Ah, the love of a home-baked dessert it’s a comforting embrace wrapped in sweetness. Just picture it: the sun filtering through the kitchen window, filling the air with warmth, while the aroma of freshly baked cake calls you closer. It’s hard to resist the joyful image of family and friends gathering around a vibrant Strawberry Shortcake Cake on a warm afternoon or cozy evening. Whether it’s for a birthday, a relaxing Sunday, or simply a sweet treat to brighten up the week, this cake has a special place in every heart and household.
Imagine the tender layers of cake hugged by luscious strawberries and creamy frosting, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. The Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a beautiful story of love, laughter, and shared moments. And today, I’m inviting you into my kitchen to create this delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrating those everyday joys.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
A Sweet Solution to Your Baking Needs
Does the thought of dessert make you anxious? Perhaps you’ve faced a baking challenge that turned into a kitchen catastrophe? We’ve all been there — standing in front of the oven, wondering where things went wrong, while our hearts sink with disappointment. But fear not! The Strawberry Shortcake Cake is here to lift your spirits. This delightful cake is surprisingly simple, allowing you to express your love with every layer.
The joy of this Strawberry Shortcake Cake is that it brings everyone together. It solves those moments of chaos and transforms them into beautiful memories. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a way to share a piece of your heart, filled with sweetness and love. So let’s get ready to capture those moments and make a cake that will be the star of your gatherings.
Quick Answer: The easiest way to make Strawberry Shortcake Cake creamy and rich is by using heavy cream straight from the fridge for the frosting.
And if you’re yearning for more deliciousness, check out our Creamy Tortellini Soup and celebrate the warm, comforting flavors of home cooking.
This Dish Solves That
With its fluffy layers and the mouthwatering combination of strawberries, cream cheese, and whipped cream, the Strawberry Shortcake Cake proves that baking can be joyous, not stressful. Imagine delighting your family as you slice through that golden, moist cake, revealing the vibrant strawberries nestled within. The sweet aroma wafting through the air is simply irresistible.
The sheer beauty of this dessert is mesmerizing, as the bright red strawberries peek through a fluffy, white cloud of whipped cream. Each layer invites eager hands to dive in. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a wholesome treat, packed with love, making it the perfect centerpiece for every occasion—from a simple Tuesday evening to a grand birthday bash.
For more delightful recipes, you might also enjoy our Garlicky Feta Chicken Salad and our Fresh Peach Cobbler Recipe, which will bring seasonal flavors right to your table.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
For this delectable Strawberry Shortcake Cake, you’ll need the following:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) | |
| 3 teaspoons baking powder | |
| ½ teaspoon salt | |
| 1¾ cups granulated sugar | |
| ½ cup vegetable or canola oil | |
| 2 large eggs (room temperature) | |
| 2 large egg whites (room temperature) | |
| 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract | |
| ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended) | |
| ⅔ cup sour cream | |
| ¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%, room temperature) | |
| 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries (divided) | |
| 2 tablespoons strawberry jam | |
| Additional whole strawberries (optional, for garnish) | |
| 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temp) | |
| 1 cup powdered sugar | |
| ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract | |
| 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream (very cold, straight from the fridge) |
Prep Method with Sensory Cues
Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with a touch of love.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; the scent of fresh flour fills the air.
- In your stand mixer or a large bowl, combine sugar and oil, mixing until light and fluffy. The sweetness of sugar will awaken your senses!
- One at a time, add in the eggs and egg whites. Let those wonderful yolks blend in to create a vibrant yellow hue.
- Slowly mix in the vanilla and almond extract while adding the sour cream and milk. You’ll feel that silky texture come together perfectly.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined – it should feel pleasantly thick and fragrant.
- Fold in 1 ½ cups of the fresh strawberries, letting those bright pieces add color and optimism into your batter.
Filling:
- Once your cakes have cooled, carefully slice each layer in half to create four thin layers, letting the sweet strawberry aroma fill the kitchen.
Frosting:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; the rich creaminess will make your heart sing.
- Add in the remaining vanilla extract and stir into the bowl of love.
- In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form — watch how it transforms into fluffy clouds of delightful sweetness.
Assembly:
- Take your first cake layer and spread a dollop of strawberry jam, followed by a generous layer of cream cheese frosting, then add a layer of strawberries.
- Stack the second layer on top and repeat the process until all layers are stacked. Finish it off with a frosty wrap around the entire cake, letting those strawberries shine.
For helpful baking tips, check out our guide on Crockpot Beef and Noodles for added insights.
Avoid These Mistakes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
- Overmixing the Batter: If your cake turns out tough, it’s likely due to overmixing. Mix just until combined for a light, airy cake.
- Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Forgetting to let your eggs and dairy ingredients warm up can lead to a dense texture. Remember to take them out ahead of time.
- Not Leveling Flour: Measuring flour can be tricky. Always spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to prevent a heavy cake.
- Rushing Cooling Process: Cutting into a cake before it has cooled can lead to crumbling or a messy look. Let it cool completely for beautifully even layers.
Pro Tips to Get It Right
- Make Ahead of Time: Since this cake is undeniably a crowd pleaser, you can bake the layers a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh Strawberries Give the Best Flavor: Use the ripest, freshest strawberries you can find to ensure maximum sweetness and natural flavor.
Looking for more inspiration? Try our Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice or whip up some classic Cinnamon Roll Muffins to satisfy those cravings!
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
Slice into this stunning Strawberry Shortcake Cake and serve each piece with fresh cream and extra strawberries on the side. It’s perfect for birthday parties that hum with laughter, family gatherings that warm the heart, or quiet evenings where you deserve a delightful treat. Add a sprinkle of mint for that extra fresh touch!
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
To store, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the layers, unfrosted, for up to a month — just thaw and frost when you’re ready for a sweet treat again!
Want to try a twist? Substitute half the strawberries for blueberries or add a layer of lemon curd for a refreshing zing. Each variation brings new life and flavors, making it perfect for any season!
FAQ Section
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce; just 1/4 cup per egg will keep your cake moist and tender.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just keep an eye on the texture!
What do I do if the cake is too dry?
A dry cake can be brought back to life with a simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled together) brushed onto the layers before frosting.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Shortcake Cake is more than just a dessert. It symbolizes warmth, connection, and the joy of making memories around the table. This cake’s fluffy layers combined with fresh strawberries and creamy frosting will surely create smiles and satisfaction, inviting stories that will last a lifetime. If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today. For more recipes that warm the heart, take a look at our Broccoli Cheese Soup that fills both belly and soul with comfort.
Let’s bake some love into your home today!
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine sugar and oil, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and egg whites, mixing well until blended.
- Mix in the vanilla and almond extract, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in 1.5 cups of the fresh strawberries gently.
- Once cakes have cooled, slice each layer in half to create four thin layers.
- Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Whip heavy cream in another bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Take the first cake layer and spread strawberry jam, followed by cream cheese frosting and a layer of strawberries.
- Stack the second layer on top and repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Frost the entire cake and decorate with additional strawberries as desired.