If you love fresh strawberries and soft cake, this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe is perfect for you. It is light, sweet and full of fresh flavor. This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe is great for birthdays, summer parties or family dinners.
The soft vanilla cake layers, fresh strawberries and fluffy cream taste amazing together. Today, I will show you how to make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake step by step at home with simple ingredients.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to this cake is fresh strawberries. Always use ripe and sweet strawberries. They give natural flavor and bright color.Another secret is not overmixing the batter. Overmixing makes the cake dense. We want it soft and fluffy.
Cold heavy cream also helps. It whips better and becomes light and airy.Let the cake cool completely before adding cream. Warm cake melts the frosting. Small details make a big difference.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 390 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Serrated knife
- Offset spatula
- Cake stand or serving plate
Ingredients You Need for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Here are the Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake:
For the vanilla cake layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the strawberry filling:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F or 180°C. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well and set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar. Mix until light, fluffy, and pale in color. - Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract gently. - Combine Wet and Dry
Add dry ingredients slowly. Alternate with milk. Mix gently until batter is smooth. - Pour and Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through. - Cool the Cakes
Remove cakes from oven. Let them cool in pans for ten minutes. Transfer to rack. - Prepare Strawberry Filling
In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for fifteen minutes. - Whip the Cream
In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form. - Level the Cakes
Use serrated knife to level cake tops. This helps layers stack evenly. - Add First Layer
Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread whipped cream evenly on top. - Add Strawberries
Spoon half of strawberry mixture over cream. Spread gently but evenly. - Add Second Layer
Place second cake layer on top carefully. Press lightly to secure. - Frost the Cake
Spread whipped cream over top and sides. Use offset spatula for smooth finish. - Decorate with Strawberries
Add fresh whole or sliced strawberries on top. Make it look beautiful and bright. - Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate cake for at least one hour. This helps flavors blend together. - Slice and Serve
Use sharp knife to cut clean slices. Wipe knife between cuts for neat look.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for softer texture.
- Add strawberry jam between layers for stronger flavor.
- Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream for better results.
- Do not overwhip cream. It can turn grainy.
- Add lemon zest to cake batter for fresh taste.
- Use mascarpone with cream for thicker frosting.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Nutrition values are approximate. They may change based on ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for summer gatherings. Serve it chilled for best taste.Pair it with iced tea or lemonade. It also tastes great with vanilla ice cream.For special events, decorate with mint leaves. Add extra strawberries for a bright look.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake in refrigerator. Keep it in airtight container. It stays fresh for three days.
- Do not leave at room temperature for long. The cream can melt.
- Freezing is not recommended. Fresh strawberries may release water after thawing.
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the vanilla cake layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the strawberry filling:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F or 180°C. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir well and set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar. Mix until light, fluffy and pale in color.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract gently.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Add dry ingredients slowly. Alternate with milk. Mix gently until batter is smooth.
Pour and Bake
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Cool the Cakes
- Remove cakes from oven. Let them cool in pans for ten minutes. Transfer to rack.
Prepare Strawberry Filling
- In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for fifteen minutes.
Whip the Cream
- In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until soft peaks form.
Level the Cakes
- Use serrated knife to level cake tops. This helps layers stack evenly.
Add First Layer
- Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread whipped cream evenly on top.
Add Strawberries
- Spoon half of strawberry mixture over cream. Spread gently but evenly.
Add Second Layer
- Place second cake layer on top carefully. Press lightly to secure.
Frost the Cake
- Spread whipped cream over top and sides. Use offset spatula for smooth finish.
Decorate with Strawberries
- Add fresh whole or sliced strawberries on top. Make it look beautiful and bright.
Chill Before Serving
- Refrigerate cake for at least one hour. This helps flavors blend together.
Slice and Serve
- Use sharp knife to cut clean slices. Wipe knife between cuts for neat look.
Notes
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for softer texture.
- Add strawberry jam between layers for stronger flavor.
- Chill mixing bowl before whipping cream for better results.
- Do not overwhip cream. It can turn grainy.
- Add lemon zest to cake batter for fresh taste.
- Use mascarpone with cream for thicker frosting.
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
1. How to make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake extra moist?
Use room temperature ingredients. Do not overbake the cake. Adding a little simple syrup can also help.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries taste better. If using frozen, thaw and drain extra liquid first.
3. What frosting works best for this cake?
Whipped cream is classic and light. Cream cheese frosting also works well if you prefer richer taste.
4. Can I bake this cake in advance?
Yes, bake layers one day earlier. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature.
5. Are the Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake simple?
Yes, all ingredients are basic pantry items. You can easily find them at grocery stores.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe is light, fresh and full of flavor. The soft vanilla cake, sweet strawberries and fluffy cream create perfect harmony.Now you know How to make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake easily at home.
Follow the steps and tips above for best results. Use fresh Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake for amazing taste.Try this recipe today. Your family and friends will love every sweet bite. Happy baking!
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.