Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Spring is the season of blooming flowers and fresh produce, making it the perfect time for delightful desserts like Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This recipe offers a light, fluffy cake layered with sweet strawberries and whipped cream, all prepared in just five easy steps. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake will surely impress family and friends.
What Is Spring Baking: Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Steps?
This cake encapsulates the essence of spring with its vibrant flavors and refreshing ingredients. Traditional shortcake is transformed into a luscious layered cake, consisting of soft sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It maintains the classic shortcake flavor while offering a visually stunning presentation that is sure to be the star of any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of sweet strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and tender sponge cake creates a harmonic blend that will tickle your taste buds. Additionally, the simple five-step process ensures that both novice bakers and seasoned pros can create this masterpiece without stress. It’s a versatile recipe, suitable for birthdays, picnics, or even casual family dinners. You’ll appreciate how quick it is to prepare and how satisfying it feels to serve such a delightful treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour: This is the main structural ingredient that provides the cake’s base. Using all-purpose flour results in a tender cake.
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and helps retain moisture, keeping it deliciously soft.
- ½ cup of unsalted butter: Room-temperature butter adds richness and flavor to the cake; be sure to cream it well with sugar to incorporate air.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and stability to the cake. Ensure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 1 cup of milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to produce a light, airy cake. Use whole milk for best results.
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder: This leavening agent allows the cake to rise, resulting in a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the cake’s flavor profile, adding a subtle warmth.
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries: Strawberries bring natural sweetness and contrast with the whipped cream’s texture.
- 2 cups of heavy whipping cream: This is whipped to create a light, fluffy topping that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries and cake.
How to Make
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and ensure your butter is softened enough to cream properly. This is essential for a light cake.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated. Then, mix in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients, combining until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, whip the heavy cream with a mixer until soft peaks form. Slice the strawberries and mix half with sugar to let them release their juices. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread a layer of whipped cream, add a layer of strawberries, then top with the second cake layer. Finish by covering the top with more whipped cream and strawberries. Serve fresh!
Variations & Substitutions
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: For a chocolate twist, substitute ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder in the cake batter. This adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries. The whipped cream can also be lightly flavored with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for added indulgence.
Berry Mix Shortcake: Instead of just strawberries, combine a variety of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds complexity to the flavor. Use the same method of preparation, layering different berries between the cake layers and in the topping.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: You can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will remain just as delightful.
Dairy-Free Alternative: To make this cake dairy-free, replace the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use vegan butter in place of the regular butter. A dairy-free whipped cream alternative can be made using coconut cream for a delicious finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. While mixing, simply combine until the flour is just incorporated; overmixing can result in a dense cake. Another issue is not adequately creaming the butter and sugar. Creaming properly allows air to be trapped, which is crucial for a fluffy cake. Finally, make sure to cool the cakes completely before adding whipped cream; otherwise, the cream will melt and not hold its structure.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
For storing, keep the assembled Strawberry Shortcake Cake in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days. It’s best to cover it lightly with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from drying out. If storing for a longer period, consider freezing the unfrosted cake layers separately. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let the layers thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling with whipped cream and strawberries.
To reheat, only the cake layers should be warmed in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until just warmed through—not hot. Avoid reheating the whipped cream topping as it may lose its structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them before adding to your cake. This will help prevent excess moisture from making your cake soggy. Fresh strawberries, however, will provide the best taste and texture.
How can I make sure my cake layers are even?
Using a kitchen scale to measure your batter can help ensure that each layer is the same size. Alternatively, use a measuring cup to pour the same amount of batter into each cake pan. Rotating the pans halfway through baking can also promote even cooking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to three days before assembling. Just wait to add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries until you are ready to serve to maintain their freshness.
Is it possible to make mini shortcake cakes?
Yes! You can use smaller cake pans or even muffin tins to create individual mini cakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
What drinks pair well with a Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with light beverages such as lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling white wine. The sweetness of the cake balances well with the refreshing tartness of these drinks, making for a delightful experience as you enjoy your dessert.
Conclusion:
Making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake during spring is not just a treat, but an experience that brings happiness and brightness to any gathering. With its layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and rich whipped cream, this dessert embodies the spirit of the season. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a family gathering, or just enjoying a sweet treat, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures that anyone can create a gorgeous and delicious cake without hassle. Try it and share it with your loved ones for the best results!
