There is nothing quite like the sweet, tender delight of a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe to brighten up any occasion. This cake masterfully balances fluffy cake layers soaked in luscious strawberry syrup with fresh, juicy strawberries and a heavenly whipped cream topping. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavor and a light texture that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. Whether you are celebrating a special event or simply craving a slice of sunshine, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe brings joy, color, and summertime freshness into your kitchen with ease and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is simple but crucial, as each component plays a key role in the final taste, texture, and beautiful presentation. From the light cake base to the luscious cream and fresh fruit, every ingredient is selected to create a perfectly balanced dessert experience.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake’s soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all other ingredients.
- Large eggs, separated: Whipped egg whites lighten the cake, while yolks add richness.
- Lemon juice or white vinegar: Stabilizes the whipped egg whites for lift and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the strawberry syrup in balanced amounts.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist, contributing to a soft crumb.
- Warm water: Adds moisture for a tender cake batter.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Water for syrup: Creates the base to infuse the fresh strawberry flavor.
- Sliced strawberries (for syrup and layers): Add sweetness and vibrant bursts of fruity juiciness.
- Sugar (for cooking strawberries): Sweetens and helps thicken the strawberry sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to a luscious consistency.
- Cream cheese: Adds tangy richness and smoothness to the whipped topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture smoothly without graininess.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks for that cloudlike frosting and filling.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Base
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; these dry ingredients will give your cake the perfect structure and flavor foundation. Separately, whip the egg whites with lemon juice until foamy, then slowly add half the sugar, beating to stiff peaks—this will infuse air into your batter, making the cake incredibly light.
Step 2: Mixing the Batter
Next, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and fluffy. This step adds richness and a beautiful yellow hue. Drizzle in the vegetable oil, warm water, and vanilla extract, gently mixing to combine the wet ingredients. Now, carefully fold the dry ingredients and whipped egg whites alternately into the yolk mixture. Be gentle here to maintain all the lovely air bubbles that will make your cake fluffy, ensuring not to overmix.
Step 3: Baking the Cake
Pour the smooth batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a cake that’s set but still tender inside. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before moving onto the next steps — patience here will pay off when slicing and assembling the cake.
Step 4: Creating the Strawberry Syrup and Filling
While the cake bakes and cools, simmer water, sugar, and sliced strawberries on low to create a simple syrup bursting with strawberry goodness. Let this cool fully. In a separate saucepan, cook the other half-pound of strawberries with sugar, then stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture. Once thickened, blend it until silky smooth and set it aside to cool. These two strawberry components will soak into the cake layers and add juicy, fresh bursts of strawberry across every bite.
Step 5: Preparing the Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth and creamy. Gradually drizzle in the heavy whipping cream and whip the entire mixture to stiff peaks. This luscious frosting is the perfect balance of decadence and freshness, providing the fluffy, creamy texture that complements the light cake and bright strawberries effortlessly.
Step 6: Assembling the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Carefully slice your cake into three even layers, which will give you the perfect amount of cake-to-filling ratio in every slice. Generously brush each layer with the vibrant strawberry syrup to keep the cake moist and bursting with flavor. Spread a thick layer of the whipped cream frosting and scatter plenty of sliced fresh strawberries between the layers. Once stacked, frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream mixture for a stunning, cloud-like finish. Chill the cake for at least two hours before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cake’s appearance and flavor by topping it with whole fresh strawberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few mint leaves for a pop of green. These small touches make each serving look as delightful as it tastes, offering a fresh, inviting presentation that begs to be enjoyed.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé for a sophisticated touch. Fresh fruit salads or a handful of lightly toasted nuts also make excellent companions, adding texture and a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider serving individual portions layered in clear glasses for a fun parfait twist. Another idea is to create mini strawberry shortcake cakes using cupcake molds, perfect for parties or personal indulgence. Either way, your creativity will shine as brightly as the flavors in this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the whipped cream fresh and the cake moist for up to 3 days, so you can savor the magic a little longer.
Freezing
Freezing this cake isn’t generally recommended due to the fresh strawberries and whipped cream, which can lose texture and flavor when frozen. However, you can freeze the cake layers separately before assembling and thaw them gently overnight in the refrigerator before finishing with fresh cream and strawberries.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature — reheating is not advised as it will alter the consistency of the whipped cream and fresh fruit. Simply allow refrigerated cake slices to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to enjoy the full flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their firm texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen strawberries for the syrup and filling if fresh are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the cake soggy.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream for whipping and vegan cream cheese options. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does it take to make this cake from start to finish?
The entire process, including baking, cooling, making syrup, assembling, and chilling, takes about 3 hours, mostly to ensure the cake sets perfectly and flavors marry well.
Can I make the cake layers the day before?
Absolutely! Baking the cake layers a day ahead and storing them in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap helps the cake stay fresh and makes assembly quicker on the day you want to serve.
What is the best way to slice the cake evenly?
Using a serrated knife or a cake leveler and marking the layers with toothpicks can help you slice the cake evenly into three layers, ensuring each piece looks picture-perfect and tastes balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is a true celebration of fresh flavors, light textures, and beautiful presentation that you and your loved ones will adore. It’s approachable but impressive, perfect for sharing joyful moments or simply treating yourself. Dive in, experiment with the layers and garnishes, and make this recipe your go-to for a spectacular strawberry dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Strawberry Shortcake Cake featuring light and fluffy layers made from whipped egg whites and a tender batter, layered and frosted with rich whipped cream and fresh strawberries. This elegant dessert includes a strawberry simple syrup and a luscious strawberry glaze to enhance the flavors and keep the cake moist. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and fresh fruit taste.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1â…” cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
Strawberry Glaze
- ½ pound strawberries
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with lemon juice until foamy. Gradually add half of the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a meringue base for the cake.
- Beat Egg Yolks and Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil, warm water, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients and the whipped egg whites alternately into the egg yolk mixture. Take care not to overmix to preserve the lightness of the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden on top and set in the center. Allow it to cool completely before layering.
- Prepare Strawberry Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup water, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup sliced strawberries. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until sugar dissolves and flavors meld. Let cool.
- Make Strawberry Glaze: In another saucepan, cook ½ pound strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the strawberry mixture and simmer until thickened. Remove from heat, blend until smooth, and cool.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, creating a rich and fluffy frosting.
- Slice Cake Layers: Carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally into three even layers.
- Brush with Simple Syrup: Generously brush the strawberry simple syrup on each cake layer to keep the cake moist and add strawberry flavor.
- Assemble with Filling: Spread a layer of the whipped cream cheese frosting on each cake layer. Add a generous amount of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Frost and Chill: Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream cheese frosting. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for a light and airy cake texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Chilling the cake makes slicing easier and enhances the flavors.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor impact.
- If desired, garnish the frosted cake with extra strawberry slices or mint leaves for presentation.
