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Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

fluffy strawberry shortcake layer cake - featured image

A light and airy strawberry shortcake layer cake with whipped cream, perfect for any occasion. This easy homemade dessert features fluffy cake layers, fresh strawberries, and a delicate whipped cream topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ยพ cup (180ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 pounds (900g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ยผ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. (10 minutes)
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. (5 minutes)
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. (3 minutes)
  5. Add sifted dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula to keep batter airy. (7 minutes)
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and edges are lightly golden. (30 minutes)
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. (30-40 minutes)
  8. Toss sliced strawberries with ยผ cup sugar and let macerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (30 minutes)
  9. Beat chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. (5-7 minutes)
  10. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading whipped cream, then half the strawberries and juices. Add second layer, spread remaining whipped cream, and top with remaining strawberries. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. (15 minutes + chilling)

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Fold batter gently to keep it airy and avoid overmixing. Whip cream just until soft peaks form to prevent graininess. Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Chill cake before serving to let flavors meld and make slicing easier. Parchment paper helps prevent sticking. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, layer cake, whipped cream, homemade dessert, easy cake recipe, fluffy cake, summer dessert