Classic Layered Strawberry Shortcake

This is the best way to use fresh strawberries, trust me! With juicy, sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream sandwiched between layers of tender cake, this Classic Layered Strawberry Shortcake is sure to wow your family and friends! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results that are sure to delight your taste buds!

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It consists of layers of fluffy cake, sweetened strawberries, and whipped cream. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake is light and tender, while the strawberries add a burst of sweetness, and the whipped cream is creamy and dreamy. When combined, the flavors and textures create a heavenly dessert that’s hard to resist.

I pretty much only make easy dessert recipes. One of the great things about strawberry shortcake is that it’s incredibly simple to make, even for home chefs who may not have a lot of experience in the kitchen. The cake is made with just a few simple ingredients and is mixed together in minutes. The strawberries are simply sliced and tossed with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to create a sweet, tangy sauce that complements the cake perfectly, and the homemade whipped cream can be assembled and ready in just a few minutes.

Watch how to make Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is also incredibly versatile! It can be served in a variety of ways, from a classic layered cake to individual servings in jars or glasses. It can be dressed up with additional toppings like chocolate chips, nuts, or even balsamic vinegar for a more sophisticated twist. And of course, it’s always delicious on its own. 

So whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a family gathering or want to impress your friends with a beautiful layered cake, strawberry shortcake is the perfect choice!

If you’re intimidated by a layered cake and want to try the same recipe in a different presentation, then you gotta try my Strawberry Shortcake Trifle.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This classic layered strawberry shortcake recipe is a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend treats.
• The combination of fluffy cake, juicy strawberries, and creamy whipped cream creates a heavenly flavor and texture.
• This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can follow.
• With its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste, this dessert is a great option for when strawberries are in season during the summer months!

Ingredients you’ll need

• Strawberries – The star ingredient of this recipe! The sweet and juicy strawberries add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color to the dessert.
• Sugar – Used to sweeten the strawberries and bring out their natural juices, creating a light and delicious sauce. It’s also used to sweeten the base layer of the cake.
• Lemon Juice – Added to the strawberries to enhance their natural sweetness and add a tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
• Cake Flour – A low-protein flour that creates a tender and delicate crumb in the cake, resulting in a fluffy and light texture.
• Leavening Agents (Baking Soda and Baking Powder) – Used to help the cake rise and become fluffy and light.
• Salt – Helps to balance the sweetness of the dessert and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream – Used to create both the cake batter and the whipped cream. It adds richness and a creamy texture to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the whipped cream and create a light and fluffy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm and comforting flavor to both the cake and the whipped cream.
• Lemon Zest – Provides a bright and fresh flavor to the whipped cream, creating a delicious and tangy contrast to the sweet flavors of the cake and strawberries.

How To Make Layered Strawberry Shortcake From Scratch

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Get out an 8-inch round cake pan and set aside.

Prepare the strawberries: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice and gently stir to combine. Set aside. The sugar and lemon juice will help bring out the natural juices in the berries and create a light sauce.

Assemble the cake batter: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. The mixture will be sticky.

Bake the shortcake: Pour the cake batter into an 8-inch round pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the whipped cream: In a bowl or stand alone mixer, beat the cold whipped cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest and beat another 1-2 minutes until creamy and fluffy.

Separate the cake: Use a serrated knife and cut the cooled cake in half, creating two circles, one on top of the other.

Arrange the strawberry shortcake: Scoop a large spoonful (or two or three) onto the bottom layer of the cake. Top with the strawberry mixture. Place the other cake on top, creating a sandwich, and add more whipped cream and berries to the top of the cake. Slice and serve with any leftover whipped cream or berries. Enjoy!

I much prefer using fresh berries for this Strawberry Shortcake recipe, but if the berries aren’t good you can opt for frozen and defrosted.

Recipe Tips

• When cutting the strawberries, make sure they are all the same size so they stay uniform.
• Sift the dry ingredients together before adding the heavy cream. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and well incorporated into the batter.
• Use heavy whipping cream that is very cold. This will help the cream whip up faster and create a light and fluffy texture.
• Use a serrated knife to cut the cake in half horizontally. This will create two even layers that can be filled with strawberries and whipped cream.
• For a beautiful presentation, add extra sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the finished cake. You can also serve extra whipped cream and strawberries on the side for guests to add to their individual servings.

Variations

• Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the strawberries before assembling the cake.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the leavening agents accordingly.
• Add a touch of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry mixture. The tangy and sweet combination will create a deliciously complex taste.
• If you prefer a higher protein version of this dessert, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. Simply mix the yogurt with a bit of honey and lemon zest to create a tangy and sweet topping for the cake.

Storing and Freezing

To store leftover strawberry shortcake, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may deflate a bit, but the cake and strawberries will still be delicious. Be sure to cover the exposed cake with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing is not recommended as the texture and taste of the whipped cream and strawberries will change when thawed.

FAQ

What is the difference between a cake and a shortcake?

A cake is typically a sweeter, more dense dessert that is usually served in layers with frosting or other decorations. A shortcake is usually drier and less sweet than a cake, with a biscuit-like texture. Shortcakes also have fewer ingredients and are often topped with fruit or cream instead of frosting.

Is strawberry shortcake a cake or a biscuit?

Strawberry shortcake can be made with either a cake or biscuit base. The most common version is made with a sponge cake, but other versions may use a biscuit or shortbread crust. The topping and filling are usually strawberries and whipped cream.

More recipes with strawberries

• Strawberry Cauliflower Smoothie
• Salmon with Strawberry Salsa
• Red, White, and Blue Popsicles
• Spinach, Kale, and Strawberry Salad

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