If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and simplicity, then you’ve come to the right place! The Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake is not just a cake; it’s a delightful celebration of juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream nestled between layers of soft, buttery cake. Imagine slicing into this cloud-like confection and seeing those vibrant red strawberries peeking out, ready to burst with flavor.
Did you know that strawberry shortcake has been a beloved treat since the 19th century? It gained popularity during the annual summer strawberry harvest, making it a staple at picnics and family gatherings. This dish is special not just for its flavor, but because it’s incredibly easy to make, calling for straightforward ingredients even a novice baker can manage.
If you love desserts like our Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake, the Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake should definitely be on your baking radar. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring a little berry joy into your kitchen!
What is Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Ah, the name “Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake” itself raises a smile, doesn’t it? The word “easy” in the title makes it sound like you might whip it up while standing on one leg, right? Well, while we don’t recommend trying that, the beauty of this recipe is that it truly is easy!
Why the word “shortcake”? Traditionally, shortcakes are a little sweet biscuit made with flour and cream, perfect for soaking up all that strawberry juice. But let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to eat a dessert that’s been elevated to cake status? After all, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” And what’s a better way to win over hearts than with a slice of this delightful cake? So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to bake this fruity treat that’s bound to impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
There are three key reasons why this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake is going to become a fixture at all your family gatherings. First, the main highlight: the combination of fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping creates a refreshing experience that transports you straight to summertime bliss. The layers of delicate cake serve as the perfect backdrop for the star of the show—the strawberries!
Second, making this dessert at home is a significant cost saver compared to buying store-bought cakes or treats. With just a handful of simple and affordable ingredients, you can whip up a sumptuous cake that’ll leave everyone raving about your baking skills. And lastly, the flavorful toppings, including whipped cream and fresh strawberries, make it feel like splurging on dessert without the guilt.
If you’re a fan of our Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, then you’ll love serving this dessert for family celebrations or casual get-togethers! Don’t miss your chance to create a crowd-pleaser that has ‘delicious’ written all over it!
How to Make Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Quick Overview
The Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake takes only about 30 minutes of prep time, making it an ideal dish for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This delightful dessert boasts fluffy cake layers, creamy frosting, and juicy strawberries that come together to create a satisfying treat everyone will adore.
Key Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Additional sugar for strawberries (optional)
Here’s a high-quality image showing these delicious ingredients in all their glory:
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare cake pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans for an easy release after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Blend: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare strawberries: While the cakes are cooling, slice the fresh strawberries. If desired, sprinkle with a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices.
- Whip cream: In a bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You may add a tablespoon of sugar if you want it extra sweet.
- Assemble: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Layer with whipped cream and a portion of the strawberries. Top with the second cake layer, and spread whipped cream on top and along the sides. Finish by decorating with the remaining strawberries.
What to Serve Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake With
To create a truly delightful dessert experience, consider serving your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that everyone loves. You could also accompany it with a fresh fruit salad or a glass of lemonade to brighten up the flavors. For a bit of contrast, why not serve it alongside a rich chocolate dessert, like brownies, to give your guests some variety?
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Choose the best strawberries: The key to this cake lies in the freshness of your strawberries. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries to enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can result in a dense cake rather than a light and airy one.
- Cool completely: Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before assembling. This will prevent the whipped cream from melting and sliding off.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers—though we doubt you will!—you can store your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the cake layers separate from the strawberries and whipped cream if you plan on assembling it again later.
To reheat any leftover cake, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just a gentle warm-up will bring back its delightful texture, making it relive its glory days!
Now that you know how to bring this delicious cake to life, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy this delightful dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cups milk
- 3.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Optional: additional sugar for strawberries.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops.
Baking
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembly
- While the cakes are cooling, slice the fresh strawberries and optionally sprinkle with sugar.
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, adding a tablespoon of sugar for sweetness if desired.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Layer with whipped cream and a portion of the strawberries.
- Top with the second cake layer, spread whipped cream on top and along the sides, and decorate with remaining strawberries.
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