Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Cake
When it comes to celebrating life's sweet moments, few desserts capture the essence of joy quite like Strawberry Shortcake Cake. Bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful texture, this cake combines layers of fluffy vanilla cake, luscious strawberries, and creamy frosting into one irresistible treat.
What's the allure of homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cake? For starters, crafting this classic from scratch allows you to customize every detail, ensuring that each bite feels special. The freshness of in-season strawberries elevates the flavor profile, making every forkful a delicious reminder of summer. Plus, the satisfaction of making a cake that not only looks stunning but tastes heavenly is a joy in itself!
Whether you're marking a birthday, hosting a barbecue, or simply indulging on a sunny afternoon, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake has a unique charm. With its beautiful layers and vibrant reds and whites, it also serves as an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Plus, sharing a homemade cake with friends and family fosters connections that store joyful memories, making it more than just a dessert—it's a heartfelt experience. So, are you ready to dive into this festive recipe? Let’s bring your kitchen to life with every fruity layer and fluffy bite!
For more tips on how to make the perfect shortcake, check out this guide.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
When it comes to crafting a delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake, the ingredients play a pivotal role in achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Each component contributes to the overall deliciousness, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Let’s dive into the essential ingredients you’ll need!
Essential ingredients for the cake
For the cake itself, you’ll need:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%)
These ingredients ensure a light and fluffy cake, perfect for layering with strawberries and cream.
Components for the filling
For the scrumptious filling, gather:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced or diced)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- Additional whole strawberries, for garnish (optional)
These juicy strawberries enhance the cake's freshness and flavor, adding a vibrant touch.
Frosting essentials
To crown your cake perfectly, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
This luscious frosting, stabilized with cream cheese, gives your Strawberry Shortcake Cake a rich, creamy finish that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Now that you have your ingredients laid out, you're one step closer to creating an irresistible dessert that will impress your friends and family! If you're curious about how to best prepare these components, check out some detailed tips on strawberries and cake techniques to elevate your baking game. Happy baking!
Step-by-step Preparation of Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Making a delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful journey, and I’m excited to share this step-by-step guide that will make the process enjoyable and straightforward. Let’s get started!
Prepping the Kitchen and Cake Pans
Before diving into the baking, take a moment to prep your kitchen. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cakes bake evenly. While your oven is warming up, gather all your ingredients and tools. For your cake layers, grease three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper—this will help your cakes come out effortlessly. A clean workstation is a happy workstation!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a medium bowl, it’s time to mix your dry ingredients:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Whisk these together until well combined and set aside. This not only ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent but also helps to avoid clumps later on.
Creaming the Wet Ingredients
Now for the fun part: the wet ingredients! In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), blend:
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds a lovely flavor)
Beat until everything is seamlessly combined. Then add ⅔ cup sour cream and mix it in well.
Combining Wet and Dry for a Perfect Batter
With the wet mixture ready, it’s time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add half of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Then, pour in ¾ cup milk, followed by the rest of the flour mixture. Be gentle here; we want a well-mixed batter but not overworked.
Baking the Cake Layers
Divide your cake batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Gently tap each pan on the countertop to release any air bubbles—trust me, this makes a difference! Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack.
Preparing the Strawberry Filling
While your cakes cool, it’s the perfect time to prepare the strawberry filling! Combine 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam. The jam will enhance the strawberry flavor and help everything stick together nicely. Set this aside to let the flavors mingle while the cake layers cool.
Whipping Up the Frosting
For the creamy frosting, in a large bowl, beat together:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Once smooth, slowly introduce 2¼ cups cold heavy cream. Whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This creates a heavenly, stable frosting that will hold its shape beautifully on your finished cake.
Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Now comes the best part: assembly! Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter and add one-third of the frosting, followed by about 1¼ cups of the strawberry filling. Repeat this with the second layer. Top with the final layer, using the remaining frosting to finish off. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired!
And voilà! You’ve created a stunning Strawberry Shortcake Cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every delightful slice of this springtime treat!
Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Gluten-free Strawberry Shortcake Cake
For those seeking a gluten-free twist, you can easily swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. A one-to-one flour replacement will work wonderfully. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This version is just as delicious, allowing everyone to indulge without worry!
Chocolate Strawberry Dessert
Craving chocolate? Consider a Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake! Simply add cocoa powder to the cake batter—start with a half-cup to maintain the texture. Layer with chocolate whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful surprise. This decadent twist takes the classic favorite to a whole new delicious level.
For more variations or serving suggestions, check out The Spruce Eats for creative ideas!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Ingredient Temperature Tips
For the best results with your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, always have your eggs and milk at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a uniform batter. To quickly warm them up, place your eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, and microwave the milk for about 15 seconds.
Frosting Stability Alternatives
If you're looking for a twist on the frosting, consider using mascarpone cheese in place of cream cheese. While it'll yield a softer frosting, it's delicious! Alternatively, for lighter frosting, you could whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar, but remember it won’t hold up as well as cream cheese frosting, so assemble right before serving. For a sturdier option, check out this vanilla buttercream frosting.
These tips can elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Cake from good to unforgettable! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Creative presentations
When presenting your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, consider adding layers of intrigue! Use a cake stand to elevate your masterpiece, and adorn it with whole, fresh strawberries around the base for a pop of color. Drizzle a bit of strawberry sauce on the plate for a delightful touch. For a more rustic look, serve it on wooden boards, which can lend a charming feel to your dessert table.
Pairing flavors and sides
To enhance the flavors of your Strawberry Shortcake Cake, consider pairing it with refreshing sides. A scoop of lemon sorbet can act as a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Alternatively, serve it with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic twist. Fresh mint leaves not only make for a beautiful garnish but also add a refreshing aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully. Don’t forget to explore whimsical drink options like sparkling water infused with citrus for a refreshing fiesta!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Preparation Time
Gathering your ingredients and prepping the cake batter takes about 25 minutes. This includes measuring the flour, sugar, and other essentials, and whisking together the dry ingredients.
Baking Time
Once the batter is divided into your prepared pans, the baking takes around 18-22 minutes. Keep an eye on those layers, and remember to test for doneness with a toothpick!
Cooling and Assembly Time
After baking, you'll want to allow the cakes to cool completely, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Assembling the layers with strawberries and frosting will take another 20 minutes. So, in total, plan on about 2 hours from start to finish for your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cake!
If you're short on time, consider making some components in advance. Check out this guide on how to make ahead to get tips on prepping your cake layers and frosting without any hassle!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Calories per serving
A serving of Strawberry Shortcake Cake contains approximately 585 calories. This delightful dessert combines rich flavors and textures, making it a treat worth savoring—just remember to enjoy it in moderation!
Key nutrients
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving includes:
- Carbohydrates: 60g—providing energy for your day.
- Protein: 7g—helping with muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: 36g—including saturated fat from the cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Vitamins and minerals: Offers a decent amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium.
If you're curious about making healthier choices, consider pairing this cake with a side of fresh fruit or a light yogurt, which complements the rich flavors beautifully.
For detailed nutritional information and to explore healthier alternatives, visit NutritionValue.org for more insights into your favorite ingredients!
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Strawberry Shortcake Cake layers up to a day ahead. Just bake and cool the cake layers, wrap them well in wax paper and plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. You can also whip the frosting and refrigerate it separately. To keep your frosting fluffy, you may need to re-whip it before assembling. Remember, for the best flavors, hold off on adding the strawberries until you're ready to assemble.
What are some good substitutions for the ingredients?
If you're running low on ingredients, don’t fret! You can substitute:
- Sour cream with plain yogurt for a lighter twist.
- Vegetable or canola oil can be swapped with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter.
- If you don't have heavy cream, use coconut cream or a non-dairy whip to keep it plant-based.
For more substitutions and inspiration, check out this guide for creative cooking options.
How can I store leftovers of Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 days to enjoy the flavor and texture. Before serving leftovers, allowing the cake to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes can enhance its taste and creaminess.
Conclusion on Strawberry Shortcake Cake
In conclusion, the Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully captures the essence of summer. With its fluffy layers, fresh strawberries, and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for gatherings or a special treat. Don’t forget to savor each bite—you deserve it! Check out more tips on cake decorating here.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- 8-inch cake pans
Ingredients
Cake
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 large egg whites room temperature
- 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract optional, but highly recommended
- 0.67 cups sour cream
- 0.75 cups milk preferably whole or 2%, room temperature
Filling
- 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries divided
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- additional whole strawberries for garnish, optional
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to cool room temp
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.25 cups heavy whipping cream really cold, straight from the fridge
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts until combined. Add the sour cream and beat until combined. Add half of the flour mixture, beating until just combined. Slowly add milk, then the remaining flour mixture. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix.
- Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the pans. Evenly divide the batter between the three pans. Tap/drop the pans on the countertop to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans once during bake time if necessary. Place the pans on a rack to cool completely.
Filling
- Combine the strawberries and jam and set aside. You'll need about 3 cups total.
Frosting
- Place cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth. Slowly pour the heavy cream down the side of the bowl while whipping. Scrape the bowl periodically. Increase speed to high and whip until the cream holds a stiff peak. Keep the cream cold to thicken properly.
Assembly
- Place one layer of cake on a platter. Top with one-third of the frosting and about 1¼ cups of strawberries. Place another layer of cake on top and repeat. For the top layer, top with remaining frosting and remaining strawberries. Decorate with whole strawberries if desired.
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