If you’re craving a sweet and light dessert, you’re in the right place! This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream, each bite is pure bliss. I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your cake turns out beautifully. Let’s dive into the delicious world of baking this show-stopping dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: This cake combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of whipped cream, creating a delightful balance that is irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a family gathering, this strawberry shortcake layer cake is sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create a stunning dessert.
- Beautiful Presentation: With its layered structure and fresh strawberries on top, this cake is visually stunning, making it a centerpiece on any dessert table.
Ingredients
To make the Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for strawberries)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect cake. The flour gives the cake structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy. Salt enhances flavor, and butter adds richness.
The milk and eggs create a moist texture. The vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and juicy goodness. The powdered sugar for the strawberries helps make them even sweeter, while the whipping cream adds a delightful lightness to the layers.
Using fresh and quality ingredients ensures a tasty and beautiful cake. The balance of flavors and textures makes this dessert a real treat for your taste buds. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, as each one adds to the joy of baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
- Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- Mix sliced strawberries with powdered sugar.
- Allow strawberries to macerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Cake Batter
- Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
- Beat until smooth.
Bake the Cakes
- Divide and pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes and allow to cool.
Whip the Cream
- Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Whip until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake
- Layer cakes with whipped cream and strawberries.
Frost the Cake
- Frost with remaining whipped cream.
- Decorate with extra strawberries.
Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate cake for 1 hour to set layers.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Ensure your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can help with this.
- Use room temperature ingredients. This gives you a smoother batter for your cake.
Whipping Cream Tips
- Chill your mixing bowl before whipping cream. A cold bowl helps the cream whip better.
- Taste your whipped cream as you go. Adjust sweetness to fit your taste.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve the cake on decorative plates. It adds charm and makes it more inviting.
- Garnish with whole strawberries. This simple touch adds elegance to your dessert.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries make all the difference in flavor. Look for bright red berries with a sweet aroma for the best results.
- Chill the Whipped Cream: For best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. This helps the cream achieve stiff peaks more easily.
- Layering Technique: Ensure each layer of cake is evenly spread with whipped cream and strawberries. This not only enhances flavor but also ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and it will taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Variations
Different Flavors
You can mix things up with your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake. Instead of using just strawberries, try mixed berries. You can use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. This gives a nice twist to the taste and looks great.
Another fun idea is to change the whipped cream flavor. You can add almond extract for a nutty touch or lemon zest for a fresh zing. These small tweaks make a big difference and keep things exciting!
Gluten-Free Option
Want to make this cake gluten-free? It's simple! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work great in cakes. Check the package for the right amount to use. The cake will still be light and tasty!
Dairy-Free Option
If you're avoiding dairy, don't worry! You can still enjoy this cake. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the whipped topping. It gives a rich flavor. You can also use almond milk in the cake batter. This will keep the cake moist and delicious without any dairy!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To store your strawberry shortcake layer cake in the refrigerator, follow these easy steps. First, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh and moist. If you have leftover slices, place them in an airtight container. It’s best to eat the cake within three days for the best taste.
To keep the layers from becoming soggy, avoid adding too many strawberries on top right away. Layer the strawberries just before serving. This way, the cake stays light and fluffy.
Long-Term Storage
Freezing the individual cake layers is simple and effective. Allow the layers to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the layers for up to three months.
For thawing and serving, take the layers out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Once thawed, reassemble the cake. Add whipped cream and fresh strawberries right before serving. This keeps it looking fresh and delicious!
FAQs
How to make a strawberry shortcake layer cake?
To make this cake, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Next, mix your dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat this mixture for 2 minutes until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly into the pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. While the cakes cool, prepare your strawberries. Mix 4 cups sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and let them macerate for 30 minutes.
For the whipped cream, beat 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form. Once everything is cool, layer the cakes with whipped cream and strawberries. Frost the cake with remaining whipped cream and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries taste better. If you use frozen ones, thaw them first, then drain excess liquid. You might need to adjust the sugar since frozen strawberries can be sweeter. Fresh strawberries provide a nice texture and flavor. They hold their shape better in the cake.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whole milk with melted butter. Combine 2/3 cup whole milk with 1/3 cup melted butter for a great alternative. Another option is coconut cream, which adds a unique flavor. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk. Each substitution will change the taste slightly, so choose what fits your needs best.
How long does strawberry shortcake layer cake last?
The cake lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day or two in advance. You can bake the cake layers ahead and freeze them. Just wrap each layer tightly. When ready to assemble, let them thaw completely. You can also whip the cream and prepare the strawberries a day in advance. Keep everything covered in the fridge until you are ready to assemble. This way, you save time and still have a fresh cake.
You now have a full guide to make a delicious strawberry shortcake layer cake. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful storage tips. Remember, using fresh strawberries enhances flavor, and cooling the cake helps set the layers. Don’t hesitate to try variations like gluten-free or dairy-free options to suit your needs. Baking this cake can be a fun and rewarding experience. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family!
