Introduction
There’s something truly magical about a Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake. This delightful dessert brings together soft, fluffy cake layers, sweet and juicy strawberries, and a cloud-like whipped cream frosting, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and heavenly flavors. Let’s dive into making this beautiful and delicious cake that captures the essence of summer in each bite!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, whole
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure a flawless release.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a light and airy mixture. Set it aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with a wonderfully sweet aroma.
- Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Mix in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
- Evenly divide the luscious batter among the prepared cake pans, ensuring each layer is equal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberry filling by combining the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 30 minutes to macerate, drawing out the strawberries’ sweetness.
- For the whipped cream frosting, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy and creamy delight.
- Once the cakes have fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous portion of the macerated strawberries over the top, letting the juices soak into the cake.
- Top the strawberries with a layer of the whipped cream frosting, then carefully place the second layer of cake on top.
- Repeat the layering process with the second layer of cake, more strawberries, and whipped cream.
- Finish with the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting, creating a beautiful, snowy exterior.
- Garnish with whole strawberries on top for a lovely presentation, and serve chilled for the best experience!
Notes or Tips
- For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cake batter.
- You can prepare the strawberry filling a few hours ahead of time for an even deeper flavor.
- If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, assemble the layers without the whipped cream frosting, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the art of cake-making can be a delightful experience. Ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing and rising. Remember to incorporate air into your butter and sugar mixture by creaming them together thoroughly. This step is essential for achieving a light and fluffy cake. Also, don’t skip the chilling step for the whipped cream—it helps it hold its shape!
FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
- How should I store the cake? Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits!
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. With the combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and airy whipped cream, each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family gathering, this cake is bound to bring smiles and create cherished memories. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy every delicious bite—happy baking!