Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 3 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.75 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cups vegetable or canola oil; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 large egg whites (room temperature); 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended); 0.67 cups sour cream; 0.75 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%, room temperature); 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries (divided); 2 tablespoons strawberry jam; additional whole strawberries (for garnish, optional); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temp); 1 cup powdered sugar; 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.25 cups heavy whipping cream (really cold, straight from the fridge)

Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Cake

What is Strawberry Shortcake Cake?

Strawberry shortcake cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, merging a fluffy vanilla cake with layers of sweet, fresh strawberries and decadent whipped cream frosting. This cake offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, featuring a light sponge that complements the juicy strawberries and rich cream. Not only does it look stunning, but it also evokes nostalgia for sunny afternoons and summer picnics. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress.

Why Choose Homemade Over Fast Food Desserts?

When it comes to desserts, homemade always wins the flavor contest! While fast food desserts might be quick and convenient, they often come loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives. Making your own strawberry shortcake cake means you can control the ingredients, ensuring that every bite is fresh and full of natural goodness. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about baking from scratch— the delightful aroma of vanilla fills your kitchen, and your friends and family will appreciate the effort you've put into creating something special.

For inspiration and tips, why not check out this Guide to Baking Essentials. It's a great resource for anyone looking to up their baking game!

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Creating a delightful strawberry shortcake cake starts with gathering the right ingredients. Let's break it down into three key sections: the cake, filling, and frosting.

Cake Ingredients

For the fluffy cake layers, you'll need:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1¾ cups granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (a hidden gem!)
⅔ cup sour cream
¾ cup milk, preferably whole or 2%

These basic pantry staples combine to make a perfect vanilla cake that serves as the foundation of your strawberry shortcake cake.

Filling Ingredients

For the luscious filling that adds a burst of fruity flavor, gather:

3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam

You'll want to reserve some whole strawberries for a stunning garnish too.

Frosting Ingredients

Finally, for the creamy frosting, you're going to need:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups heavy whipping cream, extremely cold

This frosting is both rich and stable, giving your strawberry shortcake cake that perfect finish.

For some great tips on working with cream cheese, check out this guide on cream cheese frosting techniques. Happy baking!

Preparing Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Making a delicious strawberry shortcake cake may sound intimidating, but with a little guidance, you’ll find it straightforward and enjoyable! Let’s walk through the steps together to get you prepped for a delightful baking experience.

Preheat the oven and prepare the pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the strawberry shortcake cake layers will bake evenly. While the oven heats up, it’s crucial to prepare your three 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides. This will prevent the cake from sticking and help you achieve those perfect, pristine layers.

Mix the dry ingredients for the cake

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly will help ensure even distribution of the baking powder and salt throughout your cake. Set the mixture aside for later.

Combine wet ingredients with a mixer

In a stand mixer bowl (or with a hand mixer), combine:

1¾ cups granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs and 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (if using)

Mix these ingredients until they’re well combined. Then, add ⅔ cup sour cream, mixing again until smooth. This creamy combination gives your cake a moist texture that you’ll love.

Fold in flour and milk

Gradually add in your reserved flour mixture and beat just until combined. Slowly pour in ¾ cup milk while mixing; then finish folding in the remaining flour mixture. Remember, overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Bake the cake layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Gently tap the pans on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Bake in your preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for an even bake. Once done, let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the strawberry filling

While your layers cool, slice about 3 cups of fresh strawberries (you can choose to slice some for the filling and dice others for decoration). Mix these berries with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam, which enhances their flavor and will be used in both the filling and as decoration.

Make the cream cheese frosting

In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until smooth. Gradually add in 2¼ cups of heavy whipping cream while mixing. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Make sure your cream is very cold; this is the secret to achieving that perfect whipped texture.

Assemble the cake

To assemble your strawberry shortcake cake, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread one-third of the frosting on top, followed by about 1¼ cups of strawberries. Repeat this process with the second cake layer. For the top layer, frost with the remaining creamy goodness and top with the leftover strawberries. If you’d like, you can also use whole strawberries for decoration.

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake that’s sure to impress! From your kitchen to the table, this dessert is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Dive into the full recipe here and enjoy your baking adventure!

Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake

For a delicious twist on the classic strawberry shortcake cake, consider making a chocolate version! Simply substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolaty base. Pair this decadent cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream to create a mouthwatering dessert that satisfies any chocolate lover's cravings. You can also drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top for an extra touch of indulgence. Trust me, your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Don't miss out if you’re following a gluten-free diet! You can easily adapt the strawberry shortcake cake by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have an equally delightful cake that everyone can enjoy. To enhance flavors, consider using coconut or almond milk along with the other classic ingredients. This version is just as delicious and doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

For more variations and tips, check out Gluten-Free Baking Tips.

Baking notes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Tips for room temperature ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for achieving that light, airy texture in your strawberry shortcake cake. To bring eggs and milk to room temperature quickly, simply place the eggs in warm water for about 5 minutes and microwave the milk for about 15 seconds. This step ensures a smooth batter and optimal rise when baking.

Frosting stability tips

To ensure your frosting holds its shape and doesn't deflate, always start with cold heavy cream. This helps in achieving that perfect whipped texture. If you prefer a sturdier frosting, consider using cream cheese, which stabilizes the whipped cream nicely. Remember to whip your frosting until it can hold stiff peaks—this will work wonders when it comes to frosting your cake layers! For more tips on frosting stability, feel free to explore resources on frosting techniques to get an even better finish on your cake.

Serving suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Ideal accompaniments

To elevate your strawberry shortcake cake, consider pairing it with:

Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a delightful richness.
Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or strawberry ice cream complements the fruity flavors perfectly.
Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warm beverage rounds out the meal, making it a cozy indulgence.

Presentation ideas

For a stunning presentation that will impress your guests:

Layered Look: Put your strawberry shortcake cake on a decorative cake stand to showcase its beautiful layers.
Garnishes: Use whole strawberries and mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness on top.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, a light sprinkle can give it an elegant finish.

These tips not only enhance flavor but also make your dessert a centerpiece at any gathering. For more ideas, check out this article on dessert presentations.

Time Details for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

When it comes to baking a delightful strawberry shortcake cake, knowing the timing can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of preparation and cooking.

Preparation Time

Get ready for that sweet strawberry bliss! You'll need about 30 minutes to gather your ingredients, mix the batter, and prepare your cake pans.

Baking Time

Once everything is prepped, pop your cakes in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, indicating they’re ready.

Total Time

In just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious strawberry shortcake cake cooling on your countertop, ready to be frosted and enjoyed. Isn’t that fantastic? For more inspiration, check out Celebrating Sweets where you'll find tips on making the most of fresh strawberries!

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Shortcake Cake

When enjoying a slice of strawberry shortcake cake, it's essential to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make informed decisions:

Calories

Each generous slice of our delectable cake contains approximately 585 calories. Perfect for an occasional treat, just be sure to balance it with a healthy, active lifestyle!

Protein

With about 7 grams of protein per slice, this cake provides a touch of nourishment. It may not be a protein powerhouse, but every bit counts, especially when paired with a protein-rich meal before dessert.

Sugars

Each serving of this delightful dessert features around 37 grams of sugar. While this gives the cake its sweet flavor, moderating your sugar intake through other meals in the day can help maintain your overall health.

Indulging in homemade desserts like this strawberry shortcake cake is a fantastic way to enjoy your culinary efforts, and knowing its nutritional information lets you appreciate it even more! If you're curious about other dessert options or want to adjust this recipe to fit different dietary needs, check out Nutrition.gov for helpful tips.

FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in your strawberry shortcake cake! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different from fresh strawberries. You can also toss them in a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness.

How can I make the cake ahead of time?

To prep your strawberry shortcake cake in advance, bake and cool the cake layers a day before serving. Wrap them tightly in wax paper and plastic wrap, then refrigerate. You can also prepare the whipped cream frosting ahead. Just remember to re-whip it before assembling the cake and hold off on mixing the strawberries with jam until the day of serving to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you're looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, consider using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that these substitutions may change the texture and richness slightly, but they can still create a delicious frosting for your strawberry shortcake cake.

Conclusion on Strawberry Shortcake Cake

In essence, the strawberry shortcake cake merges delectable vanilla layers with fresh strawberries and luscious cream frosting, creating a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this cake promises to impress. Enjoy every bite and share the joy!