Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake brings the timeless charm of classic strawberry shortcake to a whole new level. With layers of buttery vanilla cake, fresh macerated strawberries, and clouds of homemade whipped cream, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for birthdays, summer get-togethers, or any time you’re craving something sweet and stunning. Strawberry shortcake layered cake isn’t just delicious—it’s also visually beautiful, and surprisingly easy to make. Each layer adds depth, texture, and bright, fresh flavor. Let’s walk you through how to build this crowd-pleasing masterpiece step by step.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍓 Fresh strawberries add a juicy, vibrant flavor
- 🍰 Moist cake layers inspired by classic shortcake biscuits
- 🧁 Whipped cream frosting is light, fluffy, and not too sweet
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly—perfect for prepping before a party
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly with easy-to-follow steps
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk (whole preferred)
Macerated Strawberries
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Whipped Cream
- 3 cups heavy cream, chilled
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
- Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes to release juices.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat with a hand or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Don’t overwhip.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level each cake layer if needed.
- Place the first cake layer on a stand. Brush with strawberry syrup.
- Add a layer of whipped cream, then a layer of strawberries.
- Repeat for the second and third layers.
- Cover the entire cake with whipped cream. Decorate with whole or sliced strawberries.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 10–12
- Estimated Cost: $12–15
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Keywords: strawberry shortcake layered cake, strawberry cake, summer dessert
Nutrition Facts (Estimate per slice)
- Calories: ~420
- Fat: 27g
- Carbs: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fiber: 1g
Tips & Variations
- Room temp ingredients: Help the batter mix smoothly.
- Don’t overmix: Keeps your cake tender.
- Chill everything: Cold cream and bowl = stable whipped cream.
- Try mascarpone: Mix into the whipped cream for extra richness.
- Swap berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or a combo work beautifully.
- Add jam: A thin layer of strawberry jam between layers = flavor boost.
- Boozy twist: Add a splash of Grand Marnier to the strawberries.
FAQs
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Bake cake layers and whip cream 1 day ahead. Assemble a few hours before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best, but thawed and well-drained frozen berries will work in a pinch.
Will store-bought whipped cream work?
If rushed, yes—but homemade gives the best texture and taste.
How do I slice the cake neatly?
Use a sharp serrated knife. Wipe the blade clean between slices.
How long does it last?
Best eaten within 1–2 days. Store leftovers in the fridge.
Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake
Equipment
- – 3 cake pans
- – Electric mixer
- – Mixing bowls
- – Serrated knife
- – Cake stand (optional)
Ingredients
- #### Cake
- – 2½ cups flour
- – 1 tbsp baking powder
- – ½ tsp salt
- – 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- – 1¾ cups sugar
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tsp vanilla
- – 1 cup milk
- #### Strawberries
- – 4 cups strawberries sliced
- – ¼ cup sugar
- – 1 tbsp lemon juice
- #### Whipped Cream
- – 3 cups heavy cream
- – ½ cup powdered sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans.
- Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mix and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter into pans. Bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for 30 mins.
- Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Cake → syrup → whipped cream → strawberries. Repeat.
- Cover with whipped cream. Decorate. Chill 30 mins before serving.
Notes
– Use fresh berries for best results.
– Adjust sugar depending on berry sweetness.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake is a fresh and fabulous dessert that’s easier than it looks. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply want a treat that tastes like sunshine in a slice, this cake is a winner. From its moist cake layers to the juicy strawberries and dreamy whipped cream, each bite is pure joy. Bookmark this one—you’ll be coming back to it every spring and summer.