Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that will impress your friends and family, look no further! This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a true showstopper. It perfectly balances fluffy vanilla cake, juicy macerated strawberries, and airy cream, making it a refreshing treat for any warm-weather celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy family gathering, this cake brings smiles to everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility; you can whip it up for busy weeknights or save it for those moments when you want to indulge a little more. Trust me, once you taste this cake, it will become a beloved favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves strawberries and cream—this cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the cake ahead of time and frost it just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Beautiful presentation: The layers of strawberries and whipped cream make this cake visually stunning.
• Delicious flavor: Each bite is bursting with the fresh taste of strawberries combined with light and fluffy cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create something truly special. Here’s what you need:

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 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 how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add lemon zest: A hint of lemon zest in the batter brings an extra zing that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Try different fruits: Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry shortcake.
• Use dairy-free alternatives: Replace sour cream and heavy cream with coconut yogurt and coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Change up the frosting: If you’re not in the mood for whipped cream, try a light buttercream instead!

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by slicing your fresh strawberries. This helps release their juices when mixed with strawberry jam. Let them sit while you prepare the cake batter; they will macerate beautifully and add delicious moisture to the layers.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together sugar and oils until well blended. Adding eggs one at a time helps create that lovely fluffy texture we all adore in cakes.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

Pour your batter into prepared baking pans and bake until golden brown. This step is crucial—baking until just done ensures that every slice will be moist without being undercooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, make the frosting! Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Then add in cold heavy whipping cream gradually; this will create that light and airy consistency that pairs so wonderfully with our strawberry layers.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once everything is cool, layer your cakes with macerated strawberries in between each layer. Don’t forget to spread that luscious whipped cream frosting all around! Take your time here—presentation matters!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top off your masterpiece with additional whole strawberries if you like. Now step back and admire your work! When you’re ready to serve, slice into those beautiful layers of moist strawberry shortcake goodness.

And there you have it—a delightful Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting that’s sure to make any occasion special! Enjoy every bite!

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 simple tips, you can elevate your dessert to new heights.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature ensures they blend more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture and a fluffier cake.

• Don’t skimp on the strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also adds natural sweetness and moisture. The more juicy strawberries you incorporate, the better your cake will taste!

• Chill your whipped cream: Keeping your whipping cream very cold before whipping helps it hold its shape better. This results in a light and airy frosting that won’t collapse or separate.

• Layer wisely: When assembling your cake, be sure to spread a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers along with the fresh strawberries. This adds an extra burst of flavor and moisture that complements the whipped cream beautifully.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your assembled cake to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving lets all the flavors meld together. It also makes slicing easier!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Presenting your moist strawberry shortcake cake can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some creative ideas to showcase this beautiful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint on top of each slice adds a pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor that complements the strawberries perfectly.
• Shaved chocolate: Lightly sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the whipped cream for an elegant touch that elevates both appearance and taste.

Side Dishes

• Lemon sorbet: The bright citrus notes of lemon sorbet provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake, making for a delightful palate cleanser.
• Berry compote: A simple berry compote made from simmered mixed berries can add depth and additional fruity flavors that enhance each bite of your cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is always a classic pairing with strawberry shortcake; its richness balances out the lightness of the cake.
• Iced tea or lemonade: A glass of refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonade pairs wonderfully with this dessert, especially during warm weather gatherings.

Now you’re all set to create and serve this delightful Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time for parties or gatherings, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready to impress your guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh for up to a week.
• For best results, cover the cake with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze the cake, cut it into slices and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the cake slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice of cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave; heat each slice on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dessert!

Can I use frozen strawberries for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are preferred for their taste and texture, you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them properly before using them in your cake.

How do I make sure my Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting stays fluffy?

To maintain fluffiness, ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. Also, avoid overmixing when combining your wet and dry ingredients; gentle folding is key!

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How long does it take to make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

The entire process takes about 50 minutes—30 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of baking time.

What can I garnish my Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting?

You can garnish with whole strawberries, mint leaves, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create something truly special! The layers of moist vanilla cake paired with juicy strawberries and light whipped cream frosting make this dessert an absolute delight. It’s perfect for celebrations or simply as a sweet treat after dinner. Enjoy making this lovely dessert, and don’t hesitate to share your own twist on it!