The Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

There is something magical about the combination of moist vanilla cake, sweet juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream that makes strawberry shortcake cake such a beloved dessert. This elegant version takes the classic strawberry shortcake to new heights, creating a showstopping cake perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply treating your loved ones to something special.

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe Stands Out

What makes this strawberry shortcake cake truly exceptional is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is incredibly moist thanks to the combination of butter and oil, which creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Unlike traditional shortcake biscuits, this vanilla cake base provides a soft foundation that absorbs the strawberry juices beautifully without becoming soggy.

The whipped cream frosting is stabilized with gelatin, ensuring it holds its shape beautifully while still maintaining that light, airy texture we all love. This clever trick means your cake will look stunning for hours without deflating or weeping, making it ideal for summer parties and warm weather celebrations.

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Great desserts start with great ingredients, and this strawberry shortcake cake is no exception. Lets talk about why each component matters

The combination of butter and oil might seem unusual, but its a secret weapon for creating the perfect cake texture. Butter provides that rich, traditional flavor we associate with homemade cakes, while the oil ensures the cake stays incredibly moist for days. The neutral cooking oil allows the vanilla and strawberry flavors to shine without competing with any strong oil flavors.

Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk is crucial for achieving that perfect batter consistency. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up and result in a denser cake. The buttermilk adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and tenderizes the crumb. If you dont have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. Look for berries that are deep red and fragrant – they should smell sweet even before you taste them. The sugar maceration process transforms the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and creating that beautiful syrup that soaks into the cake layers.

Step-by-Step Cake Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing your cake pans. I recommend using two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper circles at the bottom and a light coating of baking spray around the sides.

Cream together the softened butter, oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating air pockets that will help the cake rise beautifully. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so once you no longer see streaks of flour, stop mixing.

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare your strawberry filling. Reserve about one pound of the prettiest strawberries for decoration and slice the remaining pound into quarters. Toss the sliced strawberries with three tablespoons of granulated sugar and let them macerate for at least 30 minutes. This process not only sweetens the berries but also creates that gorgeous strawberry syrup that will soak into the cake layers.

The maceration process is what transforms ordinary strawberries into something extraordinary. As the sugar draws out the moisture, the berries soften and release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup that intensifies their flavor. This is the secret to that authentic strawberry shortcake taste that reminds you of summer picnics and family gatherings.

Crafting the Perfect Whipped Cream Frosting

The stabilized whipped cream frosting is what sets this recipe apart from traditional whipped cream toppings. Begin by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over two tablespoons of cold water in a small heatproof bowl. Let it bloom for five minutes until it becomes spongy.

Place the bowl over a small saucepan of simmering water or microwave it in short bursts until the gelatin dissolves completely. Let it cool slightly but dont let it set. Meanwhile, using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the slightly cooled gelatin mixture. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. The gelatin stabilization means this frosting will hold its shape beautifully without weeping or deflating, even in warm weather.

Assembling Your Masterpiece

Now comes the fun part assembling your strawberry shortcake cake. Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. If the cake domed during baking, you can level it with a serrated knife for a more professional look.

Spread a thin layer of whipped cream frosting over the bottom layer, then create a dam around the edge using a piping bag or spoon to contain the strawberry filling. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juices over the frosting layer, being careful not to let the juice spill over the dam.

Gently place the second cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat of whipped cream frosting over the entire cake and chill it for 15-20 minutes to set. This step ensures your final coat of frosting will be smooth and free of cake crumbs.

Finish by applying the remaining whipped cream frosting to the sides and top of the cake. Use an offset spatula to create smooth sides or leave it rustic with some decorative swirls. Decorate with the reserved whole strawberries, either arranged in a circle on top or scattered artistically.

Tips for Success

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or result in a dense cake.

Dont overmix the cake batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten, which can make the cake tough.

Let the cakes cool completely before assembling. Warm cakes will melt the whipped cream frosting and make assembly challenging.

If youre making this cake in advance, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature. Prepare the strawberries and whipped cream frosting the day youre serving for the freshest results.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this classic strawberry shortcake cake is perfect as is, you can easily adapt it to your preferences. For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake and fresh strawberries.

If youre feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of Grand Marnier or Chambord to the macerating strawberries for an adult twist. You could also incorporate lemon zest into the cake batter or whipped cream for a bright, citrusy note.

Serve your strawberry shortcake cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The cake slices more cleanly when its not too cold from the refrigerator. Pair it with a cup of coffee for dessert or enjoy it as the star of your summer celebration.

This strawberry shortcake cake is more than just a dessert its a celebration of summer, of family, of special moments shared around the table. Every bite carries the warmth of homemade goodness and the joy of creating something beautiful for the people you love. Whether youre a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cake making for the first time, this recipe will guide you to create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.