A Slice of Summer in Every Bite
Ever tasted a cloud that’s packed with the essence of fresh strawberries? Here’s the thing: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings the taste of summer into your kitchen, no matter the season. This dreamy cake is effortless to whip up and layered with fluffy whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and all the love your heart can hold. It’s like a hug from grandma, only without the awkward questions about your life choices. 🍰
Why Make This Recipe
So, why should you roll up your sleeves for this delightful dessert?
- Easy Peasy Cleanup: You’ll grumble less about dish duty; this recipe uses just a few simple bowls and pans.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday bash or a Tuesday, this cake fits right in. Plus, it wins hearts with every slice.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Who doesn’t want their kids to help bake? Imagine flour fights and giggles instead of doom scrolling. 😂
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry simple syrup
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Directions
Let’s get baking! Here’s how to transform these ingredients into a show-stopping cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the cakes in half horizontally if making a 3-layer cake.
- Place one layer on a serving plate, drizzle with strawberry syrup, add sliced strawberries, and spread a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat with remaining layers.
- Top the final layer with more whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake (Overview)
So, here’s the lowdown on crafting this beauty: Start with your butter and sugar party until they become light and fluffy. Then, mix those eggs in like you own the place! Whisk together the dry ingredients while your batter forms. Bake, cool, slice, layer, and repeat until you have a gorgeously stacked cake. Pro tip: Let the layers chill for a bit before decorating; it makes assembly a breeze!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Imagine serving this cake at your next get-together. The vibrant red strawberries pop against the creamy white layers, creating a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds. Drizzle some extra syrup over the cut slices, or sprinkle a handful of fresh mint leaves on top to brighten things up. Trust me, your friends will be snapping pictures and asking for the recipe in no time!
How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
This beauty stays fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the moisture in! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before decorating. Easy, right?
Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
- Make it a Day Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- Whip it Good: For extra fluffy whipped cream, use chilled bowls and beaters!
- Don’t Skip the Strawberries: They bring freshness and flavor; without them, it’s just a regular cake.
- Experiment with a Fruit Layer: Try adding a layer of blueberries or raspberries for a mixed-berry twist.
Variation
Spice things up! Want a vegan version? Swap the butter for coconut oil, use almond milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs. You’ll still get that dreamy texture and taste with a little twist. Or, mix in some chocolate for a devilish layer cake experience. Just sayin’!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the layers and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just assemble before serving.
What can I substitute for fresh strawberries?
You can use any berries you have on hand or even a fruit compote if you’re feeling fancy.
How do I prevent the cake from sinking?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter; gently fold those ingredients together!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Layers
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 0.5 cup strawberry simple syrup
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 0.25 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the cakes in half horizontally if making a 3-layer cake.
Assembly
- Place one layer on a serving plate, drizzle with strawberry syrup, add sliced strawberries, and spread a layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat with remaining layers.
- Top the final layer with more whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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