Alright, let’s make this big, cozy, story-style recipe the way you like it 🍓🎂
Here’s a full, layered, love-filled take on Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake.
🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
A classic dessert turned into a celebration cake
🌸 Introduction
Strawberry shortcake is one of those desserts that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s light, fresh, and gently sweet—never heavy, never rushed. Traditionally served as tender cake or biscuits layered with juicy strawberries and clouds of whipped cream, this version transforms that beloved classic into a soft, elegant layer cake worthy of birthdays, gatherings, or quiet afternoons when you want something special.
This cake balances fluffy vanilla sponge, sweet macerated strawberries, and airy whipped cream. Simple ingredients, honest flavors, and a whole lot of love.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
For the Strawberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Whole strawberries
- Strawberry slices
- Fresh mint leaves
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
- Place sliced strawberries in a bowl.
- Sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice.
- Stir gently, cover, and let sit for 30–45 minutes until juicy.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two or three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry.
- Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
Step 3: Bake
- Divide batter evenly among pans.
- Bake for 22–28 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Continue whipping until stiff but smooth peaks form.
- Keep chilled until assembly.
🧱 Formation (Assembly)
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Spoon strawberries (and some juice) evenly on top.
- Add the next cake layer and repeat.
- Finish with whipped cream on top and decorate with strawberries.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for best texture.
🛠️ Methods & Tips
- Room-temperature ingredients ensure a soft crumb.
- Don’t overwhip cream—it should be fluffy, not grainy.
- Chill the cake slightly before slicing for clean layers.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers lightly with strawberry juice.
📜 A Little History
Strawberry shortcake dates back to the mid-1800s, when it appeared in American cookbooks as a sweet biscuit layered with fruit and cream. Over time, sponge cake versions became popular, especially for celebrations. This layer cake version keeps the spirit of the original—fresh, seasonal, and unfussy—while giving it a modern, bakery-style presentation.
❤️ For the Lovers of This Cake
This cake is for:
- Strawberry lovers 🍓
- Summer dessert fans
- People who prefer light, creamy cakes over heavy frosting
- Anyone who believes simple desserts are often the best
It’s the kind of cake that disappears quietly, slice by slice, until only crumbs and memories remain.
🌟 Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is proof that elegance doesn’t need complexity. Soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberries, and fresh cream come together in perfect harmony. Whether served at a party or enjoyed with a cup of tea, this cake feels like comfort, nostalgia, and joy—stacked into beautiful layers.
If you want, I can also give you:
- An eggless version
- A sheet cake version
- A stabilized whipped cream option
- Or a short and social-media-style version 🍰