Name: Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar

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If you’re searching for a dessert that brightens any occasion with its fresh flavors and delightful textures, look no further than this Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps. This cake is the perfect union of fluffy layers, sweet whipped cream, and vibrant strawberries that melt in your mouth. It’s a timeless classic with a fresh twist, made surprisingly easy so you can impress without taxing your time or energy in the kitchen. Once you try it, this dreamy strawberry shortcake will quickly become your go-to for celebrations or cozy family gatherings alike.

Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect balance of sweetness, fluffiness, and freshness starts with ingredients that are simple yet essential. Each one brings something special, from the soft all-purpose flour to the luscious heavy cream that whips into clouds of delight. Here’s what you’ll need for this unforgettable creation:

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives your cake its tender crumb and structure.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a golden crust.
1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays light.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
2 large eggs: Bind the cake and add tenderness.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic hint that deepens the flavor.
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: The star ingredient that brings vibrant color and fresh fruity goodness.
1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped into peaks of sweetness for the perfect cream layer.
2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream without graininess, giving it that smooth finish.

How to Make Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at just the right temperature when it’s time to bake. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans—this little prep work is essential to prevent your beautiful cakes from sticking and to achieve those flawless edges we all love.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures every bite of your cake has a consistent lift and sweetness. Taking care at this stage sets the foundation for a light, airy crumb.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Blend

Next, add the softened unsalted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Beat everything until you achieve a smooth, glossy batter without lumps. The butter’s creaminess combined with eggs and milk will create that irresistibly tender cake texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepped cake pans, then pop them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step requires some patience, but it’s absolutely worth it when you pull those golden cakes out, warm and smelling heavenly.

Step 5: Whip the Cream and Assemble

Allow your cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form—don’t skip this fluffiness as it’s what makes each bite so luscious. To assemble, spread half the whipped cream on one cake layer and scatter sliced strawberries on top. Add the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining cream and strawberries. This simple layering transforms your cake into a showstopper.

How to Serve Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, add a few whole fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. You can also toss a few fresh mint leaves around the edges for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweet flavors.

Side Dishes

This Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. The light fresh fruit and cream combination balances richer accompaniments beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your strawberry shortcake cake in individual trifle glasses layered with cake chunks, whipped cream, and strawberries for a modern twist. Another idea is to use it as a centerpiece for a tea party, slicing it into petite portions and plating with edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it an easy and delightful treat whenever you want.

Freezing

You can freeze cake layers before assembling by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, keeping them fresh for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling with freshly whipped cream and strawberries for best results.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. However, if you prefer, let the cake come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it slightly chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture that could make the cake soggy.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can try whipping chilled coconut cream or a high-fat substitute, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly from the traditional cream.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the whipped cream, coconut cream works beautifully as a dairy-free option.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and you should get a deliciously similar result.

How long does it take to make this cake from start to finish?

This Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including baking and assembly. It’s a quick process for such an impressive dessert.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to create the Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps, there’s no reason to wait for a special occasion. This cake brings joy to any table with its fresh strawberries, fluffy cake layers, and luscious whipped cream. Dive in, have fun assembling it, and enjoy every sweet bite that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite.

Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake in 5 Simple Steps Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Unforgettable Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful dessert combining fluffy vanilla cake layers, fresh sliced strawberries, and luscious whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is simple to prepare in just five easy steps, delivering a classic, refreshing strawberry shortcake experience in cake form.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients and Beat: Add the softened unsalted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat the ingredients together until the batter becomes smooth and consistent.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Cool and Remove Cakes: After the initial cooling, carefully transfer the cake layers to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy and sweet whipped cream.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the whipped cream over the layer, then evenly distribute half of the sliced strawberries on top.
Add Second Layer and Repeat: Place the second cake layer on top, then repeat the process by spreading the remaining whipped cream and topping with the remaining sliced strawberries.
Serve and Store: Serve the cake immediately for best freshness, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and keep it fresh.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
To make the whipped cream more stable, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping.
For a more decadent cake, you can add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and whipped cream layers.
This cake is best enjoyed within 2 hours of assembly to maintain freshness and texture.
Leftover cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but strawberries may release juice and soften the cake over time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American