Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake brings together everything people love about summer desserts. This homemade strawberry shortcake cake features soft vanilla layers, juicy strawberries, and light whipped cream icing that make every slice irresistible. Each layer delivers freshness and comfort in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a weekend family treat or a special birthday centerpiece, this cake stands out for its beauty and unforgettable taste.
Cooking wasn’t part of my plan when I started working in kitchens, but the moment I picked up a whisk, I knew I belonged there. My name is Emma Hale, a professional chef from Portland, Oregon. I began washing dishes as a teenager and fell in love with the sound of sizzling pans and the scent of warm cakes. The strawberry shortcake layer cake represents that love for simple, classic recipes that make people smile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a showpiece that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. The combination of airy sponge and fresh berries creates the most delicious strawberry cake moist in every bite. It has the right sweetness, balanced with the natural flavor of strawberries and the light texture of whipped cream.
Unlike heavy buttercream desserts, the strawberry shortcake icing gives the cake a smooth, refreshing finish. The strawberries release their juices and soak into the sponge, keeping each layer perfectly tender. The result is a stunning fruit layered cake that tastes as good as it looks.
If you already enjoy cakes like the Vanilla Cream Cake on IMARECIPE
or the Strawberry Cupcakes from IMARECIPE
, this homemade strawberry shortcake cake will easily become your favorite. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and full of flavor from top to bottom.
Ingredients
Making the perfect strawberry shortcake layer cake starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Choose ripe berries and quality vanilla for the best flavor.
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Cake Layers | All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk |
| Strawberry Filling | Fresh strawberries sliced, sugar, lemon juice for brightness |
| Whipped Cream Frosting | Heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract |
This combination of ingredients produces a moist strawberry cake with strawberries that remain vibrant and juicy. The simple whipped cream frosting creates that signature strawberry shortcake icing texture that holds perfectly between layers.
For more dessert inspiration, visit the Strawberry Cream Trifle
or Lemon Blueberry Cake
recipes.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans with flour or parchment paper. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the butter with sugar in another until creamy. Add the eggs one by one, then the vanilla. Combine both mixtures, adding milk slowly to keep the batter smooth. Divide into pans and bake until golden.
While the cakes cool, prepare the filling by combining strawberries and sugar. Let them rest until a syrup forms. This step ensures a fresh strawberries cake with natural sweetness.
For the frosting, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This mixture becomes your light and fluffy strawberry shortcake icing.
Once the cakes have cooled, layer the cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Stack them to create a four layer cake, finishing with a crown of berries on top. Chill for thirty minutes before serving.
This method creates a soft Italian strawberry cake that stays moist and balanced, offering both texture and flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
A slice of this triple strawberry cake pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or lemonade. You can also decorate it with mint leaves or crushed meringue for a bakery-style finish.
Serve this dessert chilled to highlight its refreshing flavor. The bright red strawberries and white frosting make it ideal for spring celebrations or family gatherings. Add a drizzle of strawberry syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Explore similar desserts like Mini Cheesecakes
and Lemon Bars
for more light and fruity ideas.
How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth mixing. Avoid overbeating the batter to keep the strawberry cake moist and tender. Chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters before making the frosting. This simple trick helps the icing hold its shape longer.
Make sure each layer is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Slice the strawberries right before assembly for a fresher finish. These small details create a professional-looking fruit layered cake with balanced sweetness and texture.
For more decorating inspiration, check out the Baking Tips Section
.
Pro Tips to Make It Perfect
Add a small amount of gelatin to stabilize the whipped cream on hot days.
Chill each layer separately before stacking for perfect alignment.
Use very ripe strawberries for deep flavor in the triple strawberry cake version.
A rotating cake stand helps spread the icing smoothly.
Dust the top with powdered sugar for a clean finish.
For more advanced ideas, visit Pro Baking Tips
or Cake Frosting Secrets
.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not overmix the batter; it can make the cake dense. Avoid warm cream when whipping, as it can flatten the icing. Too much syrup from the strawberries can make layers soggy, so drain lightly before assembling. Always chill the cake before slicing for neat, even portions.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store your strawberry shortcake layer cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw overnight. Let the cake sit at room temperature for ten minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the whipped cream smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep strawberry shortcake from getting soggy?
Drain the strawberry syrup slightly and chill the cake before serving.
Can you make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day early and assemble with whipped cream before serving.
What is the best way to store leftover strawberry shortcake cake?
Keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The whipped cream stays fresh for up to three days.
Can frozen strawberries work for this recipe?
Yes, thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess liquid.
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is the perfect combination of elegance and flavor. This homemade strawberry shortcake cake blends light sponge, sweet strawberries, and creamy frosting into one irresistible dessert. Whether you call it an Italian strawberry cake, a four layer cake, or a triple strawberry cake, it remains one of the best fruit layered cakes you can bake at home.