Cinematic overhead shot of a multi-layer strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and macerated strawberries on a marble countertop, featuring golden sponge layers and an artistic arrangement of baking tools and ingredients.

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake: The Ultimate Summer Dessert

Quick Overview

What You’ll Create: A stunning multi-layer strawberry shortcake that’s both classic and show-stopping.

Key Details
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Serves: 12 people
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Contains Dairy/Eggs

Essential Equipment

You’ll need:

Golden hour sunlight illuminates vibrant red strawberries coated in sugar crystals within a rustic wooden bowl, with droplets of lemon juice sparkling and a glossy syrup forming. A vintage linen towel and an antique spoon enhance the warm, inviting farm kitchen aesthetic against the backdrop of a marble countertop.

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake Base
  • 2 ½ cups cake flour
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp baking powder
Strawberry Filling
  • 3 cups fresh strawberries
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Whipped Cream Frosting
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Pro Preparation Tips

Cake Layer Secrets
  • Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are room temperature
  • Don’t Overmix: Gentle folding prevents tough cake
  • Test for Doneness: Toothpick should come out clean
Strawberry Preparation
  • Macerate berries 30 minutes before assembly
  • Drain excess liquid to prevent soggy layers

Step-by-Step Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
  3. Add eggs one at a time
  4. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk
  5. Bake 25-30 minutes
  6. Cool completely
  7. Whip cream to soft peaks
  8. Layer cake with cream and strawberries

Dramatic overhead view of a multi-layer cake assembly with fluffy vanilla sponge layers, whipped cream peaks, and glossy macerated strawberries on a white marble surface.

Common Challenges (And Fixes!)

  • Soggy Cake:
    • Cool completely before assembling
    • Pat strawberries dry
    • Use cake leveler for even layers
  • Runny Cream:
    • Chill bowl and beaters
    • Add gelatin for stability
    • Don’t overwhip

Storage & Serving

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Best served same day
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap
  • Keep chilled until 30 minutes before serving

Flavor Variations

  • Chocolate sponge base
  • Mixed berry filling
  • Lemon zest in cream
  • Gluten-free flour option

Nutritional Insight

  • Approximately 350 calories per slice
  • Rich in Vitamin C from strawberries
  • Moderate protein from eggs
  • High in sugar and saturated fat

Final Pro Tips

Enjoy your stunning strawberry shortcake layer cake – a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering!

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