The Easy Strawberry Shortcake is a celebration of fresh ingredients and indulgent textures, making it perfect for spring gatherings, birthday treats, or just a delightful weekend bake. With soft vanilla layers soaked in strawberry puree and loaded with pillowy cream cheese whipped frosting, every bite bursts with fruity sweetness and creamy richness.
Best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this show-stopping cake will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. Serve it chilled for a refreshing, bakery-worthy experience right from your own oven.
Full Recipe:
For the Vanilla Cake:
-
1 cup canola oil (or light cooking oil)
-
1 cup buttermilk
-
4 large eggs (room temperature)
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
2 teaspoons baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
-
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
-
3 cups heavy cream (well chilled)
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
For the Strawberry Filling:
-
4 cups strawberries, divided
-
2 to 2½ cups finely diced
-
1 cup pureed for syrup
-
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
-
In a large bowl, combine oil, buttermilk, vanilla, eggs, and sugar. Beat on medium speed until the eggs are well incorporated.
-
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sift into the wet mixture and mix on low speed just until combined.
-
Divide batter evenly into the three pans. Bake for 23–25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Cool cakes in pans briefly, then invert onto wire racks. Chill layers in fridge to set.
-
For frosting: In a mixer, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk until stiff peaks form (3–4 minutes). Transfer 1½ cups to a piping bag with star tip.
-
For filling: Puree 1 cup of strawberries into syrup. Dice remaining 2–2½ cups of strawberries finely.
-
Level cake layers. Place first layer on stand and spoon over strawberry syrup. Spread whipped cream, pipe edges if desired, and add diced berries. Repeat with next layers.
-
Top with cream swirls, diced strawberries, and whole berries for garnish.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 773 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
The Irresistible Charm of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake has long been a beloved dessert, capturing the hearts and taste buds of dessert lovers around the world. Its irresistible combination of light, fluffy cake layers, sweet ripe strawberries, and luscious whipped cream strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. This particular version—made with vanilla cake, fresh berries, and cream cheese whipped cream frosting—takes the traditional shortcake and elevates it into a show-stopping celebration cake that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Whether it’s served at a summer picnic, a family birthday, or an elegant tea party, this cake feels right at home. Its colors are vibrant, its flavors fresh and nostalgic, and its texture melt-in-your-mouth heavenly. Unlike heavier desserts, this cake offers indulgence without feeling overwhelming, making it ideal for warm weather or special occasions when you want to impress without going over the top.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite
Traditionally, strawberry shortcake is made using biscuit-like shortcakes or sponge cakes that are sliced open and filled with whipped cream and macerated strawberries. While the classic version remains popular, this modern take replaces the biscuit base with soft, moist vanilla cake layers. The result is a hybrid between a layer cake and the classic shortcake, offering more structural integrity for layering and better absorption of the strawberry puree.
What sets this particular recipe apart is the combination of vanilla buttermilk cake and a stabilized cream cheese whipped cream. The cream cheese not only adds depth and richness to the frosting but also helps it hold its shape better, which is especially helpful in warm climates or for decorative piping. The use of both diced strawberries and strawberry puree adds complexity to the fruit element, ensuring every bite is infused with berry flavor.
The Importance of Using Fresh Strawberries
At the heart of any good strawberry shortcake is the strawberry itself. Using ripe, in-season strawberries makes a dramatic difference in the final taste and texture of the dessert. Sweet, juicy strawberries lend natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while their bright acidity balances the richness of the cream.
Fresh strawberries are used in two ways in this cake: diced for the filling and puréed for soaking the cake layers. This dual preparation method ensures that the fruit flavor is not just on top or in between but infused throughout the entire dessert. The puree acts almost like a strawberry syrup, seeping into the sponge to create a more flavorful and moist experience. Meanwhile, the diced berries add bursts of juicy texture and visual appeal.
The Role of Buttermilk and Oil in Cake Texture
One of the reasons this strawberry shortcake cake stands out is its exceptional crumb. Instead of relying solely on butter, this recipe incorporates canola oil and buttermilk—two ingredients that guarantee a tender, moist cake with a fluffy texture. Canola oil provides the moisture needed for a soft crumb without making the cake heavy, while buttermilk contributes a subtle tanginess and activates the baking soda, making the cake rise beautifully.
The combination of these ingredients makes the cake more forgiving than a classic sponge. It’s ideal for novice bakers or anyone who prefers their cake to stay soft even after refrigeration.
Whipped Cream Frosting – Light but Luxe
Many strawberry cakes rely solely on whipped cream, which, while delicious, can sometimes deflate or melt too quickly. The innovation in this recipe lies in combining whipped cream with softened cream cheese. The cream cheese not only enhances the flavor but also stabilizes the frosting, allowing for more intricate decorating and longer shelf life.
The result is a frosting that’s rich without being too heavy, holding its shape well whether piped along the edges or spread generously across the cake layers. This type of frosting complements the berries rather than overpowering them, creating a well-balanced bite every time.
Customizing the Cake for Seasons and Occasions
This strawberry shortcake cake is versatile enough to adapt for different seasons or special occasions. During peak strawberry season in spring and summer, it makes a perfect centerpiece for Mother’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, or garden parties. For birthdays and showers, the cake’s simple but elegant appearance makes it a sophisticated option.
You can also switch things up by adding different fruit combinations. Try adding blueberries or raspberries for a patriotic twist, or layer it with lemon curd between the cake and whipped cream for added brightness. Want to make it a little boozy? Soak the cake layers with strawberry liqueur or a splash of rosé wine for a grown-up take.
The decorating options are endless: leave the sides bare for a rustic “naked cake” look or fully frost for a polished finish. Garnish with whole strawberries, mint leaves, edible flowers, or even white chocolate curls for extra flair.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this cake is how well it holds up over time. You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze or refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to avoid drying out. The frosting can also be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge—just give it a quick whisk to revive the texture before using.
Once assembled, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. The cream cheese in the frosting helps maintain structure, while the fruit keeps the layers moist. If you’re serving it at a party or picnic, just keep it cool in a shaded area or a cooler box until it’s time to cut.
Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Experience
To truly elevate your strawberry shortcake cake experience, consider how you present and serve it. A clear cake stand shows off the layers and makes for a stunning centerpiece. Serve with a dollop of extra whipped cream and a spoonful of leftover strawberry puree on the side for guests who want a little extra.
Pair it with a light beverage like chilled prosecco, sparkling lemonade, or herbal tea. If you’re making it part of a larger spread, it pairs beautifully with light spring salads, savory brunch items, or grilled meats for a full celebratory meal.
You can even portion the recipe into mini cakes or cupcakes for individual servings—perfect for baby showers, bridal parties, or dessert tables at weddings.
Why This Cake Is a Must-Try
In a world of overly complicated or overly sweet desserts, this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a breath of fresh air. It’s elegant but approachable, simple to make yet incredibly satisfying to eat. With its perfect marriage of flavors—tangy cream, juicy strawberries, and fluffy cake—it checks every box for what a dessert should be.
Its adaptability makes it a go-to for nearly every celebration, while its nostalgic flavor ensures it will please guests of all ages. And thanks to thoughtful ingredient choices like buttermilk, oil, and stabilized frosting, it’s reliable enough for beginner bakers to succeed with on their first try.
Conclusion
Strawberry shortcake may be rooted in tradition, but this vanilla cake-based version brings it into the modern age with flair and flavor. It maintains the soul of the original—a celebration of strawberries and cream—while adding new textures and convenience that make it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making it to impress guests or simply to enjoy a sweet moment of indulgence, this Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake is more than just a recipe. It’s a joyful reminder of why we bake: to bring beauty, flavor, and love to every table.
Let this cake be your go-to for all things joyful and sweet—because few things are more universally loved than strawberries, cream, and cake.