“`html
Introduction
There’s something truly special about celebrating with a homemade cake, and nothing captures the essence of summer quite like a Best Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake. This delightful dessert features fluffy layers of cake, a sweet strawberry filling, and luscious whipped cream that will make any birthday celebration feel like a joyful picnic. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10-12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the strawberry filling by mixing the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Set aside to macerate for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the whipped cream, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Spoon half of the strawberry filling over the whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with whipped cream and the remaining strawberry filling.
- Decorate the top with additional whipped cream and strawberries as desired.
- Slice and serve to enjoy!
Notes or Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the whipped cream.
- If you don’t have fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries can be used but ensure they are thawed and drained well.
- The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in the fridge, wrapped in plastic wrap.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the perfect cake relies on a few key techniques: creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, carefully folding in dry ingredients, and not overmixing to keep the cake light and airy. Understanding these techniques will help elevate your baking skills!
FAQ
- Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend? Yes, just ensure the blend is suitable for cakes!
- How can I make the whipped cream stable? You can add gelatin or use a stabilizer specifically designed for whipped cream.
- Is this cake suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Conclusion
This Best Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion. Its layers of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream create a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Enjoy every slice, and happy baking!
“`