There’s just something about the combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and fluffy, buttery cake that ignites a sense of nostalgia and pure delight. Growing up, Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake was a summertime staple in our household, and the mere thought of that first bite still makes my mouth water. I can vividly recall the excitement I felt as my mom would carefully assemble the layers, the vibrant red berries peeking through the soft, pillowy cream. It was a dessert that truly captured the essence of the season – bursting with flavor and radiating pure joy.

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake recipe is truly special, and I’m excited to share the secrets that make it a standout. The key lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors – the tender, moist cake, the juicy and sweet strawberries, and the light and airy whipped cream come together in perfect harmony. By using high-quality, fresh ingredients and employing a few simple techniques, you’ll be able to create a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in the final result.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour provide the structure and crumb for the cake.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder give the cake its signature rise and fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, creates a rich, tender cake.
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar sweetens the cake and brings out the natural flavors.
  • 3 large eggs add moisture, structure, and a velvety mouthfeel.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract infuses the cake with a warm, fragrant note.
  • 1 cup whole milk keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, provide the star ingredient – juicy, sweet, and bursting with summer flavor.
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream whip up into a luscious, pillowy topping.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Instructions

Preparing Your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 35 minutes, this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake comes together in a total of 55 minutes. You’ll need a few essential tools, including a stand mixer or hand mixer, a 9-inch round cake pan, a serrated knife, and a piping bag or spatula for assembling the layers.

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- Alternate adding the flour mixture and the whole milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
4- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5- Once the cake is cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully slice it horizontally into two even layers.
6- Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand, and top it with half of the sliced fresh strawberries. Pipe or spread a layer of whipped cream over the strawberries, then top with the remaining cake layer. Finish by topping the cake with the remaining strawberries and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

Pro Tips for Success

1- For the fluffiest cake, be sure to cream the butter and sugar for the full 2-3 minutes until light and airy. This helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a tender, moist crumb.
2- Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough cake. Gently fold in the dry ingredients and milk just until they’re incorporated.
3- Slice the cake layers with a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for clean, even layers. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to help the layers hold their shape.
4- When whipping the cream, be sure to use very cold heavy whipping cream and chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand. This will help the cream whip up quickly and maintain its fluffy texture.
5- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Try drizzling the cake with a sweet strawberry sauce or sprinkling it with chopped toasted almonds for added crunch.

Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake serves 12 and is the perfect dessert to enjoy on a warm summer day. Pair it with a refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea for a truly delightful treat. It also makes a lovely addition to any picnic, barbecue, or outdoor gathering, where its bright, festive appearance is sure to be the talk of the party.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is best enjoyed the same day it’s made, but you can certainly prepare it ahead of time. The unfrosted cake layers can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to assemble, simply prepare the whipped cream and layer the cake as directed.

For longer storage, you can wrap the assembled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Creative Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Variations

While the classic Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved dessert. Try swapping out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits, like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches. You can also add a touch of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy twist.

For a festive touch, fold chopped dark chocolate or toasted nuts into the whipped cream. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle the assembled cake with a decadent chocolate ganache or caramel sauce.

Making Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Diet-Friendly

If you’re looking to enjoy this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake while following a special diet, there are a few simple substitutions you can make. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of the dairy milk, and whip up a dairy-free whipped cream topping.

For a low-carb spin, replace the granulated sugar with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener and use fresh berries instead of the sliced strawberries. You can also experiment with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in the cake batter for a grain-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using, as the excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake.

Q: How long does it take to make this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake?
A: The total time to make this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is 55 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cook time.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. The unfrosted cake layers can be baked and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When ready to assemble, prepare the whipped cream and layer the cake as directed.

Q: How many servings does this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake make?
A: This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake recipe serves 12 people.

Q: What can I do if the cake layers don’t come out evenly?
A: If the cake layers aren’t perfectly even, you can use a serrated knife to carefully trim the tops to create level layers. The whipped cream and strawberries will help conceal any minor imperfections.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a true summertime delight that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfectly balanced flavors, moist and tender crumb, and stunning presentation, it’s a dessert that will have your guests raving. So grab those fresh strawberries, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a showstopping treat that captures the essence of the season. Be sure to share your creation with us and let us know how it turned out!