Are you craving a delectable dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this easy strawberry shortcake cake recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. Let’s dive into the delightful world of strawberry shortcake!
Table of Contents
ToggleIngredients for Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
To begin crafting this mouthwatering dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
Additional whipped cream for topping (optional). Now that you have all the ingredients at hand, let’s move on to the simple steps to create this delightful dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled and cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
Form the Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared cake pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Strawberries: While the cake is baking, combine the sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit at room temperature, allowing the sugar to macerate the strawberries and draw out their juices.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has finished baking and cooled slightly, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Top the cake with the macerated strawberries, spreading them evenly over the surface.
Serve and Enjoy: Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the strawberries for an extra indulgent touch. Slice the cake and serve it to your eager guests or treat yourself to a heavenly dessert experience.
Toppings suggestions
- Fresh whipping cream
- Sliced fresh strawberries
- Crushed nuts
- Mint leaves
- Powder sugar dusting
- Chocolate drizzle
- Caramel sauce drizzle
- White chocolate drizzle
Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake more Tasty.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the macerated strawberries.
Don’t have heavy cream on hand? You can substitute with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, although the texture of the cake may vary slightly.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can elevate the flavor profile of this classic dessert.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of creating an easy strawberry shortcake cake, you can enjoy this delightful treat anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Alternatives to strawberry shortcake
If you do not want to try strawberry shortcake, you can customize it with these flavors according to your cravings.
Blueberry Shortcake: Instead of strawberries, use fresh blueberries.
Peach Shortcake: For a summertime variation, use sliced peaches.
Raspberry Shortcake: Use sour raspberries in place of the strawberries.
Mango Shortcake: For a tropical taste, use fresh mango slices.
Berries: Combine raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a mixed-berry shortcake.
Apple Shortcake: For a fall-themed dessert, use cooked, seasoned apple pieces.
Pairing beverages
Champagne balances the sweetness and lends an air of refinement.
Rose wine: Light and delicious, rosé wine goes well with strawberries.
Iced tea: is refreshing and helps counteract the sweetness of the dessert.
Lemonade: provides a tangy contrast to the creamy shortcake.
Coffee: enhances the dessert’s flavor with its robust, rich taste. Sparkling Water: citrusy or berry-flavored, light and refreshing.
Tips for Choosing the Best Strawberries
Choosing the right strawberries can make a huge difference in your Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. Look for strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. They should be firm but not too hard. Avoid any that are mushy or have mold. Fresh, ripe strawberries will make your cake taste incredible.
Serving size of a Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Usually serving depends on size of the cake, the thickness of the layers, and individual preferences.
- A normal-sized strawberry shortcake cake can typically serve 8-10 people.
- A large strawberry shortcake cake, with bigger dimensions and possibly more layers, can serve 12-16 people.
- An extra-large strawberry shortcake cake, designed for larger gatherings or events, can serve 18-24 people or more, depending on its size and portion sizes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Adding a Restaurant Twist
While this easy strawberry shortcake cake recipe is perfect for home baking, let’s explore how you can give it a restaurant-worthy twist. Restaurants often elevate classic desserts with creative presentations and unique flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to take your strawberry shortcake cake to the next level:
Gourmet Presentation: Instead of serving the cake in traditional slices, consider cutting it into smaller, bite-sized portions for a sophisticated presentation. Arrange the mini cakes on a platter and garnish each with a fresh strawberry and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Flavor Infusions: Experiment with flavor infusions to add depth and complexity to your dessert. Consider incorporating a hint of almond extract into the cake batter or infusing the whipped cream with fragrant vanilla bean seeds. These subtle touches can elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish and leave a lasting impression on your diners.
Texture Contrast: Create a dynamic contrast of textures by incorporating crunchy elements into your strawberry shortcake cake. Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios over the top of the cake for a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the strawberries and cream.
Sauce Drizzles: Elevate the presentation of your dessert by adding artistic sauce drizzles to the plate. Create a vibrant strawberry coulis by pureeing fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, then drizzle it around the perimeter of the plate for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your strawberry shortcake cake alongside complementary accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. Freshly brewed coffee or aromatic herbal tea can provide a satisfying contrast to the sweetness of the dessert, while a scoop of tangy lemon sorbet can cleanse the palate between bites.
By incorporating these restaurant-inspired techniques into your preparation, you can transform a simple strawberry shortcake cake into a culinary masterpiece that will dazzle your guests and leave them craving more.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Expire Time
The expiration date of a strawberry shortcake cake depends on various factors such as storage conditions, ingredients used, and whether it contains perishable items like fresh cream or fruit. Typically, homemade strawberry shortcake cakes can last for 2-3 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. However, store-bought versions may have preservatives extending their shelf life.
Best Season to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
The best season to make a strawberry shortcake cake is during the late spring and early summer when strawberries are in peak season, ripe, and bursting with flavor. This ensures you get the freshest and most flavorful strawberries for your cake. However, with modern transportation, strawberries are available year-round, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert anytime.
Best Time to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
As for the best time to make this cake, it’s when you have enough time to dedicate to baking and assembling it properly. Typically, making it a day in advance of when you plan to serve it allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious cake. Aim for a time when you’re not rushed and can enjoy the process of baking and decorating this classic dessert.
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(FAQs)
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best, but you can use frozen if necessary. Thaw and drain them well before using.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and whipped topping alternatives.
Troubleshooting Common
Issues
Even with the best Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, things can go wrong.
Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Problem: The cake is too dense.
Solution: Make sure not to overmix the batter. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh.
Problem: The strawberries are too watery.
Solution: Macerate the strawberries with sugar and let them sit to release their juices. Drain excess liquid before layering.
Problem: The whipped cream is too soft.
Solution: Beat the cream just until stiff peaks form and ensure your tools are well-chilled before starting.
Final Thought
Making an easy strawberry shortcake cake is a delightful endeavor that anyone can undertake. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying this delectable dessert in no time. Whether you’re whipping it up at home for a cozy night in or serving it at a fancy restaurant, this recipe is sure to impress. So why wait? Indulge your senses and treat yourself to a slice of sweetness today!
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
Course: Cake, DessertCuisine: American12
servings20
minutes25
minutes350
kcal45
minutesThis easy strawberry shortcake cake recipe is a fuss-free way to enjoy the classic dessert. Instead of individual shortcakes, it features a single-layer cake topped with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream. It strikes the perfect balance between light and indulgent, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 cup of heavy cream
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup of granulated sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured round cake pan.
- Bake the cake according to the package instructions, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, mix the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit at room temperature to macerate and release their juices.
- Once the cake is baked and cooled, spread the macerated strawberries evenly over the top.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the strawberries.
- Serve slices of the cake with extra strawberries on top, if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Indulge in the delightful combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy whipped cream with this easy strawberry shortcake cake recipe. It’s a timeless treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration.