Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face, then you’ve found it! This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a true showstopper. It features fluffy vanilla cake layers, juicy macerated strawberries, and light, airy whipped cream that make every bite feel like a warm hug on a sunny day. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your household.

What makes this cake extra special is not only its stunning appearance but also how easy it is to whip up. You can enjoy the taste of summer any time of the year with just a few simple ingredients. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple steps, you can create this stunning dessert without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves strawberries and whipped cream! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the cake layers in advance and assemble just before serving for minimal stress.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or even as a sweet treat after dinner on a weeknight!
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream gives this cake its refreshing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is all about using wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this lovely dessert:

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

For the Whipped Cream 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Other Berries: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for an extra berry burst.
• Use Different Extracts: Swap out almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Try Flavored Whipped Cream: Add cocoa powder or instant coffee granules to the whipped cream for a delicious flavor kick.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smoother. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease two 9-inch round cake pans so your cakes come out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and oil until well combined. Then add in the eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), sour cream, and milk. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly helps create that moist texture we all love!

Step 4: Blend It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 6: Prepare Macerated Strawberries

While the cakes cool down, combine two cups of sliced strawberries with strawberry jam in a bowl. This will help release their juices and enhance their sweetness.

Step 7: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and gradually pour in very cold heavy whipping cream while continuing to beat until soft peaks form.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cake

Once your cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the macerated strawberries over it followed by a layer of whipped cream frosting. Top it with the second layer of cake and repeat with remaining strawberries and frosting.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by decorating with whole strawberries if desired. Slice into generous pieces and enjoy every bite of this wonderful Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting!

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

Creating the perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cake turns out delightful and delicious.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a fluffier cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing the ingredients ensures that your cake remains light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid!
• Opt for fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries not only taste better but also provide that juicy sweetness essential for this dessert. If you can find locally grown berries, even better!
• Chill your mixing bowl for the whipped cream: A cold bowl helps the cream whip up faster and achieve a better volume. This way, you’ll get that perfect fluffy texture without any hassle.
• Layer it right: When assembling your cake, spread a layer of strawberry jam on each layer before adding the whipped cream. This adds extra flavor and moisture!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Presenting your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake can be as delightful as making it! Here are some presentation ideas that will surely impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing hint to every slice.
• Sliced strawberries: Placing whole or halved strawberries on top of the cake enhances its visual appeal and invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the cake perfectly while balancing the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Berry salad: A mix of seasonal berries tossed in a light honey-lime dressing makes for a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with the cake.
• Lemon sorbet: This tangy treat acts as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the strawberry flavors.
• Whipped yogurt parfaits: Layering Greek yogurt with granola and mixed berries offers a healthier side that still feels indulgent.

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you’ll create an experience around your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting that everyone will remember fondly! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare components ahead of time to save yourself some stress on the day of your gathering.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If the frosting has been added, refrigerate the cake for best results, where it will stay fresh for about 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through.
• Avoid reheating if it has already been frosted; enjoy it cold for a refreshing taste!

FAQs

Got questions? No worries! Here are some common inquiries I often receive about this delightful dessert.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers and store them separately. Assemble with whipped cream frosting just before serving to maintain freshness.

How do I keep my Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure your strawberries are well-drained after macerating. Also, add them just before serving if you’re concerned about moisture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for whipping?

If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, try using coconut cream or an alternative whipping cream available in stores that doesn’t contain animal products.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! While strawberries are classic, you can experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches for a delicious twist on this shortcake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting as I am to share it with you! This dessert brings joy not only because of its delightful flavors but also its stunning presentation. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!