Strawberry Shortcake Cake: Easy Summer Delight
Introduction: A Slice of Sunshine: Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Summer is synonymous with strawberries, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a simple strawberry shortcake cake recipe? This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of summer with its sweet, juicy strawberries and light, fluffy cake. Forget complicated recipes; this one is designed for everyone, from seasoned bakers to kitchen novices. This article will guide you through creating the perfect strawberry shortcake cake, ensuring a delightful treat for any occasion.
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Why This Recipe Rocks
There are countless strawberry shortcake recipes out there, but this one stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. Here's why you'll love it:
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this cake can be ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences, like using different berries or adding a touch of lemon zest.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a classic strawberry shortcake, and this cake version is a guaranteed hit.
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, gather these essential ingredients for your strawberry shortcake cake:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Strawberry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, but recommended)
- For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect strawberry shortcake cake:
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Gently stir and set aside for at least 30 minutes. This allows the strawberries to macerate and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375?F (190?C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Whipped Cream: While the cake is cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread half of the strawberry mixture over the bottom layer, followed by half of the whipped cream. Place the top layer of the cake over the filling.
- Decorate and Serve: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top of the cake. Arrange the remaining strawberries decoratively on top. Slice and serve immediately, or chill for later.
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a tender, flaky cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough cake.
- Macerate the Strawberries: Allowing the strawberries to macerate in sugar and lemon juice enhances their flavor and creates a delicious sauce.
- Chill the Whipped Cream: Chilling the bowl and beaters before making whipped cream helps it whip up faster and hold its shape better.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature. The strawberries can also be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the cake just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Variations and Adaptations
- Different Berries: Use raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of berries instead of strawberries.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a hint of citrus flavor.
- Almond Extract: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract in the cake batter or whipped cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of this cake.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free milk and butter substitute, and a dairy-free whipped cream alternative.
Simple Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Question and Answer
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: While fresh strawberries are best, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using.
Q: How long will the cake last?
A: This cake is best eaten within 1-2 days. Store it in the refrigerator to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
Q: Can I make individual shortcakes instead of a cake?
A: Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into individual portions and bake them as shortcakes.
Q: Can I add other fruits to the strawberry mixture?
A: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches would be delicious additions.
Q: Is it important to let the strawberries macerate? A: Letting the strawberries macerate is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Maceration helps soften the strawberries and release their natural juices, creating a more flavorful sauce that enhances the overall taste of the strawberry shortcake cake. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but keep in mind that the strawberries may not be as juicy or flavorful.
In summary, this article provides a simple strawberry shortcake cake recipe, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and answers to common questions. Keywords: strawberry shortcake, cake recipe, simple dessert, summer recipe, strawberry cake, easy baking, homemade cake, dessert recipe, baking guide, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, simple strawberry shortcake cake recipe.