Strawberry Shortcake Cake – Easy & Delicious Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a show-stopping dessert that takes the classic summer treat to a whole new level. This three-layer cake brings together tender, buttery cake layers, macerated strawberries, and stabilized whipped cream for a celebration-worthy dessert. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a special summer gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress and delight.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a Must-Try

Strawberry Shortcake Cake combines all the flavors of the beloved shortcake in an easy-to-make layered cake form. The buttery cake layers are sturdy yet light, making them perfect for stacking. The macerated strawberries provide a sweet and slightly tangy burst of flavor, while the stabilized whipped cream holds everything together with its creamy texture. Perfect for a summer gathering or a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

To make this beautiful strawberry shortcake cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake and provides structure.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the fresh strawberries.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang, keeping the cake tender.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.

For the Strawberries:

• Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, macerated to release their juices and create a sweet, syrupy filling.
• Granulated sugar: Helps draw out the juice from the strawberries, making them perfect for layering.

For the Stabilized Whipped Cream:

• Cream cheese: Acts as the stabilizing ingredient while adding a subtle tang.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without making it too grainy.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks for a luscious, smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Strawberry Shortcake Cake is simpler than you might think! Follow these easy steps for a perfect dessert:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans (or two 9-inch pans) and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the softened butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

3. Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 21-24 minutes (for 8-inch pans) or 28-33 minutes (for 9-inch pans). The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Strawberries

While the cakes are cooling, hull and slice the strawberries. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar, and let them macerate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

5. Make the Whipped Cream

In a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream and continue beating on medium speed until stiff peaks form.

6. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top and top with half of the macerated strawberries. Add the second cake layer, followed by whipped cream and the remaining strawberries. If using three layers, add the third layer, and cover with whipped cream. Garnish with extra strawberries.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Cake turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Use stabilized whipped cream: Regular whipped cream tends to melt quickly, especially in a layered cake. Stabilizing it with cream cheese ensures it holds its shape for longer.
• Allow the cake to cool completely: This prevents the whipped cream from melting when assembling.
• Store leftovers properly: While the cake is best enjoyed right away, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is versatile, and you can add your own twist by pairing it with various flavors or making substitutions. Here are a few ideas:

• Fruit swaps: If strawberries are out of season, try using peaches, cherries, or plums. Macerating other fruits works just as well as strawberries.
• Flavored whipped cream: Add a splash of rum extract or bourbon to the whipped cream for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time! The cake layers can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to three days, or frozen for up to one month. The strawberries and whipped cream should be prepared just before assembling. Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the appearance may change as the strawberries release juice into the cream.

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a wonderful dessert that captures the essence of summer in each bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake is sure to be the star of the show.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the ultimate dessert to impress your guests with its beautiful layers, delightful flavors, and perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a birthday, or just indulging in a delicious homemade treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Its tender cake layers, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries make it an unforgettable dessert that everyone will love. So, why wait? Grab some fresh strawberries, gather your ingredients, and create this show-stopping dessert today!

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