Print

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

5.2 from 8 reviews

A delightful and moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake featuring layers of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh strawberry filling, and creamy whipped cream frosting. This classic dessert is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2½ cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
  • ⅔ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup milk, preferably whole or 2%, room temperature

Filling:

  • 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries, divided
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
  • Additional whole strawberries for garnish (optional)

Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to cool room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream, very cold, straight from the fridge

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.
  2. Mix wet ingredients and batter: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended. Add the sour cream and beat until combined. Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. While still mixing, slowly add the milk, then add the remaining flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  3. Prepare pans and bake: Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the pans. Evenly divide the batter among the three pans. Tap the pans gently on the countertop a few times to release any air bubbles. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking to ensure even browning if needed.
  4. Cool the cakes: Remove pans from the oven and place them on a cooling rack. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.
  5. Make the strawberry filling: Combine 3 cups of fresh sliced or diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam. Set aside for filling and topping. About 2½ cups of strawberries should be sliced for the filling, and ½ cup diced for garnish.
  6. Prepare the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or a hand mixer. While continuing to mix on medium speed, slowly pour in the very cold heavy whipping cream. Stop periodically to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. Keep the cream cold during this step to ensure proper thickening.
  7. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread one-third of the whipped cream frosting evenly over the layer, then top with roughly 1¼ cups of the strawberry filling. Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and strawberry filling. For the third and final cake layer, spread the remaining whipped cream frosting evenly on top, then arrange the remaining strawberries in the center. Optionally, decorate the outside edges with whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

  • Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for best cake texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter; overmixing can make the cake dense.
  • Keep the heavy cream very cold to achieve stiff peaks in the frosting.
  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred.
  • For easier layering, chill the cakes before frosting to reduce crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Strawberry shortcake, cake recipe, layered cake, cream cheese frosting, fresh strawberries, summer dessert