Get Ready for a Slice of Heaven!

Who can resist the allure of a light and fluffy cake layered with sweet strawberries and creamy frosting? This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a delight that dances on your taste buds, making every bite feel like a piece of sunshine. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, it’s easy to whip up and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why Make This Recipe

Simplicity Meets Deliciousness: This cake may look fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make! Who doesn’t love a dessert that doesn’t require a culinary degree?
Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved! They’ll love helping with the frosting and decorating. Plus, it’s a surefire way to ensure dessert is a hit with everyone at the table.
Versatility at Its Best: This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday bash or a casual Sunday dinner. You can easily adapt it to match seasonal vibes or personal preferences.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

2½ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1¾ cups granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
⅔ cup sour cream
¾ cup milk
3 cups fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
Additional whole strawberries
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups heavy whipping cream

Directions

Let’s get this cake party started!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a stand mixer (or hand mixer), combine sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and both extracts. Beat until mixed.
Add the sour cream and mix until well-blended.
Gradually add half of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Slowly add the milk, then the remaining flour mixture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to overmix!
Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease them. Lightly tap the pans to release air bubbles from the batter.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean. Rotate the pans if necessary for even baking. Cool completely on a rack.
Combine the sliced strawberries and jam and set aside.
Slice about 2½ cups for the filling and dice another ½ cup for topping.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream while mixing. Increase speed to high and whip until you reach stiff peaks. Keep it cold throughout for best results.
On a plate, place one layer of cake and top with one-third of the frosting and 1¼ cups of sliced strawberries.
Add the second layer of cake and repeat. For the top layer, spread remaining frosting and sprinkle with diced strawberries. Decorate with whole strawberries if you like!
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let it set.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe (Overview)

Making this cake is a breeze! Start by mixing your dry ingredients, then combine your wet ones like a pro chef. As you whip up that velvety frosting to perfection, chew on this tip: make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth texture. Layer, decorate, and let it chill. Voila! You’ve got a showstopper dessert ready to impress your family and friends!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

This cake shines when served chilled. Slice it up and watch as the strawberries peek through clouds of whipped cream. The colorful layers will make for a stunning centerpiece at your table, and the sweet aroma of strawberries will have everyone flocking for a slice. Pair it with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that added indulgence. Trust me, it’s the stuff of dreams!

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Leftovers? What leftovers? Just in case you have some, keep your cake wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, but honestly, this cake is BEST enjoyed fresh!

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Frosting Fun: For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of lemon zest to your whipped cream. It brightens up the taste wonderfully!
Berry Choices: Not a fan of strawberries? Use raspberries or peaches instead. Fruits that work well with whipped cream are all fair game!
Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and keep them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.

Variation

Want to spice things up a bit? Try adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a citrusy kick! Or go vegan by swapping out eggs for flax eggs and using a plant-based cream cheese and heavy cream.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake a day ahead?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them right before serving. Just keep them stored properly.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes! You can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!