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Get The Product!Introduction and Quick Summary
Do you remember the first time you tasted a fresh Strawberry Shortcake Cake? The moment when the light, fluffy cake meets the sweet, juicy strawberries and luscious whipped cream is unforgettable. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a sensory delight that evokes memories of warm summer days and joyous celebrations.
Imagine slicing into a perfectly baked cake layered with vibrant strawberries and fluffy cream. Each bite melts in your mouth, releasing a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake is sure to impress your friends and family. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey that combines freshness and indulgence in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dessert works wonders at birthdays, picnics, or family gatherings. Its bright colors and fresh flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker to create this delicious cake. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip it up.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using real strawberries and homemade whipped cream elevates this cake to another level of deliciousness. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate seasonal produce.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the structure of the cake; sifted flour ensures lightness.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- Unsalted Butter: It gives richness and flavor; be sure it’s softened at room temperature.
- Eggs: These provide moisture and act as a binding agent for the ingredients.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture; use room-temperature milk for best results.
- Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries for natural sweetness; they will be layered between the cakes.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped cream is essential for topping; it should be chilled before whipping.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round baking pans with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while mixing until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Milk
Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in milk and combine until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Mix until just combined – do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Once baked, let them cool completely before frosting.
To serve this delightful dessert, layer the cakes with fresh strawberries in between and top generously with whipped cream for that perfect finish.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Berries: Opt for ripe strawberries as they make the flavor more vibrant.
- Chill Your Tools: Chilling your mixing bowl before whipping cream can help achieve better volume.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cakes towards the end of baking time to prevent dryness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using Overripe StrawberriesWhen making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake, using overripe strawberries can ruin the dessert’s flavor and texture. Overripe berries tend to be mushy and lack the vibrant taste that fresh strawberries provide. Always choose firm, bright-red strawberries for the best flavor. If you notice any soft spots or signs of mold, discard those berries. Fresh strawberries will not only enhance the cake’s overall taste but also contribute to its visual appeal.
- Not Chilling the Cake LayersAllowing your cake layers to cool completely before frosting is essential for a successful Strawberry Shortcake Cake. If you frost warm layers, the frosting will melt, resulting in a messy and less attractive dessert. To prevent this, let the cake layers cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that your frosting remains thick and holds its shape beautifully when applied.
- Skipping Fresh Whipped CreamWhile store-bought whipped cream may seem like a convenient option, it simply cannot match the flavor and texture of freshly made whipped cream. Homemade whipped cream is light, fluffy, and adds a rich taste that complements the Strawberry Shortcake Cake perfectly. To make it, whip heavy cream with sugar until soft peaks form. This simple step elevates your cake and makes each bite truly delightful.
- Neglecting to Layer ProperlyProper layering is crucial for a well-balanced Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Ensure each layer includes an even spread of strawberries and whipped cream for consistent flavor throughout the cake. Spread whipped cream generously on each layer before adding sliced strawberries. This technique prevents dry bites and guarantees that every slice delivers a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
- Using Unsalted Butter IncorrectlyUnsalted butter is typically recommended for baking as it allows you to control the salt level in your recipes better. However, some bakers mistakenly use salted butter or forget to adjust other salt levels in their recipes when using unsalted butter instead. For the best results in your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, stick with unsalted butter to maintain balanced flavors without overpowering saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the cake’s light texture and complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
- Ice Cream: Serve a slice of this delightful cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
- Fruit Salad: For a refreshing contrast, pair the Strawberry Shortcake Cake with a vibrant fruit salad. The burst of flavors from various fruits will elevate your dessert experience.
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To create your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake, you will need essential ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, eggs, milk, and strawberries. You may also want to include heavy cream for whipped topping. Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and flavor to the cake. Consider using vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste. This combination of ingredients results in a moist and flavorful cake that highlights the strawberries beautifully.
Can I make Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare your Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time. Bake the cake layers in advance and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake just before serving to ensure that it retains its freshness. If you prefer to make it even earlier, you can freeze the layers for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake, place any remaining slices in an airtight container. It is best kept in the refrigerator if you have used whipped cream or fresh strawberries as toppings. This way, you can enjoy your cake for up to three days while maintaining its flavor and texture. If your leftovers do not contain perishable items, they can last longer at room temperature.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour when making your Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Look for a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure and stability to baked goods. Keep in mind that adjustments may be necessary regarding liquid ratios or baking times since gluten-free flours behave differently than traditional wheat flour. Experimenting might yield different textures but will still result in a delicious dessert.
Conclusion for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
In summary, making a delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake is easier than you might think. By gathering fresh ingredients such as strawberries, flour, sugar, and cream, you can create a scrumptious dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether served with whipped cream or alongside ice cream and fruit salad, this cake offers versatility that everyone will appreciate. Don’t hesitate to prepare it ahead of time or experiment with gluten-free options if needed. Enjoy every bite of this classic treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a quintessential summer dessert that will brighten any gathering. This delightful cake features layers of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether it’s for a birthday party, picnic, or simply to enjoy with loved ones, this cake embodies the essence of sunny days and joyful celebrations. The combination of sweet strawberries and airy whipped cream makes it an irresistible treat that appeals to both children and adults alike. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Cake that not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter until smooth; gradually add sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time; mix in the milk until combined.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture; mix until just incorporated.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with whipped cream and layering with sliced strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
