Light and Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Cake – Your New Favorite Dessert

Strawberry shortcake is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight. With its tender layers of biscuit or sponge cake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Perfect for spring and summer, this treat brings the freshness of seasonal fruit into a sweet creation that’s loved by all ages.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert, this strawberry shortcake cake is a showstopper. What makes it even more special? It’s easier to make than you might think, and with a few expert tips, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time.

This guide will walk you through everything you need—from essential ingredients to expert tips for baking and storing. You’ll learn not only how to make this cake but also how to make it your own. Let’s dive into why this cake deserves a permanent spot in your dessert lineup.

Why You’ll Love This

Strawberry shortcake cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple, fresh flavors that come together in the most delicious way. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:

• Fresh & Flavorful
  Every bite is packed with juicy strawberries, real whipped cream, and tender cake or biscuit layers. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity.
• Visually Stunning
  With its bright red strawberries and fluffy white cream, this dessert is a total showstopper. It’s ideal for birthdays, Mother’s Day, July 4th, or any spring/summer get-together.
• Versatile & Customizable
  Prefer sponge cake over biscuits? Want to mix in blueberries or raspberries? You can totally make this recipe your own with simple ingredient swaps.
• Not Too Sweet
  Unlike heavy frosted cakes, strawberry shortcake is lightly sweetened and super refreshing. It won’t weigh you down—just satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly
  Kids love the fresh berries and whipped cream, and adults love how nostalgic and homey it feels. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Easy to Make Ahead
  You can prep the layers in advance and assemble just before serving. It makes hosting easier and stress-free.
• Naturally Alcohol-Free
  No alcohol needed here! This recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients everyone can enjoy.
• Perfect for Beginners
  Even if you’ve never made cake from scratch, this one is super approachable with step-by-step instructions (coming up next!).

What You’ll Need

To make this irresistible strawberry shortcake cake, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s everything broken down by component so you can prep like a pro:

For the Cake Layers (Sponge-style for a light, fluffy finish)

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

Don’t have buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar and let sit for 5–10 mins!

For the Strawberry Filling

• 4 cups (600g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract for added flavor

This maceration process draws out the juices for a naturally sweet strawberry syrup—no need for anything artificial!

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Make sure your bowl and beaters are cold for the fluffiest whipped cream!

Optional Garnishes

• Extra whole strawberries (for decorating)
• Mint leaves (for a fresh pop of color)
• A dusting of powdered sugar

How to Make

Let’s walk through the steps to make this stunning cake. From baking the layers to building the beautiful tower of strawberries and cream, it’s easier than it looks!

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

• In a medium bowl, mix sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and optional vanilla.
• Let sit for 30–60 minutes until juicy and syrupy. Stir occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
• Add flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with flour. Don’t overmix!
• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops.

Step 3: Bake

• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream

• In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
• Keep chilled until ready to use.

Step 5: Assemble

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream and spoon half the strawberries (with juice) over it.
• Add the second cake layer. Repeat with whipped cream and the remaining strawberries on top.
• Decorate with whole strawberries and mint leaves if desired.

Chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes before serving for clean slices and best texture.

You Must Know

Before diving into the kitchen, here are some essential things you must know to make this strawberry shortcake cake a success. These insights can make the difference between a good dessert and an unforgettable one.

✅ Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: the flavor of your cake will heavily rely on the quality of your berries. Choose strawberries that are bright red, firm, and sweet-smelling. Avoid underripe or overly soft berries, as they can lack the sweet-tart flavor needed to balance the richness of the whipped cream and cake.

✅ Macerate for Maximum Flavor

Macerating strawberries (mixing them with sugar and letting them rest) helps draw out their natural juices, creating a syrup that seeps into the cake layers. This adds both flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives that unmistakable shortcake taste.

✅ Cold Cream is a Must

Whipped cream needs to be made with cold heavy cream, and preferably with cold tools too (bowl and beaters). This ensures the cream whips up light and fluffy without turning into butter. Keep everything chilled until you’re ready to use it, especially if your kitchen is warm.

✅ Let Cake Layers Cool Completely

Warm cake and whipped cream don’t mix well. Always allow your cake layers to cool fully before adding the whipped cream and strawberries, or you’ll end up with a runny mess. If you’re in a rush, pop the cakes in the fridge once they’re out of the pans to speed things up.

✅ Use Real Vanilla

A small touch of real vanilla extract goes a long way in both the whipped cream and the cake. It enhances the overall aroma and flavor, making your dessert taste truly homemade.

✅ Slice Just Before Serving

This cake looks gorgeous when assembled, but once sliced, the whipped cream and strawberry juices will start softening the cake layers quickly. For best presentation, slice right before serving, and use a serrated knife for clean cuts.

✅ It’s Not Meant to Be Fancy

One of the most beautiful things about strawberry shortcake is its rustic charm. Don’t worry about making it look perfect. A little bit of berry juice dripping down the sides or uneven whipped cream swirls adds to its charm.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Want to get that bakery-level flavor and texture? Here’s how to perfect each stage of the cooking process—from batter to bake to build.

🎯 Measure Ingredients Accurately

This isn’t a time to eyeball things. Baking is a science, so use measuring cups or, better yet, a kitchen scale for precision. Too much flour will make your cake dense, and too little sugar could throw off the balance.

🎯 Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, chewy cake—definitely not what we want here.

🎯 Level Your Cakes for Even Layers

After baking, use a serrated knife to gently level off any domed tops on your cake layers. This ensures a stable, even stack and prevents whipped cream from sliding off the top layer.

🎯 Chill Between Steps

If your kitchen is warm or your whipped cream feels soft, chill the cake between layers during assembly. Just 10–15 minutes in the fridge can firm everything up before you add the next layer.

🎯 Use a Cake Board or Plate with a Lip

Assembling the cake on a platter with a small lip helps catch any strawberry juice and keeps the presentation tidy. Alternatively, place parchment under the edges of the cake while decorating, then remove them for a clean look.

🎯 Don’t Rush

Good food takes time, and this cake is no exception. Allow the strawberries to macerate, the layers to cool, and the whipped cream to firm up. You’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s not only beautiful but full of flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Make this strawberry shortcake cake your own with these fun variations:

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with This Recipe

Deliciously Creamy Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie You’ll Love

• Flavor Variations: Add citrus zest (lemon, orange) or almond extract to the cake for an extra flavor boost.
• Fruit Swap: Try different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a twist.
• Jam Layer: Spread strawberry jam or other berry preserves between the cake layers for more fruit flavor.
• Mini Versions: Bake mini cakes or cupcakes for individual servings.
• Garnish: Drizzle berry syrup or chocolate ganache over the top for added elegance.

Storing & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your cake:

Discover More Dessert Delights

How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Mousse Pie: A Sweet, Creamy Treat

• Store: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Store strawberries separately.
• Freeze: Freeze cake layers (without whipped cream) for up to 3 months. Whipped cream can be frozen, but re-whip before serving.
• Reheat: Let cake layers come to room temperature. Assemble with fresh whipped cream and strawberries before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Chill the Cream: For best results, make sure your heavy cream and mixing tools are cold before whipping. This ensures a fluffy and stable whipped cream.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix your cake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Level the Cake Layers: For a perfect presentation, level the cake layers with a serrated knife before stacking.
• Avoid Sogginess: Wait for the cake layers to cool completely before adding whipped cream and strawberries to prevent sogginess.
• Use Real Vanilla: For a richer flavor, opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Assemble the cake with whipped cream and strawberries just before serving.

Explore More Sweet Treats

Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipe: Moist, Fluffy, and Easy to Make

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh strawberries yield the best results, but frozen strawberries can work. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute for regular flour in the cake batter.

Conclusion

This irresistible strawberry shortcake cake is a perfect balance of light, fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual family dessert, this cake is sure to impress. With a few simple steps and a bit of creativity, you can make this dessert your own—experiment with flavors, fruits, and toppings to suit your taste.

Remember, the key to success lies in using the freshest ingredients, measuring accurately, and giving yourself time to properly assemble and store the cake. We hope this recipe helps you create a memorable treat that everyone will love!

Happy baking, and enjoy your sweet creation!