Looking for a light, fruity dessert that everyone will love? The Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is here to save your day! This quick and delicious recipe gives you everything you want in a strawberry shortcake – a fluffy cake, sweet whipped cream, and, of course, fresh, juicy strawberries. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just craving a simple treat, this easy guide will help you make the perfect strawberry shortcake with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this delightful dessert.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Shortcake
Before you get started, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure your shortcake comes out perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of the cake and gives it a soft, fluffy texture.
- ½ cup sugar – Sweeten up your cake without making it overly sugary.
- 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise to perfection.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors in your cake.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 2/3 cup milk – Creates a moist, tender cake.
Whipped Cream Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream – For a rich, velvety texture.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar – For sweetness and smoothness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – To add depth to the flavor.
Strawberries:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries – The star of the dessert. Slice them just before assembling the cake.
How to Prepare Your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Step-by-Step Cake Preparation:
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. - Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the butter, egg, and milk, then stir until combined. You can use a hand mixer for a smooth batter or whisk by hand for a more rustic texture. - Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Perfect Whipped Cream
Now, let’s focus on the whipped cream. It’s the part that truly elevates your strawberry shortcake.
- Chill the Mixing Bowl
Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up faster and increases its volume. - Whip the Cream
Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the chilled bowl. Using a hand mixer, start on low speed, then gradually increase to high. Whip until soft peaks form – this usually takes around 3–5 minutes. - Don’t Overwhip
Keep an eye on the cream. It’s ready when it holds its shape but still has a soft, silky texture. If it becomes too stiff, it may turn into butter, so stop before it gets there!
Assembling Your Easy Strawberry Shortcake
Once your cake and whipped cream are ready, it’s time to assemble your shortcake.
- Slice the Cake
Using a serrated knife, slice your cooled cake into two even layers. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can simply break the cake into chunks and layer it. - Prepare the Strawberries
Slice the strawberries and sprinkle them with a little sugar to bring out their natural juices. Let them sit for 10 minutes to marinate. - Layer the Shortcake
On your cake plate, place the bottom layer of the cake. Spoon half of the marinated strawberries over the cake, then top with a generous amount of whipped cream. Add the second layer of cake and repeat the process. - Top It Off
Add the remaining strawberries on top, followed by a final swirl of whipped cream. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake
While this strawberry shortcake recipe is incredibly easy, here are some tips to make it even better:
Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
The freshness of the strawberries is key to the success of this dessert. Look for ripe, juicy strawberries to ensure a flavorful shortcake. The sweeter the berries, the less sugar you’ll need.
Make the Cake Ahead of Time
You can bake the cake a day in advance to save time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, slice and assemble the cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.
Whip the Cream to Perfection
The whipped cream should have a light, airy texture, but don’t overwhip it. It should hold soft peaks that gently hold their shape.
Add Extra Flavors
For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or even orange zest to the whipped cream for added flavor depth.
Creative Twists and Variations on Strawberry Shortcake
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake
For those who love the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries, why not add a little cocoa to your dessert? Use a chocolate cake as the base instead of the regular shortcake, and mix some cocoa powder into your whipped cream for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Lemon Strawberry Shortcake
Lemon and strawberry make the perfect pairing. Try using a lemon cake as the base, and add some lemon zest to the whipped cream for a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Berry Mix Strawberry Shortcake
Mix things up by adding other fresh berries, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, along with the strawberries for a colorful, mixed-berry shortcake.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
If you’re gluten-free, replace the regular flour with a gluten-free alternative, and enjoy the same great flavors without the worry.
Strawberry Shortcake in Jars
For individual servings, try layering the cake, cream, and strawberries in mason jars. This is a great option for parties or picnics!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Shortcake
Can I Make Strawberry Shortcake in Advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Prepare the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving for the freshest taste.
How Can I Make Strawberry Shortcake Healthier?
To make a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream, or opt for a low-fat sponge cake. You can also substitute some of the sugar with stevia or other sweeteners.
Can I Freeze Strawberry Shortcake?
You can freeze the cake layers, but it’s best to freeze them separately from the whipped cream and strawberries. Assemble the shortcake right before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Strawberries?
If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.