Hello, dear readers and dessert aficionados! Today, we're venturing into the world of timeless classics with a delightful twist - Strawberry Shortcake Cake. This heavenly creation combines all the flavors of traditional strawberry shortcake but in a beautifully layered cake form. Thanks to our friends at Sugar Geek Show, we're diving into a step-by-step guide to create this sweet masterpiece. So, let's roll up our sleeves and embark on this delectable journey!
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 3 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, ensuring they're ready for your cake batter.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but it's essential for a tender cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will provide the structure for your cake.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Divide and Bake
- Divide the cake batter evenly among your prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, ensuring they're level.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Create the Strawberry Filling
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Set them aside to macerate, releasing their sweet juices.
Step 8: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will be your luscious whipped cream frosting.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, it's time to assemble your masterpiece. Start by placing one cake layer on your serving platter.
- Spread a generous layer of whipped cream frosting over the first layer, followed by a portion of the macerated strawberries.
Step 10: Repeat and Finish
- Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting and strawberry layering.
- Top with the final cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting.
Step 11: Garnish
- For the finishing touch, decorate your Strawberry Shortcake Cake with additional fresh strawberries on top.
Step 12: Slice and Savor
- It's time to savor your creation! Slice your Strawberry Shortcake Cake and enjoy every delicious, berry-filled bite.
There you have it, dear readers! A heavenly Strawberry Shortcake Cake that's as beautiful as it is scrumptious. It's the perfect dessert for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in the classic flavors of summer.
A big thank you to Sugar Geek Show for sharing this delightful recipe. Give it a try and let the sweet simplicity of strawberry shortcake cake brighten your day. Happy baking! 🍓🍰🌟
For the full step-by-step guide and detailed instructions, be sure to check out the Sugar Geek Show.