As the warm sun shines down and the scent of fresh strawberries fills the air, it’s hard not to feel the excitement of summer gatherings and backyard barbecues. I found myself yearning for a sweet treat that embodies this joyful season, and that’s when I decided to whip up an irresistible Rustic Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This delightful dessert is simplicity at its finest—moist, tender, and topped with luscious whipped cream and ripe strawberries.
Whether you’re hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or simply looking for something to sweeten your afternoon, this cake hits all the right notes. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to create individual shortcakes for those special occasions. So let’s transform fresh, seasonal strawberries into a gorgeous creation that celebrates summer’s fruit bounty—your taste buds will thank you!
Why is this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe a Must-Try?
Delicious and Easy: This recipe combines simplicity with a fresh burst of flavor, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe strawberries and homemade whipped cream elevates your dessert and ensures you enjoy every mouthful of summer goodness.
Versatile Options: Whether you prefer one stunning cake or individual shortcakes, this recipe adapts beautifully to your entertaining needs.
Perfect for Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser, sure to impress at gatherings, from backyard barbecues to elegant brunches.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Plan ahead by baking the cake a day early! Keep it without toppings for freshness and assemble just before serving; simplicity at its best.
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe Ingredients
• Perfect for your summer dessert!
For the Cake
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and serves as the base; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
- Baking Powder – Essential leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; no suitable substitution exists.
- Granulated Sugar – Main sweetening agent that adds moisture; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Imparts warmth and enhances sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for maximum flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Contributes richness and moisture; margarine can replace it for a dairy-free version.
- Milk – Hydrates batter and activates dry ingredients; almond or oat milk works as a non-dairy alternative.
For the Topping
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Essential for fluffy whipped cream topping; non-dairy whipped cream is an option.
- Fresh Strawberries – Forms the fruity topping that brings freshness; feel free to substitute with other berries.
- Demerara Sugar (optional) – Adds a delightful crunchy texture; regular granulated sugar can replace it if necessary.
Enjoy making this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe that’s bound to become a favorite this summer!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch round pan by lining it with parchment paper and greasing the sides to ensure easy removal later.
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir these dry ingredients gently until well mixed, which sets the base for your cake.
Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step adds richness to your cake.
Mix the milk and vanilla into the well created in the dry ingredients. Stir gently, being careful not to overmix; you want it just combined to keep the cake tender.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some demerara sugar on top before baking.
Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Add in a splash of vanilla for flavor, continuing to beat until it’s fluffy and ready to top your cake.
Layer the whipped cream and fresh strawberries generously on top of the cooled cake. This is where your dessert transforms into a showstopper—perfect for any occasion!
Optional: Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Shortcake Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe to make it uniquely yours!
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a cake that everyone can enjoy, without sacrificing taste or texture. The flavors still shine brightly, ensuring no one misses out.
Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and swap milk with almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free delight. Your cake will still be moist and tender, just like the original!
Berry Medley: Swap out strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorites to create a colorful berry bouquet. This adds vibrancy and diverse flavors to each bite.
Citrus Burst: Enhance the cake’s flavor with a splash of lemon or orange zest in the batter. This brightens the taste and brings a refreshing twist that dances on your palate.
Almond Essence: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor surprise that will elevate your cake and wow your guests. Almond adds a unique dimension to the classic sweetness.
Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter for a rich and decadent version. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is a match made in heaven!
Meringue Topping: Instead of whipped cream, try a light, fluffy meringue topping made from whipped egg whites and sugar for a sweet and airy finish. This adds a touch of elegance to your dessert.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that gives a cozy feel, perfect for summer evenings.
With these variations, your Strawberry Shortcake Recipe can be transformed to suit any occasion or personal preference! Happy baking!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Fridge: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 1 day. To maintain texture, assemble just before serving.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unassembled cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before assembling.
Reheating: If the cake has been refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavor of the strawberry shortcake recipe. Enjoy it fresh!
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Indulging in a slice of this delightful summer cake opens the door to a world of exciting pairings that will elevate your dessert experience.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Adding a sprinkle of mint enhances the fruity flavors while providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy topping.
Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic companion complements the sweetness beautifully, adding a luscious creaminess that melts into each bite.
Lemon Zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest on top brightens the cake and adds a vibrant citrus note that balances the sweetness of strawberries.
Iced Tea: A tall glass of sweetened iced tea refreshes your palate, making it a perfect drink for summer gatherings.
Sparkling Water: For a lighter option, serve with sparkling water infused with fresh fruit. It adds elegance and keeps things refreshing.
Berry Compote: Drizzling a warm mixed berry compote over the cake not only enhances the presentation but also intensifies the fruity experience.
Almond Butter: A dollop of almond butter pairs wonderfully with the cake, introducing a nutty creaminess that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Whipped Cream Swirls: Adding extra dollops of whipped cream for those who love a little more indulgence can make each slice feel like a special treat.
Chocolate Shavings: For the chocolate lovers among us, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings offers a delightful contrast to the fruitiness and sweetness of the cake.
These delightful accompaniments will help you create a full sensory experience that celebrates the essence of summer!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Shortcake Cake options are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to streamline their meal prep! You can bake the cake itself up to 2 days in advance. Just allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it at room temperature to maintain its moisture. The whipped cream and strawberries can be prepared up to 24 hours before serving; simply refrigerate the whipped cream in an airtight container and keep the strawberries whole (sliced strawberries may release excess moisture). When it’s time to enjoy your dessert, layer the whipped cream and strawberries on top of the cake just before serving to ensure each slice remains just as delicious and fresh. This approach not only saves you time but also preserves that delightful summer flavor!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Recipe
Fresh Strawberries: Always choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Avoid overripe ones which can turn mushy quickly.
Perfect Whipped Cream: Beat the cream until just soft peaks form. Overbeating can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on it!
Layering Timing: Assemble the cake right before serving to keep the whipped cream and strawberries fresh, preventing the cake from becoming soggy.
Variations Galore: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or peaches for a delightful twist.
Individual Shortcakes: For a personalized touch, adjust the milk to 2/3 cup and roll the dough before cutting into rounds, creating charming mini desserts.
Strawberry Shortcake Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and free from any blemishes or dark spots. Sweet-smelling strawberries are usually a good sign of ripeness. Avoid those with white or green areas, as they may not be fully ripe.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
For storing, place any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To keep it fresh, I recommend not assembling it until you’re ready to serve, as the whipped cream and strawberries can make it soggy.
Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Yes, you can! Wrap the unassembled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before adding the whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
What should I do if my whipped cream doesn’t whip up properly?
If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, check that your heavy cream is cold and hasn’t been sitting out too long. Make sure to use a clean mixing bowl, preferably chilled, as this aids in achieving those luscious soft peaks. If you’re still having trouble, adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar can help stabilize it.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If you’re making this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for others, be mindful of potential allergies. For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with margarine and the heavy whipping cream with a non-dairy alternative. Additionally, ensure that any milk substitutes you use are unsweetened if you’re looking to avoid added sugars.
How can I make individual shortcakes instead of a full cake?
Very easy! Simply reduce the milk to 2/3 cup when preparing the batter. Roll out the dough and use a biscuit cutter to create smaller rounds before baking. Bake them for the same duration or until a toothpick comes out clean. These make charming personal treats perfect for gatherings!
Delicious Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for Summer Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8-inch round pan by lining it with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
- Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir these dry ingredients gently.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix the milk and vanilla into the well created in the dry ingredients. Stir gently.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and sprinkle some demerara sugar on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Add a splash of vanilla.
- Layer the whipped cream and fresh strawberries generously on top of the cooled cake.
- Optional: Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh finishing touch.