Description
This strawberry shortcake layer cake has fluffy vanilla layers, stable whipped cream frosting, and lots of fresh berries. It’s the perfect easy summer dessert for birthdays, cookouts, and any party cake moment.
Ingredients
Vanilla Cake
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
Berry Filling
– 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Optional: 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
Stable Whipped Cream Frosting
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
Garnish
– Extra berries for topping
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk, just until combined. Divide batter between pans.
5. Bake 24–28 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Toss strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Rest 10–15 minutes.
7. Beat cream cheese smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Slowly pour in cold cream; whip to stiff peaks.
8. Assemble: cake layer + frosting + strawberries + a drizzle of syrup. Add second layer and frost top/sides. Top with berries.
9. Chill 30–60 minutes before slicing.
Notes
– Make-ahead: Bake layers 1 day ahead (wrap tightly). Assemble up to 8 hours ahead and chill.
– Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers up to 2 months. Thaw (wrapped) at room temperature.
– Frosting tip: Keep the cream very cold and stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
– Tools: Two 8-inch cake pans, parchment paper, mixer, serrated knife (optional for leveling).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American