Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe
If you love fresh strawberries and soft cake, this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe is perfect for you.
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.