Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a sweet touch to any event. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake, juicy strawberries, and airy whipped cream, it’s not just a treat; it’s a celebration in itself! Perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or any gathering, this recipe combines classic flavors with an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Light: The combination of fluffy cake and fresh strawberries creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up without any hassle.
• Versatile Occasion: This cake suits everything from casual family dinners to fancy celebrations—it’s always a hit!
• Beautiful Presentation: Layers of cake and strawberries make for a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to catch the eye.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite fruit or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your moist strawberry shortcake cake, ensure you have the right tools at hand. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when whipping cream or mixing batter, resulting in better texture.
• 9-inch round cake pans: These help create even layers for your cake, ensuring it bakes uniformly.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients without deflating the batter, maintaining its lightness.

Ingredients

This moist strawberry shortcake cake with whipped cream frosting combines fluffy vanilla cake, juicy macerated strawberries, and airy cream for a refreshing and elegant dessert. A perfect treat for warm-weather celebrations, it captures the charm of a classic shortcake with a beautiful layered presentation.

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)

For the Strawberries

• 3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced or diced, divided)
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• Additional whole strawberries for garnish (optional)

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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine sugar and oil until smooth.
3. Add in eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), sour cream, and milk. Mix well.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.
2. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Step 4: Prepare Strawberries

While cakes are cooling:
1. Toss sliced strawberries with strawberry jam in a bowl.
2. Let them sit so they can macerate.

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream Frosting

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

Step 6: Assemble Your Cake

1. Place one layer of cake on serving platter; spread half of macerated strawberries over it.
2. Add half of whipped cream frosting on top of strawberries.
3. Carefully place second layer on top; repeat process with remaining strawberries and frosting.
4. Garnish with additional whole strawberries if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious creation!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Serving this moist strawberry shortcake cake is a delightful experience. Its layered beauty and fresh flavors make it an excellent choice for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert presentation.

Individual Portions

• Serve small slices on individual plates for a more personal touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.

Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by arranging slices alongside fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
• This adds color and freshness, perfect for gatherings.

Layered Parfaits

• For a fun twist, layer pieces of cake with whipped cream and strawberries in clear glasses.
• This makes for an attractive presentation that showcases the beautiful layers.

Birthday Celebration

• Top the cake with colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for birthday parties.
• This adds a festive touch that everyone will love.

Afternoon Tea

• Serve alongside cups of tea or coffee during afternoon gatherings.
• The lightness of the cake pairs perfectly with warm beverages.

Picnic Treats

• Pack slices in containers for outdoor picnics.
• Pair with refreshing lemonade for a delightful summer outing.

How to Perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

To achieve the best results with your moist strawberry shortcake cake, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure each bite is as delicious as possible.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cake.

• Sift the flour: Sifting helps remove lumps and aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.

• Chill the cream: For the best whipped cream frosting, ensure your heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping. This helps it whip up beautifully and hold its shape.

• Let the cake cool completely: Before frosting, ensure your cake layers are completely cool. This prevents melting or sliding of the frosting.

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

Pairing side dishes with this moist strawberry shortcake cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness.

2. Minted Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip flavored with mint provides a refreshing contrast to the rich frosting.

3. Lemonade: Bright, citrusy lemonade balances the sweetness of the dessert and keeps things light and refreshing.

4. Grilled Peaches: Grilled peaches add a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with strawberries and cream.

5. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats offer a different texture while maintaining a sweet flavor profile that works well alongside the cake.

6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Simple yet elegant, these treats enhance the strawberry theme while adding a touch of decadence.

7. Herbed Cheese Spread: A savory spread made from goat cheese or cream cheese topped with herbs can provide a lovely contrast to sweet flavors.

8. Pistachio Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and nutty flavor, making it an enjoyable accompaniment to tea or coffee served alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results for your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or milk can lead to an uneven batter. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: This can make your cake dense and tough. Mix only until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring baking time: Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Keep an eye on your cake and test for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Forgetting to chill the whipped cream: Warm cream doesn’t whip well. Always start with very cold cream for a stable whipped frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the cake separate from the whipped cream to maintain texture.

Freezing Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts (10-15 seconds) until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently.

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 fresh strawberries provide better flavor and texture.

How do I make my whipped cream frosting more stable?

To stabilize your whipped cream, consider adding powdered sugar or using a plant-based gelling agent like agar-agar.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits or flavors like lemon zest or coconut to enhance your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting.

How long does this cake last?

When stored properly, this cake will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen without frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not only a delightful dessert but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors according to your taste. Try making this refreshing treat for your next gathering, and enjoy its lightness and charm!