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Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring moist vanilla cake layers, fresh macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or a summer treat, this recipe combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake into an elegant cake form that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups (325g) all-purpose flour (measured properly)
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted Challenge butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk

Strawberries

  • 1 pound fresh strawberries
  • 3 tbsp (39g) sugar

Whipped Cream

  • 2 1/2 cups (600ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/4 cups (144g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease the sides of three 9-inch cake pans and place parchment paper circles at the bottoms. Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, indicating proper aeration.
  4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add half of the flour mixture to the batter and mix until mostly combined. Slowly pour in the milk and blend well.
  6. Finish Batter: Add the remaining dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
  7. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached.
  8. Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and cool in pans for 2-3 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
  9. Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them thinly. Toss with sugar in a bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to macerate and release their natural juices, which enhances flavor and moisture.
  10. Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium to stiff peaks form. This fluffy cream will be used for assembling and decorating the cake.
  11. Assemble the Cake – First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread or pipe a layer of whipped cream over the surface, creating a border if preferred.
  12. Add Strawberries and Second Layer: Distribute about half of the macerated strawberries evenly over the whipped cream layer. Top with the second cake layer followed by another layer of whipped cream and remaining strawberries.
  13. Final Layer and Decoration: Add the final cake layer and cover the top with whipped cream swirls. Garnish with fresh strawberries and, if desired, drizzle some reserved strawberry juices for extra moisture and flavor.
  14. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve. The components can be prepared up to a day in advance, but assembly is best done the same day for optimal freshness.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
  • The macerated strawberries release natural juices that add moisture and flavor; let them sit refrigerated for the best results.
  • Whipping the cream to medium or stiff peaks ensures it holds shape well for decorating and layering.
  • Prepare cake layers and strawberries a day ahead to save time but assemble right before serving for freshness.
  • If desired, use a piping bag with Ateco tip 808 or similar for decorative whipped cream dollops.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and better texture.

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, layered cake, strawberry cake, summer dessert, whipped cream cake, berry cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/strawberry-shortcake-cake-recipe/