Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk or buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is light, fresh, and bursting with strawberry flavor. The combination of airy cake layers, juicy berries, and creamy filling makes each bite irresistible. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make for a casual family dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk or buttermilk
Vegetable oil or butter
Vanilla extract

For the strawberry filling:

Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice

For the whipped cream frosting:

Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Mix in milk, oil, and vanilla.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients until just combined. Divide batter between cake pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
Meanwhile, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
For frosting, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
To assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, top with whipped cream and strawberries. Add second cake layer, then cover with more whipped cream and strawberries.
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for best results.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12 people.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Use angel food cake or sponge cake for a lighter base.
Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and cream for extra flavor.
Make mini versions using cupcakes layered with cream and berries.
Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a berry mix.
Add a splash of almond extract to the cake batter for a nutty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften slightly over time, but the flavors remain delicious. This cake is not ideal for freezing, as the cream and berries lose texture when thawed. Serve chilled for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best, but thawed frozen ones can be used if drained well.

Do I have to peel the strawberries?

No, just hull and slice them.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream is fresher and more stable.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

Drain the strawberries slightly before layering and assemble the cake close to serving time.

What type of cake works best?

A soft vanilla or sponge cake holds the strawberries and cream perfectly.

Can I add cream cheese to the frosting?

Yes, adding cream cheese creates a thicker, tangier frosting.

Can I make this into a sheet cake?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and layer with whipped cream and berries on top.

What should I serve with this cake?

It’s perfect on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it extra indulgent.

Conclusion

Strawberry shortcake cake is a fresh, elegant dessert that transforms a classic favorite into a stunning layered cake. With fluffy cake, juicy strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a sweet way to enjoy seasonal berries