Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Cake: A Delightful Layered Dessert

Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake is a classic dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with light, fluffy cake and creamy whipped frosting. This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake takes that beloved combination and turns it into a show-stopping dessert perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist yellow cake, a strawberry-filled frosting, and a whipped cream topping, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to indulge in a delightful dessert, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake is sure to impress.

This recipe is easy to follow, even for those who don’t consider themselves expert cake decorators. The cake is simple to assemble, and the use of decorator icing or homemade buttercream makes it easy to achieve a professional-looking finish. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a burst of flavor and color, making this cake the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients Breakdown

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is made with layers of yellow cake, a strawberry-infused frosting, and a whipped cream topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow Cake: You can use a homemade yellow cake recipe or a box mix, depending on your preference. The cake layers provide the foundation for the dessert, with their light, fluffy texture complementing the strawberries and cream.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this cake, adding natural sweetness and a pop of color. You’ll need about 1 pound of strawberries, with some diced for the frosting and others reserved for garnishing the top of the cake.
Decorator Icing or Buttercream: The frosting between the cake layers is made with a decorator icing (like Wilton) or homemade buttercream. This frosting is mixed with diced strawberries to infuse the cake with strawberry flavor. You can add a drop of red food coloring to enhance the color if desired.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and stability to the whipped cream frosting, helping it hold its shape while adding a subtle tangy flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese and whipping cream, creating a light, sweet frosting that contrasts beautifully with the rich cake.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The heavy whipping cream is whipped to stiff peaks to create a light, airy topping for the cake. It’s essential for achieving that classic shortcake texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Cake Layers: Begin by baking your yellow cake layers in 8-inch or 9-inch round pans according to the recipe or box instructions. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely before assembling the cake. It’s important to ensure the cakes are fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
Prepare the Strawberries: While the cakes are cooling, wash, hull, and dice enough strawberries to make about 1 cup of diced berries. Reserve 6-8 whole strawberries for garnish.
Make the Strawberry Frosting: In a medium-sized bowl, mix 2 cups of decorator icing or buttercream with the diced strawberries. Stir until the berries are evenly distributed throughout the frosting. If you prefer a more vibrant color, add one drop of red food coloring and mix well.
Assemble the Cake: Place one of the cake layers on a cake plate or stand. Spread the strawberry frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and press down gently to ensure it adheres. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set the frosting.
Crumb Coat the Cake: Using more of the decorator icing or buttercream, apply a thin layer of frosting over the outside and top of the cake. This is the crumb coat, which helps to seal in any crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final frosting layer. Chill the cake again to set the crumb coat.
Make the Whipped Cream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually add the cold heavy whipping cream while continuing to mix. Beat until stiff peaks form, meaning the whipped cream holds its shape when you lift the beaters.
Frost the Cake: Once the crumb coat has set, frost the top and sides of the cake with the whipped cream frosting. You can spread the frosting evenly with a spatula or use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip to create decorative swirls on top. Arrange the reserved whole strawberries on top of the cake for garnish.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to firm up. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Cool the Cake Completely: Ensure that your cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and becoming runny.
Crumb Coat for a Smooth Finish: Don’t skip the crumb coat step. It helps to create a smooth, clean finish on the cake by trapping any loose crumbs in a thin layer of frosting.
Dry the Strawberries Well: After washing the strawberries, dry them thoroughly before adding them to the frosting. Excess moisture can make the frosting runny.
Use Cold Ingredients for Whipped Cream: For the best results, ensure that your cream cheese and heavy whipping cream are cold before whipping. This helps to achieve a stable whipped cream that holds its shape.
Customize the Frosting: If you prefer a different flavor or want to mix things up, you can use different berries in the frosting or experiment with flavored extracts in the whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways:

As a Celebration Cake: Serve this cake at birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make it a perfect centerpiece.
With Extra Berries: Serve slices of the cake with additional fresh strawberries on the side. The extra berries add a burst of freshness and enhance the strawberry flavor.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of cake, whipped cream, and ice cream is irresistible.
As a Brunch Dessert: This cake also works well as a dessert option for a special brunch. Pair it with a mimosa or a cup of coffee for a delightful finish to the meal.

Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe is a great base for experimenting with different flavors and variations:

Mixed Berry Shortcake: Instead of using only strawberries, mix in other berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a mixed berry shortcake cake.
Lemon Shortcake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the yellow cake batter and a splash of lemon juice to the whipped cream frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Swap out the yellow cake for a chocolate cake for a decadent chocolate strawberry shortcake. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a winner.
Vanilla Bean Shortcake: Use a vanilla bean paste in the whipped cream frosting for an extra vanilla punch. The flecks of vanilla bean throughout the frosting add a gourmet touch.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Filling: For a richer cake, mix some of the whipped cream with softened cream cheese to create a strawberry cream cheese filling.

Storing and Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored and frozen for later:

Storing in the Refrigerator: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. This keeps the frosting firm and the cake moist.
Freezing: If you need to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so before adding the whipped cream frosting. Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting the cake.
Refrigerating Slices: If you have leftover slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let the slices come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with the elegance of a layered cake. With its moist yellow cake, strawberry-filled frosting, and light whipped cream topping, this cake is sure to impress both in taste and presentation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake is a perfect choice.

The simplicity of the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the versatility of the cake allows you to customize it with different flavors and toppings, making it a dessert that you can enjoy time and time again.

So why not give this Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe a try? It’s a delicious way to celebrate strawberry season and indulge in a classic dessert with a modern twist. Whether you enjoy it with fresh strawberries, a scoop of ice cream, or on its own, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!