When fresh strawberries start to fill the markets, my excitement for baking reaches new heights. The sweet, juicy aroma of berries mingling with warm vanilla is simply irresistible. That’s how I discovered the joy of creating a Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake—a delightful twist on the classic dessert that boasts tender cake layers and a velvety frosting. This cake isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s an easy, make-ahead treat that’s perfect for any celebration or cozy family gathering.
Imagine serving a slice of this luscious cake at your next gathering, where each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with the essence of ripe strawberries. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this stunning dessert comes together. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply indulging in a special weeknight treat, this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake is bound to become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive into the details and bring this delicious creation to life!
Why is Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake special?
Irresistible Delight: This cake showcases the vibrant sweetness of strawberries, making it a showstopper at any gathering.
Effortless Preparation: With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a beautifully layered cake ready in no time!
Versatile Treat: Not only can you swap out berries for seasonal fruits, but it also adapts with flavor twists like lemon zest in the frosting.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld and saving you time for your guests.
Crowd-Pleasing Sweetness: Perfectly balanced and light, it appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring seconds will be requested!
Imagine pulling this beautiful creation from the refrigerator, perfectly chilled and ready to impress—your friends and family will be raving about it!
Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake Ingredients
Get ready to create a delicious treat that everyone will rave about!
For the Cake
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
• Baking Powder – Acts as the leavening agent for a light texture.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cake.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist while contributing to its tender crumb.
• Eggs & Egg Whites – Provide structure and moisture, helping the cake rise.
• Vanilla Essence – Infuses the cake with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• Almond Essence – Adds a subtle nutty depth to the flavor profile.
• Sour Cream – Contributes moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor.
• Milk – Balances the batter’s consistency and adds moisture.
• Strawberries – The star ingredient, providing fresh flavor and natural sweetness; use ripe berries for best results. If unavailable, frozen strawberries can be substituted.
For the Filling
• Strawberry Jam – Enhances the flavor of the filling by macerating the strawberries.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Forms the base of the frosting, giving it a rich texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the desired consistency.
• Heavy Cream – Whipped to form peaks, it lightens the cream cheese mixture for a fluffy frosting.
This delectable Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake is just waiting for you to bring it to life!
How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Preheat Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F and preparing three 8-inch cake pans. Grease and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This blend is essential for a beautifully light and fluffy cake.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In your mixer, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, whole eggs, egg whites, vanilla essence, almond essence, and sour cream. Beat until everything is well blended and creamy.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add in half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Then pour in the milk and mix until smooth before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Don’t overmix; just until combined!
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the tops are lightly golden.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. After that, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely—this prevents any sogginess.
Prepare Filling: While the cakes cool, mix your sliced strawberries with the jam and let them macerate. This step enhances their sweetness and creates a delightful filling.
Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar with vanilla until it becomes fluffy. Then gently fold in the whipped cream, keeping it light and airy.
Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, and add a generous amount of the macerated strawberries. Repeat this with a second layer and top it with the final cake layer. Frost the entire cake to finish.
Chill: Before serving, place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps stabilize the layers and frosting, making it easier to slice.
Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top for a beautiful finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake layers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain their moisture. The strawberries can also be macerated with jam and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the cake, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful. When you’re ready to serve, simply make the frosting, assemble your cake, and chill it for about 30 minutes. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to wow your guests with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
When it comes to pairing with this delightful dessert, the right accompaniments can elevate your experience to new heights.
- Fresh Berries: The natural sweetness of mixed berries amplifies the strawberry flavor and adds a refreshing, juicy element to each slice.
- Rich Coffee: A bold cup of coffee contrasts beautifully with the light, airy cake, creating a satisfying balance of flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Extra whipped cream on the side offers a luxurious addition, allowing guests to customize their servings.
- Mint Tea: A fragrant mint tea can cleanse the palate and refresh, making it a lovely choice for afternoon tea gatherings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a luscious pairing, delighting your senses with a delightful cream-and-strawberry combination.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can add a medley of flavors, making for a vibrant side that complements the cake beautifully.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cake brings in a rich depth that plays nicely against the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Lemonade: A zesty lemonade will invigorate your taste buds and enhance the sweetness of the cake, making it perfect for summer brunches.
- Cheesecake Bites: Offering small bites of cheesecake introduces a richer dessert option, adding a creamy texture to your dessert platter.
- Chilled Sparkling Wine: Celebrate the occasion with a glass of sparkling wine; the effervescence makes everything feel special, enhancing the overall experience.
Storage Tips for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Fridge: Store your cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2-3 days to keep the frosting fresh and delicious.
Freezer: If you have un-frosted cake layers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating: When serving leftovers, bring your cake to room temperature for enhanced flavor. If desired, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Assembly: If you’ve assembled your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake ahead of time, it’s best to keep it chilled to maintain stability until you’re ready to serve.
Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake Variations
Embrace the fun of personalizing your cake with delightful twists and swaps that will enhance its deliciousness!
Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Rich in protein, it’ll surprise your taste buds while maintaining moisture.Seasonal Fruits: Replace strawberries with peaches or blueberries for a unique fruity twist.
Welcome the changing seasons with flavors that celebrate nature’s bounty and cater to your preferences.Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the frosting for a refreshing citrus burst.
This brightens the flavors immensely, making each bite burst with sunshine!Spiced Variation: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
This subtle hint spice elevates the cake, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate on top for a luxurious treat that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Drizzling chocolate brings a decadent, indulgent element to this classic cake.Nutty Crust: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or walnuts into the cake batter for added texture and nuttiness.
Crunchy bites amidst the soft cake bring delightful variety, perfect for nut lovers.Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut cream instead of dairy products for a dairy-free option.
This keeps the cake just as lush while accommodating dietary needs and preferences.Berry Jam Layer: Instead of fresh strawberries, use your favorite berry jam between the layers for a sweet surprise.
A luscious burst of flavor with each slice redefines what a strawberry shortcake can be!
Expert Tips for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake
• Cool Properly: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This avoids cracks and helps the frosting adhere better.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until smooth. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, airy texture.
• Use Ripe Strawberries: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in your cake.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting. This step helps create a smooth, lump-free frosting for your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe, fresh strawberries. Look for berries that are bright red and plump, avoiding any with dark spots or mold. If fresh strawberries are not available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries; just make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your cake.
How should I store the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
It’s best to store your cake in the refrigerator, covered, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you need to store it longer, un-frosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placed in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to frost and serve, simply defrost them in the fridge overnight.
Can I freeze the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Yes, indeed! If you’re looking to freeze your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake, it’s important to freeze the un-frosted layers. First, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, and then wrap them again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw completely in the refrigerator before frosting them.
What if my cake layers crack while cooling?
Very! If you notice that your cake layers crack, it’s often because they were not cooled properly. To prevent cracking, make sure to let the layers cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This allows them to firm up slightly and reduces the risk of cracks forming while they cool completely.
Can I make the frosting in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting in advance. Just mix it as described in the recipe, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to do this no more than a day in advance, as the whipped cream will maintain its texture better if made fresh. When ready to use, give it a quick stir before layering on the cake.
Is this recipe safe for those with nut allergies?
If your guests have nut allergies, simply avoid using almond essence in the recipe. You can either leave it out entirely or replace it with a bit more vanilla essence for flavor. Always check your ingredients for potential cross-contamination warnings as an additional precaution.
Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake That Will Wow Your Guests
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- - Mixer
- Cake Pans
- Whisk
- Spatula
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1.5 cups Sugar
- 0.5 cups Vegetable Oil
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 large Egg Whites
- 2 tsp Vanilla Essence
- 0.5 tsp Almond Essence
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 0.5 cups Milk
- 3 cups Strawberries ripe or frozen
For the Filling
- 0.5 cups Strawberry Jam
For the Frosting
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar sifted
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In your mixer, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, whole eggs, egg whites, vanilla essence, almond essence, and sour cream. Beat until creamy.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then pour in the milk and mix until smooth. Add remaining dry ingredients without overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes and then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While cooling, mix sliced strawberries with jam and let them macerate.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese with sifted powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy, then fold in the whipped cream.
- Assemble cake by layering frosting and macerated strawberries between the layers, frosting the entire cake.
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.