If there’s one cake that never fails to impress both inside and out, it’s the Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. This confection features tender, fluffy layers of vanilla-infused cake, generously stuffed with mountains of jammy strawberries and luxuriously topped with clouds of whipped cream frosting. Each mouthful truly feels like a bite of summertime, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a family brunch, or simply craving something sweet and delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Every component, from the creamy dairy to the fresh strawberries, contributes in its own special way to the taste, texture, and beauty of the final masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your cake, providing just the right amount of structure for that soft, tender crumb.
Baking powder: Lifts the cake layers for a lovely lofty texture—don’t swap or skip it!
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors while balancing out the sugar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and keeps the crumb super moist.
Vegetable or canola oil: Ensures a moist, plush cake (even if you refrigerate it).
Large eggs and egg whites: Add richness and lightness, making each bite soft and airy.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings deep, aromatic notes for a classic bakery flavor.
Almond extract (optional): Just a hint gives the cake a delicate, almost mysterious depth—highly recommended!
Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, making the cake crumb extra tender.
Milk (whole or 2%): The liquid ingredient that melds everything together for a buttery batter.
Fresh strawberries: The heart of this dessert, these juicy gems add natural sweetness and beautiful color.
Strawberry jam: Melds with the fresh berries, giving the filling a scrumptious sweetness and glossy finish.
Cream cheese: The secret to stability in your whipped frosting, ensuring it sets up gorgeously.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting without making it gritty.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates an ultra-light, luscious topping straight from the fridge for best results.
Vanilla extract (for frosting): Lends a beautiful aroma to the fluffy whipped cream.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and set out three 8-inch cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures every bite is well-risen and full of flavor. Using your stand mixer (or a handheld mixer), beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and both extracts until smooth and well blended. For a moist crumb, add sour cream and continue beating. Now alternate adding flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Gently mix just until smooth—overmixing is your enemy when aiming for the softest bite!

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Line and grease your cake pans, then divide the batter evenly between them. Tap each pan gently on your countertop to help eliminate air bubbles, ensuring your finished layers are uniform and without tunnels. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, rotating pans halfway through for even browning. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your layers are ready. Let the cakes cool entirely before removing from the pans—patience pays off with this step!

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cakes cool, combine your sliced fresh strawberries with a bit of strawberry jam. About two and a half cups will go between the layers, and the rest can be set aside for crowning the cake later. The jam is key: it marries with the berries, creating a glossy, luscious filling that doesn’t weep or make the cake soggy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy and smooth. Now, with your mixer running on low, slowly pour in the cold heavy cream along the side of the bowl. Gradually increase speed and whip until you see stiff peaks—your frosting should feel cloud-like but sturdy enough for layering. Remember, keeping everything cold is the ticket to that thick, fluffy finish that sets this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting apart.

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on your serving platter and dollop on a third of the whipped cream frosting, spreading it edge to edge. Scatter over half the prepared strawberry filling. Add the second cake layer and repeat. Top with the final cake round and finish with the remaining frosting, smooth or swirled as you like. Pile on the reserved strawberries in the center and, for a show-stopping touch, garnish with extra whole berries around the sides. Step back and admire your gorgeous creation—almost too pretty to eat!

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Garnishes

For the most eye-catching finish, gild your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting with sliced or whole fresh strawberries. A few sprigs of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar really makes those red berries pop. Edible flowers or dainty curls of white chocolate are also stunning, if you’re feeling extra festive.

Side Dishes

Pair each generous slice with a cool glass of lemonade or a flute of sparkling wine for a touch of celebration. If you want to keep things classic, serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a handful of fresh berries on the side for an even more refreshing experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling the cake in a trifle dish for a dramatic, layered effect—or slice the round cake into squares for cute single servings. Miniature versions baked in ramekins or cupcakes work beautifully for parties or afternoon teas. However you serve it, this cake is guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Place any uneaten slices in an airtight container or wrap the cake plate in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to three days. The whipped cream frosting stays fluffy and the cake remains moist—just give it a few minutes at room temperature before serving again.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to two months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then proceed with filling and frosting as desired. While the frosting doesn’t freeze as well, you can always make a fresh batch when you’re ready to assemble.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you need to refresh a slice, let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes—this brings out the flavors and softens the texture of both the cake and the cream. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the whipped cream frosting!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch! However, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain off any extra juice before mixing with the jam to prevent excess moisture in the cake’s layers.

Why add cream cheese to the whipped cream frosting?

The cream cheese helps stabilize the frosting, allowing you to frost and layer the cake without it collapsing or getting soupy. Plus, it adds a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind the texture might vary, but the recipe itself won’t miss a beat.

How far ahead can I assemble the cake?

It’s best to assemble your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting the same day you’ll serve it for the freshest texture. However, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting a day ahead, storing each separately until you’re ready to layer everything.

Can I flavor the whipped cream frosting with other extracts?

Definitely—try swapping in lemon, orange, or even a little extra almond extract for a fun twist. Just use a light hand, as the flavors should complement (never overpower) the fresh strawberries and delicate cake layers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably joyful about a homemade Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, and I hope you treat yourself to baking—and savoring—it soon. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a showstopping dessert that’s as delicious as it looks. Whether served for a celebration or just because, this cake will surely sweeten every occasion!