Description
The Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, layered with buttery vanilla sponge, fluffy whipped cream frosting, and juicy fresh strawberries. It’s light, celebratory, and perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or any special occasion where you want a cake that’s both beautiful and refreshing.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for stability)
- For Garnish:
- Whole strawberries
- Optional: birthday candles, sprinkles, edible flowers
Instructions
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling:
- Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let macerate for 20–30 minutes. Drain before using.
- Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Whip cold cream with powdered sugar and vanilla (and cream cheese if using) until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a stand. Spread with whipped cream, top with sliced strawberries.
- Repeat with remaining layers. Finish with a whipped cream top and decorate with whole strawberries and birthday accents.
Notes
- Chill the mixing bowl before whipping cream for best results.
- Cream cheese in the frosting helps it hold up better in warm conditions.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge until serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480
- Sugar: ~45g
- Sodium: ~180mg
- Fat: ~24g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~60g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~95mg
