🍓 Strawberry Shortcake Cake: A Rustic and Elegant Delight 🍰

Strawberry shortcake is a beloved classic, and this Strawberry Shortcake Cake takes those familiar flavors to the next level. Picture fluffy layers of vanilla cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and juicy, fresh strawberries, all brought together in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a perfect choice for celebrations, gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is a delicious marriage of a light, airy sponge and sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting. The real star, though, is the strawberries. Layering them between the cake and the whipped cream frosting gives each bite a burst of freshness. The rustic elegance of this cake makes it as suitable for a cozy family dessert as it is for a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

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

For the Filling:

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

For the Frosting:

● 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
● 1 cup powdered sugar
● ¾ tsp vanilla extract
● 2¼ cups heavy whipping cream (cold, straight from the fridge)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cakes won’t stick.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3️⃣ Cream Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and fully combined. Next, add the sour cream and mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Then, slowly pour in the milk while mixing. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix the batter.

5️⃣ Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

6️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine 2½ cups of sliced strawberries with 2 tbsp of strawberry jam. This will create a slightly sweet and juicy filling. Dice the remaining ½ cup of strawberries for garnishing.

7️⃣ Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the cold heavy cream, and beat until stiff peaks form. Be sure the cream stays cold for best results.

8️⃣ Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread one-third of the frosting evenly over the cake, then add 1¼ cups of the prepared strawberries on top. Repeat the process with the second layer. For the top layer, spread the remaining frosting evenly and arrange the diced strawberries in the center. Garnish with whole strawberries for an elegant touch.

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cake

For thicker layers, you can divide the batter between two 8-inch pans instead of three, adjusting the baking time to 22-27 minutes.
If you want a softer frosting, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone, though it will have a slightly looser texture.
To keep the cake fresh and prevent the frosting from melting, assemble it just before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

A Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a wonderful blend of rustic charm and elegance. Its delicate layers, combined with fresh strawberries and creamy frosting, make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration. Enjoy the soft cake, tangy cream, and sweet strawberries in every bite—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Bon appétit! 🍰🍓