As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, there’s no denying that summer beckons us to indulge in sweet, refreshing treats. Picture this: the moment you slice into a vibrant Strawberry Shortcake Cake, the luscious layers of whipped cream and juicy strawberries tumbling onto your plate like a burst of sunshine. This delightful creation embodies everything we love about the season—its moist, buttery cake is not just a dessert but an experience, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or those cozy nights spent under twinkling stars.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to shake things up from the usual fast food routine, this easy recipe invites you to create something special. The best part? It’s versatile and can easily cater to gluten-free diets. So whip out your mixing bowl and let’s dive into making a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake that will impress friends, family, and even yourself!
Why is this Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake a must-try?
Irresistible flavors: The combination of whipped cream and fresh strawberries creates a taste sensation that screams summer.
Quick & easy: Even beginner bakers can whip up this delightful dessert in no time with minimal effort.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up fruits or flavored creams to suit your taste and make it uniquely yours.
Gluten-free option: Enjoy this classic dessert without worry; just swap in a gluten-free flour blend for a fabulous alternative.
Perfectly impressive: Serve it at gatherings or family dinners, and watch as your masterpiece impresses everyone!
Create this delicious cake and bring a taste of summer into your home!
Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Ingredients
• Gather your ingredients for an unforgettable summer treat!
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the cake’s structure; feel free to use cake flour for a lighter texture.
- Baking Powder – This leavening agent helps our cake rise to perfection.
- Salt – Just a pinch enhances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake; adjust as needed for the topping.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a rich flavor; opt for pure extract for the best taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Keep it cold for a moist and rich cake.
- Milk – Whole or 2% works well to add moisture to the cake.
For the Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Use cold cream to create a rich, fluffy topping.
- Fresh Strawberries – Gives this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake its signature flavor; choose ripe and juicy ones.
- Demerara Sugar – An optional topping that adds a delightful texture and sweetness.
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s turn them into a slice of summer bliss!
How to Make Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to prepare your 8-inch round pan with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined to create a flavorful base for your cake.
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Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a tender texture in your cake.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, optionally sprinkle with demerara sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, and bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Prepare Strawberries: While the cake is cooling, slice your fresh strawberries and mix them with a touch of granulated sugar to enhance their flavor; let this mixture sit to create a juicy topping.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, adding a splash of vanilla to elevate the flavor and make it even more delicious.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream evenly on top and layer the sweetened strawberries for a visually stunning and tasty finish.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra demerara sugar for a delightful crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
As you prepare to delight your guests with this summer confection, consider these perfect pairings that elevate every bite.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy blueberries or raspberries sprinkled beside the cake add contrasting flavors, enhancing that summer freshness.
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Lemonade: A chilled glass of zesty lemonade refreshes the palate, making the sweet layers of cake and cream pop even more.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luxurious experience when served alongside a slice, balancing sweetness with a cool treat.
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Mint Sprigs: Use fresh mint leaves as a garnish; their subtle freshness adds a lively element that draws the taste buds in.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce brings a rich depth, that can transform your dessert into a full indulgence.
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Honey Yogurt: Serve a dollop of honey-infused Greek yogurt on the side for a tart contrast that works beautifully with the cake’s sweetness.
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Sparkling Wine: For a celebratory touch, pair with a flute of sparkling wine; the bubbles add a festive feel to any gathering.
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Pineapple Angled Relief: Try serving with a sweet pineapple salsa for an exciting tropical twist that contrasts beautifully with strawberries.
Enhance your experience by mixing and matching these elements to create a delightful summertime meal!
Expert Tips for Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake
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Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent sogginess. This step ensures a beautiful presentation!
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Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the batter; mixing until just combined will give you a lighter, fluffier cake. This is key for making a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
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Serve Fresh: Assemble your cake right before serving for the best texture and flavor. This keeps the whipped cream and strawberries fresh, elevating the overall taste.
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Taste Test Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for maximum flavor. If they’re not sweet enough, adjust your sugar with caution, as too much can overpower the cake.
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Gluten-Free Baking: For a fantastic gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results.
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness. The strawberry mixture can be prepared 1-3 days ahead by slicing the strawberries and mixing them with sugar, allowing them to develop a juicy sweetness, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve. Finally, whip the cream just before assembling to ensure it stays fluffy. When ready to impress your guests, simply spread the whipped cream on the cooled cake, layer with the strawberries, and enjoy your beautifully crafted dessert with minimal effort!
Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize this cake, making it a personalized dessert delight!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a delightful alternative that everyone can enjoy.
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Berry Medley: Use mixed berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries for a colorful twist and a burst of flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus kick that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
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Almond Extract: Substitute a splash of almond extract for vanilla in the cream for a nutty flavor profile that’s both unique and delightful!
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace whipped cream with a rich cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist that adds depth to every luscious bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream and strawberries for a decadent touch that chocolate lovers won’t be able to resist.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical flair that enhances the fruity flavors in the cake.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the cake batter for an unexpected warmth that balances the sweet and creamy elements perfectly.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cake
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Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: To freeze, wrap unassembled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn; it can last up to 2 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. Avoid reheating once topped with whipped cream and strawberries to preserve texture.
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Assembling: For the best taste, assemble your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake just before serving, especially after freezing, to maintain the cake’s moisture.
Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries for this cake?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for ones that are bright red, firm, and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any berries with green or white patches, as these indicate they are not fully ripe. A ripe strawberry should yield slightly to pressure but not be too soft; this ensures maximum flavor for your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
How should I store leftover strawberry shortcake cake?
Very good question! Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you do have some unassembled cake left, wrap the layers securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the strawberry shortcake cake? How do I do it properly?
Yes, you can freeze your strawberry shortcake cake for later enjoyment! To do this, first allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can escape, then wrap again in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake layers overnight in the fridge. Remember, it’s best to assemble the cake just before serving to maintain fresh toppings.
What if my cake comes out dense?
Totally understandable! If your cake turns out denser than expected, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or not aerating the dry ingredients thoroughly. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, only mix until just combined. If you suspect overmixing is the issue, try whisking the dry ingredients well before adding the wet ingredients next time for a fluffier cake.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! This delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake contains ingredients that may not be suitable for pets, particularly the sugar and cream. Always keep this cake away from your furry friends. Additionally, for any guests with allergies, ensure to communicate the cake’s ingredients, especially noting the presence of dairy and gluten. You can also customize the recipe for gluten-free diets using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake for Summer Bliss Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your 8-inch round pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and stir gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and optionally sprinkle with demerara sugar. Bake for about 35 minutes.
- While the cake is cooling, slice the fresh strawberries and mix them with granulated sugar.
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, adding a splash of vanilla.
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the whipped cream evenly on top and layer the sweetened strawberries.