Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

If you ever wanted to bottle up that fleeting, bright flavor of the juiciest summer strawberries and turn it into a showstopper of a dessert, Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting absolutely delivers. Imagine layers of tender vanilla cake—light, golden, and delicately sweet—sandwiched with a tumble of glossy, jam-slicked strawberries, all wrapped up in heaps of whipped cream frosting that’s cloud-like, barely sweet, and enhanced by the gentle tang of cream cheese. It’s comfort food made elegant and joyfully messy and, most importantly, lets the strawberries truly sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake relies on a handful of humble ingredients that each bring something beautiful to the table—think lush cream cheese for the frosting’s body, plump strawberries for brightness, and the tang of sour cream to keep every crumb meltingly moist. Let’s take a closer look at the essentials in this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the right structure for soft, fluffy cake layers—be sure to measure by spooning and leveling for accuracy.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake its rise and a tender, airy crumb.
• Salt: Just a touch, to amplify the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps hold moisture without being cloying.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist for days and gives it a beautiful, soft bite.
• Eggs + extra egg whites: The perfect combo for a cake that’s lofty but not dense.
• Pure vanilla extract: Don’t skimp—this infuses each bite with classic shortcake aroma.
• Almond extract (optional but recommended): Adds depth and elevates the berry flavor—just a splash transforms the cake.
• Sour cream: The secret to ultra-moist, tender layers—use full-fat for the best texture.
• Milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess and keeps the crumb soft; bring it to room temperature so the batter blends beautifully.
• Fresh strawberries: Choose the ripest, reddest berries you can find for maximum flavor and drama.
• Strawberry jam: Coats the berries in just enough sweetness and gloss for a stunning filling.
• Whole strawberries (for garnish): Optional, but certainly makes a pretty finish.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the whipped cream frosting a tang and ensures it holds up on the cake.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting delicately and dissolves smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: A kiss of fragrant vanilla makes the frosting irresistibly good.
• Heavy whipping cream (very cold): Whips into peaks for a frosting that’s billowy, rich, and holds its shape perfectly.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and setting out all your ingredients. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to build a foundation of perfectly blended dry ingredients. In another bowl (your stand mixer is your best friend here), whip up the sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts until everything’s glossy and unified. Add the sour cream for richness, then alternate the flour mixture and milk, mixing gently each time. The result? A batter as thick as cake dreams. Line and grease three 8-inch pans for easy release, divide the batter evenly, tap out air bubbles, and bake for 18–22 minutes. A toothpick poked in the middle should come out completely clean. Let your cakes cool entirely before moving on—this makes frosting a breeze!

Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries

While the cakes cool, it’s all about strawberries! Wash, hull, and slice your berries, then toss 2½ cups with a couple of spoonfuls of strawberry jam in a bowl. This not only glosses them up and makes them extra juicy, but also helps the flavor deepen and intensify. Set aside the remaining berries—these diced beauties will crown your masterpiece at the end.

Step 3: Whip Up the Fluffy Frosting

For the whipped cream frosting, soften your cream cheese so it mixes in smoothly, then beat it together with powdered sugar and vanilla. Slowly, almost in a drizzle, pour in very cold heavy cream while the mixer runs. The magic happens as the cream thickens and transforms into glorious stiff peaks—don’t rush this step or the frosting can fall flat. Scrape your bowl as needed for total evenness. If using a hand mixer, keep the bowl as cool as possible for gorgeously thick results.

Step 4: Assemble the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Now for the fun part: assembly! Place your first cake layer on a serving platter and generously slather on one-third of your whipped cream frosting. Sprinkle over half of the glossy strawberries for a burst of color and flavor. Top with the second cake round, repeat the layering, and finish with the third layer, covering it entirely in the remaining frosting. Arrange the reserved strawberries in the center, and if you have whole berries, stud them around the edges or nestle them on top. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before serving so everything melds together beautifully!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Garnishes

To make your cake truly Instagram-worthy, go wild with garnishes: fan out sliced strawberries into swoops across the top or put a ring of halved berries around the base. A few delicate mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar puts it all over the top. For celebrations, tiny edible flowers or a light drizzle of strawberry syrup will give your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting a finishing touch that’s absolutely swoon-worthy.

Side Dishes

This cake is the undisputed star, so keep accompaniments simple—think a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a pitcher of iced tea, or a bowl of freshly whipped cream. Brunch? Pair it with sparkling rosé. Backyard party? A chilled fruit salad is always a hit. Its bright, delicate flavors play well with any number of light, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake up tradition, try assembling the cake in a trifle dish for relaxed servings at picnics, or make mini cakes by stacking cut rounds with frosting and strawberries. Individual mason jar cakes are adorable for portable treats. You could even transform leftover slices into parfaits layered with yogurt and granola for breakfast the next morning—the delicious possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting stores best in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place under a dome cake keeper to keep it fresh and moist for up to 3 days. The whipped cream frosting remains stable thanks to the cream cheese but is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for peak fluffiness.

Freezing

For longer keeping, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers individually—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature before assembling with strawberries and whipped cream. Freezing a fully assembled cake isn’t recommended, as fresh strawberries and whipped cream don’t thaw gracefully.

Reheating

Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off, remove individual slices from the fridge and let them stand at room temp for 10–15 minutes. Never use a microwave, as this will melt the whipped cream frosting and ruin the classic look.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are best for the brightest flavor and prettiest texture, but if that’s not an option, you can use frozen berries. Just thaw them completely, pat them dry, and be aware that they’ll be juicier—so your filling may be a little runnier but still delicious!

Is it possible to make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check other ingredient labels to be sure, and always spoon and level the flour for the lightest crumb.

Why does my whipped cream frosting seem runny?

This frosting is all about temperature! Make sure your cream is very cold and your cream cheese is softened but not warm. Keep everything cool while whipping and your frosting will be thicker, fluffier, and hold its shape on the cake.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. After cooling, wrap them tightly and store at room temperature overnight, or freeze for longer storage. Assemble with freshly whipped frosting and strawberries on the day you plan to serve.

What’s the difference between this cake and classic strawberry shortcake?

Traditional strawberry shortcake is made with biscuit-like cakes or scones, while Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is true layer cake—light, tender, and perfect for slicing, with all the strawberry shortcake flavors you adore.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for that perfect centerpiece dessert to celebrate summer, impress at family gatherings, or simply treat yourself, Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting hits every note—it’s fresh, bright, and delightfully nostalgic. I hope you’ll give it a try and watch every slice disappear with smiles!

 

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