Description
This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake features tender, buttery layers, sweet macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream for a dreamy dessert perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For the Macerated Strawberries:
1½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ to ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
½ cup powdered sugar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 8 oz mascarpone or cream cheese, softened, for stability
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
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Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
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For the strawberries, combine sliced berries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
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For the frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone or cream cheese if using.
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Assemble cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, top with whipped cream and half the strawberries. Add second cake layer, then top with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
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Chill before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra moisture, substitute ½ cup of the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Use cake flour for a lighter, softer crumb.
Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: moist strawberry shortcake cake, strawberry cake, fresh strawberry dessert, summer cake recipe, whipped cream cake, birthday cake ideas