Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

The Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings all the nostalgia and elegance of a summer picnic into one indulgent dessert. With tender vanilla cake layers sandwiched between clouds of whipped cream and bursts of fresh strawberries, this treat is both refreshingly light and decadently sweet. It’s a wonderful balance of airy texture and vibrant fruitiness that makes each bite feel like a celebration of the season. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or as a show-stopping dessert at brunch, this cake delivers both in flavor and presentation. The use of macerated strawberries brings depth and syrupy goodness, while the whipped cream keeps it light and dreamy. This cake doesn’t just taste good it looks beautiful on the table and is sure to become a go-to favorite for strawberry lovers and bakers alike.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

• 2 cups heavy cream, cold

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

6. While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberries by mixing them with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes until juices develop.

7. To make the whipped cream frosting, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.

8. Assemble the cake by placing one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and spoon on some macerated strawberries. Repeat with the second layer.

9. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with whipped cream. Decorate with whole or halved strawberries.

10. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

Everything You Need to Know About Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is the perfect fusion of tradition and elegance. It’s a dessert that instantly evokes memories of summer picnics, garden parties, or cozy family gatherings. With its light and airy vanilla sponge, layers of fluffy whipped cream, and generous helpings of sweet, juicy strawberries, this cake delivers a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and nostalgic.

Unlike the classic strawberry shortcake made with biscuits or sponge cake, this version is designed for visual appeal and celebratory occasions. Layer cakes bring a refined structure to this beloved dessert and make it suitable for everything from birthdays to bridal showers. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake offers a delightful project with impressive results.

The History and Evolution of Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake has deep roots in American culinary history. The dessert can be traced back to the 19th century when it first appeared in American cookbooks. Traditionally, it was made with sweetened biscuits or scones, split and filled with strawberries and whipped cream. Over the years, as layer cakes became more popular, bakers began experimenting with the concept stacking soft sponge or butter cakes with fruit and cream.

This evolution led to what we now call the Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake a show-stopping dessert that maintains the flavors of the original but elevates its form. Today, it’s one of the most beloved summer desserts, often served during strawberry season when the fruit is at its peak.

Why This Recipe Works

The appeal of this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake lies in its simplicity and balance. The cake layers are moist yet light, offering the perfect foundation for the whipped cream and strawberries. By using buttermilk, the batter achieves a delicate tang that enhances the sweetness of the berries without overpowering them. Fresh strawberries add not only flavor but also texture and color, turning each slice into a beautiful, photo-worthy treat.

Another strength of this cake is its versatility. It can be served as a casual dessert for a picnic or dressed up for a more formal event. You can even customize the recipe by substituting the strawberries with other seasonal berries like raspberries or blueberries, or by infusing the whipped cream with flavorings like almond or rosewater.

The Importance of Using Fresh Ingredients

Because this recipe relies on a minimal list of ingredients, quality is everything. Using fresh, ripe strawberries is essential they provide natural sweetness and juiciness that you simply can’t get from frozen or out-of-season berries. Likewise, making whipped cream from scratch (rather than using pre-made versions) ensures a light, airy texture and a clean, natural taste.

The use of real butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract in the cake base contributes to a rich flavor and tender crumb. These simple yet high-quality ingredients elevate the entire dessert and make every bite taste homemade in the best possible way.

Assembly Tips and Tricks

While baking the cake layers is straightforward, the magic of the Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake really comes together during assembly. Here are a few tips for getting it just right:

• Cool Completely: Make sure your cake layers are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

• Level Your Layers: For a more professional look, trim the tops of the cake layers to make them flat and even.

• Macerate the Strawberries: Letting the sliced strawberries sit in sugar and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes will draw out their juices and enhance their flavor.

• Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: A properly whipped cream should hold its shape when spread, making layering easier and more stable.

• Chill Before Serving: Letting the assembled cake chill for at least an hour will help the layers set and make slicing cleaner.

These small but crucial steps ensure that the final presentation is as stunning as the taste.

Pairing Suggestions

This cake is a standout dessert on its own, but you can take it a step further by pairing it with complementary dishes and beverages. Here are a few ideas:

• Drinks: Sparkling rosé, elderflower lemonade, or a vanilla latte pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy notes of the cake.

• Savory Courses: Light salads, grilled chicken, or smoked salmon appetizers make a great lead-in to this dessert, balancing out its richness.

• Additional Sweets: Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small dish of strawberry sorbet for an extra touch of indulgence.

Because the cake is not overly heavy or sweet, it fits well into a wide variety of menus.

Occasion Ideas

One of the best things about this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is its versatility across different events and celebrations. Here are just a few perfect occasions for serving it:

• Mother’s Day Brunch: Delicate and pretty, this cake is a lovely way to show appreciation.

• Summer BBQs and Picnics: Refreshing and light, it offers a sweet end to outdoor meals.

• Weddings and Showers: Elegant enough to fit into formal events, especially with some decorative flair.

• Birthdays: Especially for strawberry lovers, this cake is a memorable centerpiece.

With a little creativity in the decoration, it can match virtually any theme or vibe.

Customization Ideas

Want to switch things up? This cake provides a solid template that can be easily personalized. Here are a few fun variations:

• Fruit Swaps: Use blueberries, blackberries, or peaches depending on the season.

• Flavor Enhancements: Add lemon or orange zest to the cake batter for a citrusy kick.

• Filling Additions: A thin layer of strawberry jam or mascarpone cheese between the layers can add depth and richness.

• Decorative Touches: Edible flowers, white chocolate curls, or a strawberry glaze can take your cake from beautiful to breathtaking.

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

While best served fresh, this cake can be made in stages to ease preparation:

• Cake Layers: Bake up to two days in advance and store wrapped in plastic at room temperature.

• Strawberries: Slice and macerate the day of serving.

• Whipped Cream: Best made fresh just before assembling.

• Assembled Cake: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Longer than that and the whipped cream may begin to deflate or the berries can release too much liquid.

If you do plan to make it ahead, consider stabilizing the whipped cream with a bit of cornstarch or powdered gelatin to help it hold up longer.

Conclusion:

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and seasonal beauty. With its light vanilla sponge, generous layers of whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, this cake embodies everything we love about summer sweets. It’s simple enough for novice bakers yet elegant enough for experienced cooks looking to impress.

Whether you’re serving it at a wedding shower, summer dinner party, or simply indulging in a slice with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite. Its adaptability, ease of preparation, and universal appeal make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.