Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Double Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries and a strawberry-infused simple syrup ensure a burst of berry goodness in every slice.
- Light and Airy Texture: The vanilla sponge cake provides a delicate and fluffy base that pairs perfectly with the whipped cream and strawberries.
- Versatile Presentation: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a summer gathering, this cake’s elegant layers make it a show-stopping centerpiece.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Large eggs, separated
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Warm water
- Vanilla extract or paste
- Fresh strawberries
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Cornstarch
- Optional: lemon zest, liqueur for added flavor
Directions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with lemon juice or vinegar until foamy, then gradually add half of the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light in color. Add oil, warm water, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture, then carefully fold in the beaten egg whites until the batter is smooth and airy.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, then use a serrated knife to slice it horizontally into two or three even layers.
- Prepare the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sliced strawberries. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool, then strain to remove the strawberry pieces.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat cold cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add cold heavy whipping cream, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and brush generously with the strawberry simple syrup.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake, then add an even layer of sliced fresh strawberries.
- Repeat the process with the remaining layers.
- Once all layers are assembled, cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting.
- For decoration, you can add dollops of strawberry puree on top and use a spatula to create a swirled effect.
- Chill the Cake:
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4-6 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 slices
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly and Rest Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Berry Medley: Substitute or add raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries for a mixed berry shortcake.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cake batter for a zesty flavor.
- Liqueur Infusion: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Amaretto, to the simple syrup for an adult version.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Use honey or agave syrup in place of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover any exposed areas with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: While the fully assembled cake doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped cream, the sponge cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
- Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need for reheating.
FAQs
1. How do I prevent the sponge cake from deflating?
Ensure that you gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to maintain the airiness. Overmixing can cause the batter to def
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a show-stopping dessert that features layers of fluffy vanilla sponge cake soaked in strawberry simple syrup, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Perfect for summer gatherings, it delivers double the strawberry flavor and a light, airy texture everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Sponge Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Large eggs, separated
- Lemon juice or white vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Warm water
- Vanilla extract or paste
- Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- Water
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a bowl.
- Beat egg whites with lemon juice until foamy, gradually adding sugar to form stiff peaks.
- Beat yolks with sugar until pale; mix in oil, water, and vanilla.
- Fold dry ingredients into yolks, then gently incorporate egg whites.
- Bake in a 9-inch springform pan for 25-30 minutes; cool and slice into layers.
- Make the Strawberry Simple Syrup:
- Simmer water, sugar, and strawberries until slightly thickened. Strain and cool.
- Whip the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth; mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Gradually add cold heavy cream, beating to stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Layer cake with syrup, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries. Repeat for all layers.
- Frost the exterior with whipped cream and chill for 4-6 hours.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy chilled!
Notes
- For added flavor, include lemon zest or a splash of liqueur in the syrup.
- Ensure the cake is chilled long enough to set.
- Customize with mixed berries for variety.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
