Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake (Printable)
Tender vanilla sponge layered with macerated fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream creates this stunning dessert perfect for summer gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - ¾ cup buttermilk
→ Strawberry Filling
10 - 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
11 - ½ cup granulated sugar
12 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice
→ Whipped Cream
13 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
14 - ¼ cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let macerate for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to release juices.
09 - In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with half the strawberries and juice, then spread half the whipped cream. Add second cake layer, remaining strawberries, and remaining whipped cream.
11 - Refrigerate assembled cake for 1 hour before slicing to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tender vanilla sponge soaks up all those luscious strawberry juices instead of sitting on top like a biscuit
- Whipped cream between the layers keeps everything incredibly moist and light
- It looks impressive but comes together faster than most fancy layer cakes
02 -
- The buttermilk is essential for tenderness and regular milk will not give you the same light texture
- Room temperature ingredients for the cake batter prevent the mixture from curdling or becoming dense
- Letting the strawberries macerate for the full 20 minutes creates that beautiful syrup that soaks into the cake
03 -
- Brushing each cake layer with a little of the strawberry syrup before assembling adds even more moisture and flavor
- For the tallest most impressive cake trim the tops to make them perfectly flat before stacking