Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer, you’ve come to the right place! This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting has a special spot in my heart. It’s the kind of cake that is perfect for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just a sweet treat after dinner on a busy weeknight. The delightful layers of fluffy vanilla cake paired with juicy macerated strawberries and airy whipped cream create a flavor experience that’s hard to resist. Every bite feels like a celebration!

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity and the joy it brings when shared with loved ones. Picture this: you take your first slice, revealing those beautiful layers, and everyone gathers around, eager to dig in. Trust me, this cake will be the star of your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves strawberries and cream! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a sunny picnic, this dessert fits right in.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep parts of this cake in advance, making it convenient for busy days.
• Deliciously refreshing: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting makes each bite feel like summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! You might already have many of them in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting:

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 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)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add different fruits: Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a twist!
• Try flavored extracts: Experiment with different extracts such as lemon or coconut to give your frosting a unique taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a delicious gluten-free option.
• Create mini cakes: Instead of one large cake, bake smaller cakes in individual ramekins for charming personal desserts.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepping your pans is essential because it ensures that your cakes slide out easily after baking. Nobody likes a stubborn cake!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute them evenly throughout the batter. It also ensures that your cake rises beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and oil until smooth. Add in eggs and egg whites one at a time while mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extracts and sour cream until well blended. This step creates a rich base full of flavor that contributes to the moistness of the cake.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mixing this way helps maintain air bubbles created by beating earlier, which gives your cake its fluffiness.

Step 5: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in about two cups of sliced strawberries into the batter. This not only adds flavor but also gives your cake those lovely juicy pockets that make every slice delightful.

Step 6: Bake Your Cakes

Evenly distribute batter between prepared pans and smooth out tops. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them!

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling properly is crucial; if you frost while warm, it could melt your lovely whipped cream frosting!

Step 8: Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting

While cakes are cooling, beat softened cream cheese until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form – this will give you that light texture we adore! Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until combined.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread some strawberry jam on top followed by half of the whipped cream frosting layer. Add another layer of sliced strawberries over this before placing the second layer on top.

Step 10: Finish It Off!

Spread remaining whipped cream frosting over the top layer and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional whole strawberries if desired. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures before serving – trust me; you’ll want memories of how gorgeous this looks!

Enjoy every bite of this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting – it’s sure to be loved by all!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Creating the perfect moist strawberry shortcake cake is easier than you might think with a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature allows them to blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it airy and tender.

• Let the strawberries macerate: Allowing your sliced strawberries to sit with sugar for at least 30 minutes helps release their juices. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds moisture to the cake.

• Chill your whipped cream: Starting with very cold heavy cream will make it easier to whip up into fluffy peaks. This ensures your frosting stays light and doesn’t deflate.

• Assemble right before serving: For the best texture, layer the cake and frosting shortly before serving. This maintains the freshness of the strawberries and prevents the cake from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This delightful dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious! Here are some ideas on how to present it for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of mint adds a pop of color and refreshing flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Zest of lemon: A touch of lemon zest on top can brighten up flavors and add an aromatic twist that elevates your dessert.
• Chocolate shavings: For a decadent touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top. They add richness and contrast beautifully with the fresh fruit.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy counterpart to the lightness of the cake, making each bite feel indulgent.
• Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the strawberry shortcake perfectly while adding a refreshing element to your dessert table.
• Lemon sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cleanses your palate between bites, enhancing the overall experience of your meal.
• Herbal iced tea: Serve a chilled herbal iced tea alongside for a refreshing drink option that pairs wonderfully with this sweet treat.

Now that you have these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your guests with this moist strawberry shortcake cake topped with luscious whipped cream frosting! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dessert anytime. Preparing it in advance means you can spend more time enjoying your gatherings and less time in the kitchen!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If the weather is warm, consider refrigerating leftovers to maintain freshness.
• For best results, store the strawberries separately to prevent them from making the cake soggy.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cake, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.
• Avoid reheating too long as it may dry out the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this cake a day or two in advance. Just store it properly and add the whipped cream frosting closer to serving time for the best texture.

How should I store Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate if it’s warm outside. For longer storage, freeze individual slices!

What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?

You can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if you’re looking for a different option.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for their taste and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before using them.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a lovely way to celebrate life’s sweet moments. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every delightful bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I would love to hear how it turned out for you!