Easy 5 Step Strawberry Cake: The Perfect Simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Looking for a quick strawberry layer cake that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours? This easy 5 step strawberry cake is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll create a stunning dessert that rivals professional bakery cakes. Whether you need a fast strawberry dessert for impromptu gatherings or an easy celebration cake for special occasions, this recipe delivers incredible results with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists – our 5 ingredient strawberry cake focuses on quality ingredients that let the fresh strawberry flavor shine through. As the perfect simple summer dessert, it captures the essence of warm weather celebrations without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This beginner friendly shortcake requires just a handful of pantry staples:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for your easy homemade shortcake.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Create the Batter
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – this ensures your minimal effort cake stays tender.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before assembling.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Slice the cooled cake horizontally. Layer with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then top with more strawberries and cream for that beautiful strawberry layer cake look.

Expert Tips for Success

• Fresh is Best: Use ripe, seasonal strawberries for the most intense flavor in your quick layer cake recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake

• Cool Completely: Patience is key – wait for the cake to cool before adding cream to prevent melting

• Variation Ideas: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for extra brightness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly first to prevent excess moisture in your no fuss strawberry cake.

How long does this cake keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake tastes best when eaten within 24 hours.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble just before serving for the freshest results.

This easy 5 step strawberry cake proves that delicious desserts don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or whenever you crave a simple yet impressive treat!

Easy 5 Step Strawberry Cake: The Perfect Simple Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This beginner-friendly strawberry cake requires minimal ingredients and simple steps to create a beautiful layered dessert perfect for summer gatherings. With just five straightforward steps, you can make a stunning strawberry shortcake that rivals bakery-quality cakes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 380

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the foundation for your easy homemade shortcake.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – this ensures your minimal effort cake stays tender.
4. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before assembling.
5. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Slice the cooled cake horizontally. Layer with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then top with more strawberries and cream for that beautiful strawberry layer cake look.

Notes

Use ripe, seasonal strawberries for best flavor; ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature; mix batter just until combined to avoid dense cake; cool cake completely before adding cream to prevent melting; can add lemon zest for extra brightness