Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a decadent, layered dessert perfect for any celebration. With its buttery, soft cake layers, sweetened macerated strawberries, and rich, stabilized whipped cream, it elevates the classic strawberry shortcake into a showstopping treat that’s both easy to make and visually stunning. Ideal for summer gatherings or special occasions, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- 2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans (or two 9-inch pans), and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the softened butter and mix on low speed until the mixture looks sandy, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl after each egg. Mix on medium-high speed for 30 seconds until smooth and thick.
- Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 21-24 minutes for 8-inch pans, or 28-33 minutes for 9-inch pans. The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool the cakes in their pans for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberries. Slice them and toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to macerate.
- For the whipped cream, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving dish. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream, followed by half of the macerated strawberries. Repeat with the second layer. If using a third layer, top with more whipped cream and the remaining strawberries. Garnish with extra strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping for better consistency.
- The whipped cream can be stabilized with cream cheese for a firmer texture that holds up well in a layered cake.
- You can make the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 1/4 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- For an extra touch, try adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a zesty flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 383
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 437mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 107mg