What’s the perfect dessert for warm weather gatherings? This strawberry shortcake cake is a homemade favorite, made easy with fresh strawberries and whipped cream – try layering the whipped cream and sweet strawberries on top of moist cake for a showstopping finish, save this idea

strawberry shortcake cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top

Introduction

Imagine a warm summer evening, surrounded by loved ones, and the centerpiece of your gathering is a delectable strawberry shortcake cake, adorned with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This classic dessert is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The combination of sweet strawberries, moist cake, and creamy whipped cream is a match made in heaven, and with this recipe, you’ll be able to create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this strawberry shortcake cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, and with a few simple substitutions, you can make it your own.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, and it uses ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets, making it accessible to everyone.
Ease of preparation: The cake is a breeze to mix together, and the whipped cream is a simple matter of whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar. The fresh strawberries add a pop of color and flavor without requiring any extra effort.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dessert is sure to impress your guests with its elegant presentation and delicious flavors. You can also customize it to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup of whole milk, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, 2 cups of sliced strawberries, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if you need to, and you can also use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Additionally, you can use other types of fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, if you prefer.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Pour the batter into a 9-inch round cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Once the cake is cool, split it in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Place the bottom half of the cake on a serving plate and top with sliced strawberries. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or powdered sugar over the strawberries for extra flavor. Place the top half of the cake on the strawberries and press gently.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add the granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake and decorate with additional sliced strawberries, if desired.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh strawberries and real vanilla extract, to get the best flavor out of your cake.
Don’t overbake the cake, as this can cause it to dry out. Check the cake after 20 minutes and cover the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
Experiment with different types of fruit and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own. For example, you could try using blueberries and lemon zest for a refreshing summer dessert.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 375°F (190°C). You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. If you’re unsure, you can always check the cake after 20 minutes and cover the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the fresh strawberries, which add a nice texture contrast to the soft cake and whipped cream. You can also try adding some chopped nuts or cookie crumbs to the top of the cake for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately, as this can make a big difference in the final texture and flavor of the cake.
Don’t overwhip the cream, as this can make it too stiff and separate. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
Experiment with different flavor combinations, such as adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra depth of flavor.
Make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble the cake just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Store the whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Give it a quick whip before using to restore its texture.
Freeze the cake for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the summer months when fresh strawberries are in season. Consider packaging the cake in a decorative tin or cake box, and garnish with fresh flowers or greenery for a beautiful presentation. You could also package the cake in a mason jar or glass container, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, for a charming and rustic gift.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra depth of flavor.
Creative toppings: Experiment with different types of fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, or try adding some chopped nuts or cookie crumbs to the top of the cake for extra crunch.
Ingredient swaps: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, or use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the cake is too dense, try not overmixing the batter next time. If the whipped cream is too stiff, try whipping it for a shorter amount of time.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have whole milk, you can substitute it with almond milk or soy milk. If you don’t have granulated sugar, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
Over/undercooking signs: Check the cake after 20 minutes and cover the top with foil if it’s browning too quickly. If the cake is undercooked, it will be soggy in the center and may not hold its shape.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.
Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make the cake gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake cake recipe is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its moist cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to make it your own. Happy baking!

Sweet Strawberry Short Cake