Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake brings together all the classic elements of the beloved summer dessert—soft cake, juicy strawberries, and airy whipped cream—but takes it up a notch with elegant layers and show-stopping presentation. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, brunch, or just want something sweet and stunning, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.

With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can create a bakery-style cake right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered Perfection: Each bite offers tender cake, juicy strawberries, and fluffy cream.
• Seasonal Favorite: Perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak.
• Easy to Prepare Ahead: Make the components in advance and assemble when ready to serve.
• Customizable: Adapt with different fruits, fillings, or frostings.
• Light Yet Decadent: Sweet but not heavy—ideal for warm weather events.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Strawberries

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream

• 3 cups heavy cream, cold
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients in batches, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
7. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool fully.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

1. In a bowl, toss sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
2. Let them sit for 30–60 minutes to macerate and release juices.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, combine cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
2. Beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Don’t overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim tops of cake layers for a flat surface.
2. Place the first layer on a plate. Brush lightly with strawberry syrup.
3. Spread whipped cream evenly over the layer. Add a layer of sliced strawberries.
4. Repeat with remaining layers.
5. Frost the top and sides with whipped cream. Decorate with extra strawberries.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Tips & Variations

• Room Temp Ingredients: Ensures smooth batter and even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can cause a dense cake.
• Chill Whipped Cream Tools: Cold cream and bowl whip better.
• Add Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor in cake or cream.
• Try Mascarpone: Swap half the whipped cream with mascarpone for richness.
• Berry Mix: Use raspberries or blueberries along with strawberries.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Bake the cake and prep strawberries a day ahead. Assemble up to 4 hours before serving.

Can I freeze the cake?
Freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Thaw and assemble fresh.

What if strawberries are out of season?
Use frozen berries, thawed and drained. Or try a layer of strawberry jam for flavor.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
You can, but homemade whipped cream is lighter and has better flavor.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Only lightly brush syrup and assemble shortly before serving. Chill to stabilize layers.

Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake

A beautiful layered cake filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Light, fluffy, and ideal for spring celebrations or summer desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Cake
• – 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• – 1 tbsp baking powder
• – ½ tsp salt
• – 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• – 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – 1 cup whole milk
• #### For the Strawberries
• – 4 cups fresh strawberries sliced
• – ¼ cup granulated sugar
• – 1 tbsp lemon juice
• #### For the Whipped Cream
• – 3 cups heavy cream cold
• – ½ cup powdered sugar
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• – 3 x 8-inch cake pans
• Electric mixer
• – Serrated knife
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, then vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix just until combined.
5. Divide into pans. Bake 25–30 mins. Cool completely.
6. Toss strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 30–60 mins.
7. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
8. Assemble: Cake layer → syrup → whipped cream → berries. Repeat.
9. Frost top and sides. Chill before serving.

Notes

– Assemble just before serving for best texture.
– Decorate with extra berries or mint.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake is a fresh and flavorful dessert that never fails to impress. It combines simple ingredients in a gorgeous presentation that works for everything from birthdays to bridal showers. With a bit of prep and care, you’ll serve a cake that’s as delicious as it looks.