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Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

4.5 from 82 reviews

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delightful and moist layered cake featuring tender cake rounds filled and topped with a luscious cream cheese and whipped cream frosting, paired with fresh strawberries macerated in sugar and balsamic glaze. Perfect for spring and summer celebrations, it balances fluffy cake texture with sweet, tangy strawberry syrup and a creamy, rich frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

Strawberry Filling

  • 2 pints fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp balsamic glaze

Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring they are evenly blended.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step adds air for a tender crumb.
  3. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Then mix in the vanilla extract, vegetable or canola oil, and sour cream for richness and moisture.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the whole milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughness.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
  6. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: While cakes cool, toss the diced strawberries with sugar and balsamic glaze in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and become syrupy, enhancing their flavor.
  7. Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate cold bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light, fluffy frosting.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese and whipped cream frosting over the top, then spoon one-third of the macerated strawberries and their syrup over the frosting. Repeat this layering with the second cake layer.
  9. Finish Assembling: Top with the third cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting as desired, creating a smooth finish. Finally, spoon the remaining strawberries and syrup artistically over the top for garnish.
  10. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set properly.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Using fresh, ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor of the filling.
  • The balsamic glaze adds a subtle tangy depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Chilling the cake before slicing helps maintain clean slices and makes it easier to serve.
  • This cake is best eaten within 2 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Cake, layered cake, strawberry dessert, cream cheese frosting, summer cake, fresh strawberries