Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake: A Delicious Celebration of Strawberry Season
Strawberry season is a time to celebrate the sweet, juicy berries that are bursting with flavor. One of the best ways to showcase these seasonal gems is by making a Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake. This cake combines layers of tender yellow cake, a fresh strawberry filling, and a light, fluffy whipped cream frosting. The result is a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for any celebration or gathering. Even if you’re not a seasoned cake decorator, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
1. Fresh and Fruity Flavor: This cake is packed with the fresh, bright flavor of strawberries. The strawberry filling adds a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the rich cake layers, while the whipped cream frosting ties everything together with its light, airy texture.
2. Perfect for Strawberry Season: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season. Using fresh strawberries ensures that the cake is full of flavor, making it a wonderful dessert for spring and summer gatherings.
3. Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, and the decorating process is simple enough for even novice bakers to master.
4. Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you want to use a homemade yellow cake or a box mix, add other berries, or adjust the sweetness, this cake can be tailored to your taste.
5. A Showstopper Dessert: With its layers of cake, strawberry filling, and whipped cream frosting, this cake is sure to be the star of any dessert table. It’s a beautiful and delicious way to end a meal or celebrate a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 recipe yellow cake (from my recipe or use a box mix): The base of the cake is a classic yellow cake, which provides a tender and flavorful foundation for the layers. You can use a homemade recipe or a box mix for convenience.
- 1 pound strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this cake, providing both the filling and the garnish. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
- 1 4-pound tub Wilton decorator icing (medium consistency), or 3 cans icing or homemade buttercream: The decorator icing is used to frost the layers and the outside of the cake. You can use store-bought icing or make your own buttercream.
- Red food coloring (optional): Adding a drop of red food coloring to the strawberry filling can enhance its color, making the cake even more visually appealing.
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese: Cream cheese is used in the whipped cream frosting to add richness and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream frosting and helps it hold its shape.
- 1 ½ cups (356ml) cold heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is whipped to create a light, fluffy frosting that complements the rich cake and fresh strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to make this stunning and delicious Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake:
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Start by preparing your yellow cake according to the recipe or box instructions. Bake the cakes in 8-inch or 9-inch round pans and let them cool completely. It’s important that the cakes are fully cooled before you start assembling and frosting, as warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Set aside 6-8 strawberries for garnish. Wash, hull, and dice the remaining strawberries into small pieces until you have about 1 cup of diced strawberries. These will be mixed into the icing for the filling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, stir together 2 cups of the decorator icing and the diced strawberries. If you want to enhance the color of the filling, add one drop of red food coloring. This step is optional but can make the filling more vibrant and visually appealing.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one of the cooled cake layers on a cake plate or stand. Spread the strawberry icing evenly over the top of the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling, aligning it carefully. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the filling and make it easier to frost.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Using the remaining decorator icing, frost the top and sides of the cake with a thin layer. This is known as a crumb coat, and it helps seal in any crumbs, creating a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. If you prefer a “naked” cake look, you can leave the sides of the cake with just this thin layer of frosting. Chill the cake again to set the crumb coat.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the cold heavy whipping cream. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks, which means it holds its shape well and doesn’t collapse when you lift the beaters.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate the Cake
Use the whipped cream frosting to decorate the top and sides of the cake. For a professional finish, use a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M tip to pipe swirls of whipped cream over the top of the cake. Finally, top the cake with the reserved whole strawberries for a beautiful and delicious garnish.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The whipped cream frosting is best when kept cold, so be sure to keep the cake chilled. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into 12 pieces and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The flavor of your cake will depend heavily on the quality of the strawberries. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries that are in season for the best results.
2. Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure your cake layers are fully cooled before you begin assembling and frosting. Warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off, resulting in a messy presentation.
3. Don’t Skip the Crumb Coat: Applying a crumb coat of frosting before the final layer helps to lock in crumbs and creates a smooth surface for decorating. This step is especially important if you’re aiming for a professional-looking cake.
4. Dry the Strawberries Well: After washing the strawberries, make sure they are dried thoroughly before adding them to the icing. Excess moisture can make the frosting runny and affect the texture of the cake.
5. Customize the Cake: Feel free to experiment with different berries or a mix of berries in the filling. You can also adjust the sweetness of the frosting or add other flavorings, such as a hint of lemon or vanilla.
Variations and Substitutions
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs:
1. Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake: To make a gluten-free version of this cake, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix or your favorite gluten-free cake recipe. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the icing, are also gluten-free.
2. Vegan Strawberry Shortcake: For a vegan version, use a vegan yellow cake recipe and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy whipping cream.
3. Mixed Berry Shortcake: If you want to add more variety to your cake, try using a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the strawberries. This adds a burst of color and flavor to the cake.
4. Lemon Strawberry Shortcake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter or the whipped cream frosting for a bright, citrusy twist. Lemon pairs beautifully with strawberries and adds a refreshing note to the cake.
5. Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: For a chocolate twist, add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or drizzle it over the top of the finished cake. Chocolate and strawberries are a classic combination that’s sure to impress.
Health Benefits of Strawberries
Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer numerous health benefits:
1. High in Vitamin C: Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Strawberries contain a variety of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which give them their bright red color. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Supports Digestive Health: Strawberries are high in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements. Fiber also supports a healthy gut microbiome.
4. Low in Calories: Strawberries are naturally low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to manage their weight. Despite their low calorie count, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
5. Promotes Heart Health: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberries may help reduce the risk of heart disease. The potassium content in strawberries also supports healthy blood pressure levels.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is delicious
