Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is the quintessential dessert for any celebration. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake, sweet macerated strawberries, and light whipped cream, it’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just a sweet ending to a family dinner, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and refreshing flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for various occasions such as birthdays, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
• Beautiful Presentation: Layers of cake and strawberries make for an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust sweetness or add different berries to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful dessert, having the right tools will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool is essential for achieving fluffy batter and perfectly whipped cream with minimal effort.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter or whipped cream.
• 9-inch round cake pans: Ensure even baking and help create those beautiful layers for your shortcake.

Ingredients

For this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, gather 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)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

• 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: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by bringing all your ingredients to room temperature. This helps in achieving a light and fluffy cake.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
1. Granulated sugar and vegetable oil until combined.
2. Add eggs and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in both vanilla extracts and sour cream until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix!

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in 2 cups of sliced strawberries into the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

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

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto cooling racks.

Step 9: Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting on top followed by some macerated strawberries.
3. Place second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining whipped cream frosting.

Step 11: Garnish

Finish with additional whole strawberries on top for decoration if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously moist strawberry shortcake cake!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your cake even more enjoyable.

Classic Slice

• Serve each slice of the cake with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top for that traditional shortcake experience.

Layered Parfait

• Create a parfait by layering pieces of the cake with macerated strawberries and whipped cream in a glass. This adds visual appeal and makes for an elegant individual serving.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra creamy treat that complements the flavors of the cake.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Add whole strawberries or other fresh berries on top of each slice for added freshness and color, making your dessert visually stunning.

Drizzle of Strawberry Sauce

• Drizzle homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce over the top of the cake slices. This adds sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.

Tea Time Treat

• Serve alongside a refreshing cup of tea or iced tea to balance the sweetness of the cake, creating a perfect afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Achieving the perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and milk should be at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter cake.
• Don’t skimp on whipping cream: For fluffy frosting, whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This ensures your frosting holds its shape when spread on the cake.
• Macerate strawberries ahead: Letting your strawberries sit with sugar for at least 30 minutes draws out their juices, enhancing their flavor and making them juicier for layering.
• Level your layers: Use a serrated knife to level off each cake layer after baking. This creates even layers that stack beautifully and makes assembling easier.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the assembled cake for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more delicious dessert that’s also easier to slice.

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

While this delicious dessert stands well on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the richness of the whipped cream, providing a light contrast.
3. Minty Green Salad: A salad featuring mixed greens, mint leaves, and light vinaigrette offers a crisp texture and fresh taste alongside dessert.
4. Chocolate Mousse: A small serving of rich chocolate mousse creates an indulgent pairing that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add texture and tropical flair, enhancing your dessert table’s variety.
6. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide a delightful contrast in texture when enjoyed alongside moist cake slices, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To create the perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, avoid these common mistakes.

• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use the spoon and level method for flour and other dry ingredients to ensure consistency.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect the batter’s texture. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
• Forgetting to prepare your pans: Not greasing and flouring your cake pans can result in sticking. Always prepare your pans to ensure easy release after baking.
• Ignoring cooling times: Cutting the cake before it has cooled completely can lead to crumbling. Allow the cake layers to cool fully before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick pan over low heat, covering with a lid for 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

How do I make gluten-free Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I customize the frosting?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like lemon zest or coconut extract to enhance your whipped cream frosting.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it chilled with additional fresh strawberries on top for a delightful presentation. It’s perfect for gatherings!

Final Thoughts

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not only refreshing but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or flavorings. Try it today and enjoy a slice of summer!