Strawberry Shortcake Cake (Printable Version)
Tender vanilla cake layers with fresh macerated strawberries and light whipped cream frosting - a perfect celebration of summer flavors.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Shortcake Layers
01 -
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
03 -
½ teaspoon salt
04 -
1 cup granulated sugar
05 -
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
07 -
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 -
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
→ For the Strawberry Filling
09 -
2-3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 -
½ cup granulated sugar, for macerating
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
→ For the Whipped Cream Frosting
13 -
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
14 -
⅓-½ cup powdered sugar, to taste
15 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 -
4 ounces cream cheese (optional, for stability)
# Steps:
01 -
Hull and slice the strawberries, then toss with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
02 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
03 -
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and heavy cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
04 -
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
05 -
In a cold bowl, beat the heavy cream to soft peaks. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating to medium peaks. If using cream cheese for stability, beat it separately until smooth, then fold into the whipped cream.
06 -
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Brush with some of the strawberry syrup from the macerated berries. Spread a layer of whipped cream and arrange a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat with remaining layers. Finish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top.
# Notes:
01 -
For best results, chill the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
02 -
Reserve the syrup from macerated strawberries to brush on cake layers for extra moisture and flavor.