If you crave a dessert that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, you’re in the right place! This Soft Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not only simple to make, but it also features fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping that are sure to impress your friends and family. In this article, I’ll guide you through easy ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ensuring your cake turns out perfect every time. Let’s dive into this delightful treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fruity: This cake is bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Perfectly Soft Texture: The cake is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the combination of butter and milk, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Easy to Assemble: With just a few simple steps, you can create an impressive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This strawberry shortcake is versatile enough to be a showstopper at parties or a sweet treat for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberries and Whipped Cream
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for strawberries)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
For this Soft Strawberry Shortcake Cake, you'll want to gather the right ingredients. The dry ingredients form the base of the cake. Start with all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These work together to give the cake its structure and sweetness.
Next, focus on the wet ingredients. You'll need unsalted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. The butter adds richness, while the milk keeps the cake moist. Eggs help bind everything together, and vanilla adds a nice flavor.
Finally, fresh strawberries and whipped cream make this dessert shine. Slice the strawberries and toss them with powdered sugar. This process draws out their juices, making them sweet and juicy. The whipped cream, made with heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla, creates a light and fluffy topping.
With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a delightful dessert. Each element plays a key role in making your cake taste amazing. Enjoy the process of putting everything together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Strawberry Preparation
- Toss sliced strawberries with powdered sugar.
- Allow strawberries to sit for 30 minutes. This helps them release their juices and sweeten.
Cake Batter Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter to the dry mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until crumbly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the flour mix, beating until smooth.
Baking Process
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick. It should come out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Whipping Cream
- In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assembling the Cake
- Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread whipped cream on top, then add half of the strawberries.
- Place the second layer on top. Repeat with whipped cream and the remaining strawberries.
- Top with any extra whipped cream and strawberries. Slice and serve!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfecting the Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the batter mix well.
- Do not over-mix the batter. Mix just until combined for a soft cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with extra sliced strawberries on top. It adds freshness and color.
- Pair with a scoop of ice cream. The creaminess complements the cake perfectly.
Decorating Ideas
- Add fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Create fun whipped cream designs using a piping bag. A simple star tip works great!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for berries that are bright red and have a pleasant aroma.
- Chill Your Equipment: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps it whip up faster and achieve more volume.
- Layer Properly: When assembling the cake, make sure to spread the whipped cream and strawberries all the way to the edges. This creates a beautiful presentation and ensures every bite is delicious.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you're ready to assemble.
Variations
Gluten-Free Version
You can make this cake gluten-free. Just swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This change works well and keeps the cake soft and fluffy. Look for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. This ingredient helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You will still enjoy a tasty strawberry shortcake without the gluten!
Different Flavors
Want to mix it up? Try a chocolate strawberry shortcake! For this twist, add cocoa powder to the dry mix. About 1/2 cup should do the trick. The chocolate pairs nicely with fresh strawberries.
Another option is a lemon-infused strawberry shortcake. Just add lemon zest and a bit of lemon juice to the batter. This will give the cake a refreshing citrus taste. Both flavors offer a fun take on the classic!
Alternative Toppings
You don’t have to stick with strawberries. Other berries work well too. Raspberries or blueberries can add a fun change. Each berry brings its own unique flavor.
Also, consider different whipped cream flavors. You can add a touch of almond extract or even some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. These simple changes can make your cake even more exciting and delicious!
Storage Info
Room Temperature Storage
You can keep the Soft Strawberry Shortcake Cake at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome. This keeps the cake soft and moist.
Refrigerating the Cake
If you need to store the cake longer, refrigerate it. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about five days in the fridge. The cool air helps the whipped cream stay firm.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the cake, first, let it cool completely. Slice the cake if you want individual pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your cake as if it was just made!
FAQs
How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry?
To keep your cake moist, use fresh ingredients. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Mix the batter until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dry cake. Also, watch the baking time closely. Remove the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for just ten minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, they will be softer when thawed. Drain excess liquid before using them in the cake. This helps prevent extra moisture in the batter. You might need to adjust the sugar if they are sweeter than fresh strawberries.
What type of cream is best for whipping?
Heavy whipping cream works best for whipping. It has a high fat content, which helps it hold its shape. Chill the bowl and the beaters before whipping. This makes it easier to achieve soft peaks. Avoid using light cream or half-and-half, as they won’t whip well.
How can I make the cake ahead of time?
You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature. You can also freeze the layers if you want to make it even earlier. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before assembling. Prepare the strawberries and whipped cream the day you plan to serve the cake. This keeps everything fresh and tasty.
This blog post covers all you need for a delicious strawberry shortcake. We went through the key ingredients, both dry and wet, to build a tasty base. You learned the step-by-step process to bake and layer your cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I shared helpful tips for a perfect result and fun variations to try. You can make this dessert your own by changing flavors and toppings. With proper storage advice, your cake will stay fresh longer. Now, grab your ingredients and enjoy making this delightful treat!
