Let’s talk about something that screams “comfort food win” in my house: Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of simple ingredients and happy faces that makes even the craziest weeknight feel a little more…doable. This isn’t about fancy baking or complicated steps. It’s about creating a moment of deliciousness for your family, without losing your sanity in the process.
I get it. We’re all juggling a million things. But this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? It’s a sanity-saver. Think of it as a warm hug in cake form, perfect for celebrating little victories or just making a Tuesday feel a bit more special. I’m going to share all my secrets and shortcuts with you, so you can whip up this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe without any kitchen stress. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started on this comforting journey together!
A Kitchen Learning Experience
I remember the first time I tried making a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. It was a total Pinterest fail! The cake was dry, the strawberries were soggy, and the whole thing looked like a toddler decorated it. I almost gave up! But my kids were so excited about the idea that I knew I had to try again.
That first attempt taught me so much about flavor balance and texture. I realized the importance of using fresh, high-quality strawberries and finding the right cake recipe that wouldn’t dry out. I tweaked and tested, adding a bit more moisture here, a touch more sweetness there. Eventually, I landed on a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe that my family absolutely loved.
What surprised me most was how simple it could be. It’s amazing how a few key ingredients and a little bit of love can transform a kitchen disaster into a family favorite. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe brings a special comfort to our meals. I’m so excited to share it with you and help you create your own comforting kitchen win! Come cook with me, momma – you deserve this simple comfort!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our comfort crew! This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is all about keeping it simple. No need to overthink it!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Trust me, you likely already have this!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness that kids crave.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: This is our secret weapon for a fluffy, comforting cake!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s really soft for the best texture.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk makes it extra rich, but any milk will do.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds that classic comfort food flavor.
- 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries: The star of our show!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: For a luscious topping.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: To sweeten that cream perfectly.
- Optional: Extra strawberries for garnish: Because who doesn’t love more strawberries?
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I sometimes use whipped topping for a quick and easy substitute in my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store – I promise! This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. My family gets extra comfort when I add a little lemon zest to the cake batter. It brightens up the flavors and adds a little something special. Trust me, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, friend! Time to get our aprons on and make some magic. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is easier than you think, I promise!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful cake. While the oven heats, take a moment for yourself – maybe a quick stretch or a sip of your favorite drink.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure an even bake. This is also a great time to get the kids involved! They can help measure and pour ingredients.
- Add the softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe – learn from my experience!
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. It doesn’t have to be perfect! We’re going for comfort, not perfection.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe should smell amazing by now! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes it easier to handle.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberries. Wash and slice them. If they’re not super sweet, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar and let them sit for a bit to macerate.
- In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This is our delicious, fluffy topping! Don’t worry if your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm!
- Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Now we’re ready to assemble our masterpiece!
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the bottom layer of the cake. Then, top with half of the sliced strawberries.
- Gently place the top layer of the cake over the strawberries. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and arrange the remaining strawberries on top.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe usually takes about an hour, start to finish.
While your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! Enjoy this strawberry cake recipe with your loved ones!
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe…now what? Here’s how my family devours it!
The kids devour this comforting Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a classic combo that never fails! This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
- Kid-Approved Sides: Besides ice cream, we also love serving this with a side of fresh fruit salad. It adds a little extra nutrition and color to the meal.
- Perfect Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, summer barbecues, or even just a special treat on a rainy day. It’s also great for potlucks!
- Presentation Tips: I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for a pretty presentation. You can also add a few whole strawberries for garnish.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in the refrigerator for a day or two. The cake might get a little soggy, but it will still taste delicious!
- Seasonal Variations: In the fall, I sometimes add a little cinnamon to the cake batter and use sliced apples instead of strawberries. It’s a fun twist on a classic! This comforting Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe reminds me of another family favorite, Southwest Chicken Soup.
- Guest Reactions: Every time I make this cake for guests, they rave about it! It’s always a hit! We’ve also tried adding some fresh blueberries in with the strawberries! The kids really loved this addition to our fresh strawberry cake.
This simple cake brings so much joy to our table. And I know it can do the same for yours! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Kielbasa Potato Soup.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions I get from my fellow busy moms about this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. I know you’ve got them!
- Is this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The cake is surprisingly dense and satisfying, and the strawberries add a boost of vitamins. Plus, it’s a good source of energy for those after-school activities.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Start by letting them help you make it! Kids are more likely to try something they’ve helped create. You can also offer a small bite with a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes, all it takes is one little taste to win them over! You can also offer to let them try it with a small scoop of ice cream on top!
- Can I meal prep this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe for busy weeks ahead? You can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. However, I recommend assembling the cake with the strawberries and whipped cream right before serving for the best texture.
- Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Fresh strawberries are definitely best, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
- What if I don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan? You can use an 8-inch pan, but the cake will be a little thicker. You can also use a square pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure to check the label to make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the ingredients together.
- My cake is always dry! What am I doing wrong? Make sure you’re not overbaking it! Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake. You can also add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture. This is a delicious fresh strawberry cake!
- Can I use a store-bought cake mix for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Absolutely! If you’re really short on time, a store-bought cake mix is a great option. Just follow the instructions on the box and then assemble the cake as directed.
- What’s the best way to store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake? Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two, as the cake can become a little soggy over time. The perfect fresh strawberry cake is best when eaten quickly!
If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Sausage and Tortellini Soup!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe for those days when you need a little comfort and a whole lot of deliciousness. I truly believe this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, satisfying, and always brings a smile to their faces.
My Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe Comfort Hacks:
- Lemon Zest Boost: A little lemon zest in the cake batter adds a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Macerated Magic: Macerating the strawberries with a little sugar beforehand makes them extra juicy and flavorful.
- Whipped Topping Shortcut: Don’t have heavy cream? Whipped topping works just as well in a pinch!
Here are a few family-tested Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Blueberry Strawberry Shortcake: Mix in a cup of fresh blueberries along with the strawberries.
- Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits: Layer crumbled cake, strawberries, and whipped cream in individual glasses for a fun and easy dessert.
My son loves the chocolate version, while my daughter prefers the classic with extra whipped cream. I encourage you to make it your own way! Add your favorite flavors, experiment with different toppings, and don’t be afraid to get creative.
For another great recipe, see Strawberry Shortcake Cake – Celebrating Sweets. See another delicious variation at Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake Recipe – Sugar & Sparrow. And yet another at Strawberry Shortcake Cake – Sugar Geek Show.
I hope you and your family enjoy this comforting Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe as much as we do. Remember, it’s not about perfection – it’s about creating a moment of connection and joy around the table. This easy strawberry shortcake cake is sure to be a hit with your family.
So go ahead, give it a try! You’ve got this, momma! And remember, I’m here cheering you on every step of the way. Happy baking! 💕
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake takes the classic dessert to a whole new level! Layers of moist cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream create a stunning and delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter and milk to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped cream and half of the sliced strawberries.
- Top with the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a strawberry liqueur to macerate the strawberries before assembling the cake.