into stiff peaks for lift, while yolks add richness.
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar: Stabilizes the whipped egg whites for volume.
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided: Balanced sweetness, split for the cake’s layers and syrup.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• ¼ cup warm water: Adds moisture and smooths the batter.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the cake with warm, inviting aroma.
• ¾ cup water: For the strawberry simple syrup to soak the layers.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberry syrup perfectly.
• ½ cup sliced strawberries: Infuses syrup with fresh strawberry goodness.
• ½ pound strawberries: Core of the thickened strawberry filling.
• 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetness for the cooked strawberry filling.
• ½ tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling for luscious texture.
• 1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve cornstarch evenly.
• 4 ounces cream cheese: Adds tang and richness to the frosting base.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese frosting smoothly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the frosting’s flavor.
• 4 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for heavenly cake frosting.
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced: For decorating and layering inside the cake.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the structure of the cake and work alongside the eggs to create that light crumb you’re craving.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Using a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with lemon juice until they’re foamy. Gradually add half the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. This step is key because it gives the cake its fluffy lift and tender embrace.

Step 3: Make the Egg Yolk Mixture

In another bowl, beat the egg yolks along with the remaining sugar until pale and creamy. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil, warm water, and vanilla extract, creating a smooth, luscious base to fold your dry ingredients and whipped whites into shortly.

Step 4: Combine All Components

Gently fold the dry ingredients and the whipped egg whites alternately into the yolk mixture. Patience is essential here—fold gently to keep the batter airy without overmixing. This gives you that perfect, soft cake texture once baked.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and set to the touch. When it’s done, let it cool completely. Pro tip — cooling fully is crucial so your cake layers remain stable when you slice and assemble.

Step 6: Make the Strawberry Simple Syrup

Simmer the water, sugar, and sliced strawberries to create a fragrant and sweet strawberry syrup. This syrup will soak into the cake layers, adding moisture and that signature strawberry punch.

Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Cook the remaining strawberries with sugar, then stir in a cornstarch-water slurry to thicken it. Once thickened, blend to a smooth puree and allow it to cool. This luscious filling will add a burst of strawberry flavor and beautiful texture between your layers.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually drizzle in the heavy whipping cream, whipping the mixture to stiff peaks. This frosting is rich and tangy, perfectly complementing the strawberry flavors.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake Layers

Slice the cooled cake into three even layers. Generously brush each layer with the strawberry syrup to keep them moist and flavorful. Spread whipped cream and layer sliced strawberries along with a smear of strawberry filling between each tier.

Step 10: Finish and Chill

Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it beautifully. Pop the cake into the fridge for at least two hours—this resting time lets all the flavors harmonize and the cake firm up for perfect slicing.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Top your cake with additional fresh strawberries and maybe a few mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness that instantly elevates its appearance. You can even dust a little powdered sugar over the top for a delicate, snowy effect.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own but serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a fresh berry salad, or even a light citrus sorbet can bring a delightful contrast that complements the rich creaminess and fruity depth.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices in clear dessert plates to showcase the beautiful layers, or even as individual parfaits by layering cake cubes, whipped cream, and strawberries in tall glasses. This delivers the classic strawberry shortcake cake experience with a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your beautiful cake, wrap any leftover portions tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stays fresh and luscious for up to 3 days, making it an easy dessert to enjoy the next day without any fuss.

Freezing

If you want to keep your strawberry shortcake cake recipe treat longer, wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow frozen cake to thaw completely in the fridge. If you want a slightly warmer dessert, serve slices with a warm berry compote or warmed vanilla sauce on the side.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling and syrup.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend with a 1:1 ratio, keeping in mind it might slightly affect the cake’s texture.

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and keep them refrigerated. This makes your assembly process on the day of serving so much easier and less stressful.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If cream cheese isn’t preferred, mascarpone cheese is a great alternative for a similarly rich, creamy texture. Just keep the same amount and beat it with powdered sugar and vanilla for a luxurious twist.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

The key is to brush the cake layers with just enough strawberry syrup to add moisture but not saturate them. Also, chilling the cake before slicing helps the layers to firm up, making clean cuts without the cake falling apart.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, it will become one of your go-to desserts for celebrations or whenever you’re craving a sweet moment of joy. The balance of fluffy cake, luscious cream, and fresh strawberries creates a treat that’s both classic and elevated. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bring a little strawberry magic into your kitchen—you won’t regret it!

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