Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances fluffy vanilla cake and juicy strawberries. Ideal for warm-weather celebrations, it brings a refreshing twist to any gathering. The layers of airy cream complement the sweetness of the strawberries, making it an elegant treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just a weekend treat, this cake is suitable for various celebrations.
• Stunning Presentation: The layered design not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on any dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to play with flavors by adding different extracts or fruits to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes whipping cream and mixing batter effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, providing consistent results every time.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.

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Ingredients

To create this moist strawberry shortcake cake with whipped cream frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the 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 (at room temperature)
• 2 large egg whites (at 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%, at room temperature)
• 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced or diced, divided)

For the Frosting

• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• Additional whole strawberries for garnish (optional)
• 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)

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your cake pans by greasing them lightly.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Mixture

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with strawberry jam. Let them sit to macerate while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Salt.

Set aside once well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Granulated sugar,
2. Vegetable oil,
3. Eggs,
4. Egg whites,
5. Vanilla extract,
6. Almond extract,
7. Sour cream,
8. Milk.

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Strawberries

Gently fold in half of the macerated strawberries into the batter.

Step 7: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked, let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Frosting

While cakes are cooling, whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Then add heavy whipping cream gradually while mixing until stiff peaks form.

Step 10: Assemble Cake

Once cooled, layer cakes with whipped cream frosting in between each layer along with remaining macerated strawberries on top. Finish with additional frosting on top if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously moist strawberry shortcake cake with whipped cream frosting!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This delightful dessert can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its charm for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting.

Individual Servings

• Serve each slice on a small plate for personal portions, topped with extra strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Layered Parfaits

• Create parfaits by layering cake pieces, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream in clear cups or glasses for a visually appealing treat.

Family Style Presentation

• Arrange the entire cake on a decorative cake stand and allow guests to serve themselves, making it perfect for gatherings.

With Fresh Mint

• Garnish slices with fresh mint leaves for added color and a refreshing flavor complement.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent twist that balances the cake’s sweetness.

Drizzled Sauce

• Add a drizzle of berry sauce or chocolate sauce over each slice for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

How to Perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Perfecting your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is simple with these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensures better mixing and a fluffier cake texture.

• Properly measure flour: Spoon and level the flour to avoid a dense cake.

• Don’t skip chilling the cream: Very cold heavy whipping cream whips better, resulting in fluffier frosting.

• Macerate strawberries ahead of time: Letting them sit with sugar allows their juices to develop, enhancing flavor.

• Layer carefully: When assembling the cake, ensure each layer is even for stability and aesthetics.

• Store correctly: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweetness of the cake.

2. Lemon Sorbet: This light, tangy option refreshes the palate between bites of rich cake.

3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a contrasting texture that balances sweetness.

4. Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed lightly helps cut through the richness of the cake.

5. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: For those who love more dessert, this fruity option provides another layer of flavor excitement.

6. Chilled Cucumber Soup: This cool soup offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet dessert and cleanses the palate effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results with your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or milk can result in uneven mixing. Always ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Using stale baking powder: If your baking powder is expired, your cake won’t rise properly. Always check the expiration date before baking.
• Ignoring the layering technique: Not allowing the strawberries to macerate can result in excess moisture. Letting them sit with sugar enhances their flavor and prevents sogginess.
• Not chilling the whipped cream: Whipping warm cream will yield less volume. Keep your cream very cold for perfect peaks in your frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per slice; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh strawberries provide better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw them and drain excess moisture before adding.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative that adds creaminess without changing the taste significantly.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total preparation time is about 30 minutes, followed by a cooking time of approximately 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not just delightful; it’s versatile too! It offers endless customization options like adding different fruits or flavors to suit your taste. Try making it for your next gathering—you won’t be disappointed!