Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake? This delightful and simple recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite. I’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the freshest strawberries to mastering the whipped cream. Get ready to create a dessert that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive in and make cake magic happen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh strawberries, which add a burst of flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of light, fluffy cake with creamy whipped cream creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Impressive Presentation: Layering the strawberries and cream makes for a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
To make a delicious strawberry shortcake cake, gather these main ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
These ingredients form the base of the cake. The flour gives structure, while butter adds richness. Eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla and sugar enhance flavor, and buttermilk keeps the cake moist.
Additional Ingredients for Strawberry Topping
For the fresh strawberry topping, you will need:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
The fresh strawberries are key to this dish. When you mix them with sugar, they release their juices. This process, called maceration, makes them sweet and juicy.
Ingredients for Whipped Cream
To make the fluffy whipped cream, use these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream)
The heavy cream whips up nicely to create a light texture. Powdered sugar adds sweetness, and vanilla gives it a lovely flavor. This cream will sit perfectly on the cake layers.
When you have these ingredients ready, you can start creating your strawberry shortcake cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
To start, gather all your ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix helps the cake rise well.
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mix. Alternate adding buttermilk too, ending with the dry mix. Don’t overmix; just combine it well.
Baking the Cake
Now, pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Smooth the tops using a spatula. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if they're done. If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready! Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Cake
While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberries. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This process makes them juicy and sweet.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread half of the whipped cream on top, then add half of the macerated strawberries. Place the second layer on top of this. Repeat with the remaining whipped cream and strawberries. For a fun touch, you can add whole strawberries on top before serving.
Enjoy this delightful strawberry shortcake cake!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Moisture in the Cake
To keep your cake moist, use buttermilk. It adds flavor and tenderness. Also, do not overmix the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients disappear. This helps the cake rise well and stay soft. Let the cake cool properly before frosting. If you want to add more moisture, brush the cake layers with a small amount of simple syrup before adding the cream and strawberries.
Perfectly Whipping Cream
For the best whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Use a chilled bowl and beaters too. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract only when the cream is fluffy. This will sweeten the cream without deflating it. Take care not to overwhip, or you will make butter instead of cream.
Macerating Strawberries for Enhanced Flavor
Macerating strawberries is easy and makes them taste great. Cut the strawberries and sprinkle them with granulated sugar. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. The sugar draws out the juices, creating a syrup. This syrup enhances the flavor and adds moisture. You can adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your berries. Use this syrup when serving for an extra burst of strawberry goodness.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can become mushy and watery, which may affect the overall cake experience.
- Chill Your Cream: For a fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve better volume.
- Layering Technique: When assembling the cake, ensure the first layer is completely cool to prevent the cream from melting. This ensures clean layers and a more stable cake.
- Macerate Longer for Flavor: For even sweeter and more flavorful strawberries, let them macerate for a longer period, up to an hour. This draws out more juice and enhances their sweetness.
Variations
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Cake
You can make a gluten-free version of this cake. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Check the flour package for the right amount to replace. The rest of the steps stay the same. This change makes it safe for those who cannot eat gluten. The taste and texture stay yummy and light.
Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Turning this cake into cupcakes is easy! Use the same batter and fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake them for 18 to 22 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if they are done. Once cooled, top them with whipped cream and strawberries. These cupcakes are great for parties or picnics.
Adding Other Fruits or Flavors
You can mix in other fruits or flavors for fun. Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can also swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty taste. These changes make your shortcake unique. Experimenting with flavors adds a personal touch to your dessert.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cake
Store leftover strawberry shortcake cake in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep the cake at room temperature for one day. For longer storage, place it in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best taste.
Freezing Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
You can freeze strawberry shortcake cake for up to three months. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After that, place the wrapped cake in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. To eat, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Best Practices for Keeping Strawberries Fresh
To keep strawberries fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in a container lined with paper towels. Avoid washing them until you are ready to eat. This helps prevent mold. Try to use them within three days for the best flavor. If they start to look soft, use them in smoothies or desserts.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Bake the cakes and let them cool completely. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, whip the cream and assemble with strawberries. This keeps the cake fresh and tasty.
How do I prevent the cake from sinking?
To prevent your cake from sinking, follow these tips:
- Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can cause sinking.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Mix just until combined.
- Bake in a preheated oven at the correct temperature.
- Place the cake in the center of the oven for even heat.
What is the best type of strawberries to use?
Fresh, ripe strawberries work best for this recipe. Look for:
- Bright red color with no white spots.
- Firm texture, not mushy or overripe.
- Sweet aroma, which indicates ripeness.
Using high-quality strawberries helps enhance the flavor of your cake, making it delicious.
In this post, we covered how to make a delicious strawberry shortcake. We looked at the main and extra ingredients for both the cake and the topping. I shared clear steps for making the batter and baking the cake. You learned tips to keep your cake moist and your whipped cream perfect. We explored fun variations, from gluten-free options to cupcakes. Finally, I gave storage tips to keep your cake fresh. Enjoy making this treat and surprise family and friends with your skills!
