Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, look no further than this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! This cake is a true celebration of flavors, combining fluffy vanilla cake with juicy strawberries and light, airy whipped cream. It’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, family celebrations, or even just a special treat on a busy weeknight. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

What I love most about this cake is how it brings people together. The vibrant colors and fresh tastes make it an elegant centerpiece for any occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, which means more time spent enjoying the company of friends and family rather than slaving away in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll whip up this delight in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves strawberries and whipped cream, making this cake a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a summer picnic, this cake shines at any gathering.
• Deliciously Refreshing: The combination of moist cake and fresh strawberries makes each bite feel like a little slice of heaven.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is easy! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Other Berries: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for an extra fruity twist!
• Try Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like coconut or lemon to change up the flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
• Layer It Up: Make multiple layers of cake for an impressive multi-tiered dessert!

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and slicing your fresh strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam. Let them sit while you prep your cake batter; this allows the strawberries to macerate and release their juices, making them even more flavorful.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix your sugar with vegetable oil until well blended. Then add in the eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract if using, sour cream, and milk. Mixing these wet ingredients together creates a creamy base that adds moisture to your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough blending so that everything is incorporated without losing that light texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into prepared baking pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking it at the right temperature helps achieve that perfect rise!

Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream Frosting

While your cakes cool down, whip together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add in very cold heavy whipping cream while beating until fluffy peaks form. This creates an airy frosting that pairs perfectly with our moist cake!

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once baked layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the macerated strawberries on top followed by a generous layer of whipped cream frosting. Repeat this process with another layer before topping it off with additional whipped cream and whole strawberries for garnish.

And there you have it! A stunning Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting that’s sure to impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Creating the perfect Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake is all about attention to detail, and these tips will help you achieve a delightful result!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Eggs, milk, and sour cream at room temperature blend more easily into the batter, creating a light and fluffy cake texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mixing just until combined prevents overdeveloping the gluten in the flour, ensuring your cake remains tender and moist.

• Let Strawberries Marinate – Allowing the sliced strawberries to sit with sugar for at least 30 minutes helps release their juices, making them juicier and more flavorful when layered with the cake.

• Chill Your Mixing Bowl and Beatters – For the best whipped cream frosting, chilling your mixing bowl and beaters makes whipping easier and results in a fluffier texture.

• Assemble Right Before Serving – To keep the cake layers from getting soggy, assemble your shortcake just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and delicious!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This dessert not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning! Here are some ideas on how to present this beautiful cake for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves – A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully.

• Zest of Lemon or Orange – A sprinkle of citrus zest over the top gives a bright flavor contrast that enhances both the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the whipped cream.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream adds extra creaminess that balances out the lightness of the cake. It’s a comforting addition that everyone loves!

• Fruit Salad – A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing side that complements the strawberry flavors without overpowering them.

• Lemonade or Iced Tea – Served alongside this dessert, a chilled glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea offers a light beverage option that quenches thirst on warm days.

• Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to this sweet dessert. Pair it with some crunchy crackers for added texture.

With these serving suggestions, your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake will not only taste divine but also shine as the centerpiece of any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, but the texture may change slightly.
• Keep any remaining whipped cream frosting in a separate container in the fridge for freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the cake without the whipped cream frosting. Frost it after thawing for optimal texture.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
• If you want to serve the cake warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Optionally, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds to enhance the flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert.

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

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in your cake.

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

To keep your cake fluffy, be careful not to overmix your batter once you’ve added wet ingredients. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh!

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

If heavy whipping cream isn’t available, you can use a combination of coconut cream and powdered sugar as an alternative for a non-dairy frosting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. Whether you’re delighting friends at a gathering or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every slice and happy baking!