Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth. It’s perfect for picnics, birthdays, or any warm-weather celebration. With its fluffy vanilla cake layers, juicy macerated strawberries, and light whipped cream frosting, this cake brings joy to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are simple, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: Fresh strawberries paired with creamy frosting create a delightful taste.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for celebrations, potlucks, or as a sweet treat at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layered design makes it visually stunning and impressive.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add other fruits as desired.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures even mixing for a fluffy cake texture.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl for thorough mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for best results.

Ingredients

To create this delicious cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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)
• 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)

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with oil or butter. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together:
1. Granulated sugar
2. Vegetable oil
3. Eggs
4. Egg whites
5. Vanilla extract
6. Almond extract

Mix until well incorporated.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Milk

Add:
1. Sour cream
2. Milk

Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in:
1. Sliced strawberries

Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter between prepared pans. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Cakes

Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together:
1. Softened cream cheese
2. Powdered sugar
3. Vanilla extract

Once smooth, gradually add very cold heavy whipping cream while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 11: Assemble Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream frosting on top along with some sliced strawberries. Add the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining whipped cream frosting.

Step 12: Garnish

If desired, garnish with additional whole strawberries around the top of the cake for an elegant finish.

Now enjoy your delicious Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Below are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

Individual Slices

• Serve individual slices on small plates, topped with extra strawberries for a vibrant look.

Dessert Parfaits

• Layer pieces of cake with whipped cream and strawberries in clear cups for an elegant parfait presentation.

Cake Pops

• Crumble leftover cake and mix with frosting, then dip in melted chocolate to create fun cake pops.

Picnic Treats

• Pack slices into containers for picnics or outdoor gatherings, making it easy to enjoy this delicious cake on the go.

Celebration Centerpiece

• Place the whole cake on a decorative stand as the centerpiece of your dessert table at celebrations.

With Fresh Mint Leaves

• Garnish each slice with fresh mint leaves for added color and a refreshing flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Perfecting this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting can elevate your baking game. Here are some essential tips to ensure great results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and fluffier cake texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together helps aerate the mixture and prevents clumps in the batter.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.

• Chill the Cream: For optimal whipped cream frosting, chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

• Allow Cake to Cool Completely: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting; this helps prevent melting and sliding of the whipped cream frosting.

• Store Properly: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a few days for best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options you might consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the moistness of the cake.

3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet balances the sweetness of the shortcake beautifully.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add an indulgent touch while echoing the strawberry theme.

5. Mint Yogurt Dip: A cool mint yogurt dip offers a refreshing side that pairs well with rich desserts.

6. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add texture and flavor diversity next to your strawberry shortcake.

7. Pistachio Nuts: A sprinkle of salted pistachios can provide a crunchy element that contrasts nicely with soft cake.

8. Herbed Salad Greens: Lightly dressed salad greens bring brightness and complement the overall meal without overwhelming flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your experience. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or dairy can lead to uneven mixing. Allow them to come to room temperature for better results.
• Overmixing the batter: This can result in a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture. Mix just until combined for the best outcome.
• Ignoring the baking time: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes and use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Not macerating strawberries long enough: To extract juices and enhance flavor, let the strawberries sit with sugar for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Using warm cream for frosting: Cold cream whips better than warm. Ensure your heavy whipping cream is very cold before whipping it up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting:

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

How do I make my whipped cream frosting stable?

To stabilize your whipped cream, consider adding a bit of cornstarch or powdered sugar when whipping it.

Can I customize the flavors of this cake?

Absolutely! You can add lemon zest or almond extract to give it a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by swapping fruits or adding flavors that you love. It’s perfect for any celebration, so why not give it a try? Your friends and family will surely appreciate this delightful treat!