Name: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake: 7 Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake! This beauty is a classic for a reason, folks. Picture it: layers of light, fluffy sponge cake, fresh, juicy strawberries, and a cloud of whipped cream that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re biting into summer itself! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the smiles on everyone’s faces were priceless. Not only is it stunning to look at, but it’s also super simple to whip up, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations. Trust me, once you make this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe book!

Ingredients List

Before you dive into the baking, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake. Having your ingredients prepped and ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (the juicier, the better!)
2 cups heavy cream (for that luscious whipped topping)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten the cream just right)

Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and don’t forget to chill your cream before whipping—it makes a world of difference! Now that we have our ingredients ready, we’re one step closer to cake heaven!

How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and dive into making this gorgeous Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake! It’s a labor of love, but trust me, it’s so worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delightful dessert in no time!

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for that perfect rise! While that’s heating up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with butter and a light dusting of flour. This helps the cakes slide right out later. It should only take about 5 minutes.

Mixing the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Now, add in the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy. You want it to be lump-free—just think of it as a little workout for your arms! This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or a good ol’ whisk.

Baking the Cakes

Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cakes are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When they’re ready, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; we want the cakes to be fully cooled before frosting!

Whipping the Cream

Now, for the whipped cream! Make sure your heavy cream is chilled—this makes it whip up so beautifully! In a mixing bowl, beat the cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it fluffy, but not over-whipped, or you’ll end up with butter (oops!). Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know you’re there when it holds its shape nicely.

Assembling the Cake

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for—assembly! Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, and generously spread a layer of your whipped cream on top. Then, pile on those luscious sliced strawberries. Carefully place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. For a pretty finishing touch, you can decorate the top with more fresh strawberries. Voila! You’ve created a masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake - detail 1

It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves the combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.
Perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to birthday parties, it’s always a hit!
Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it easy for cooks of all levels.
The light and airy sponge cake melts in your mouth, while the strawberries add a burst of flavor.
It’s a beautiful dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes—definitely a showstopper!
You can easily customize it with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste.
Making it from scratch gives you a sense of achievement and satisfaction!

Trust me, once you taste this Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my tried-and-true tips that I swear by:

Measure accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale if you have one, or make sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cakes.
Room temperature ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture!
Don’t open the oven door: Resist the urge to peek while the cakes are baking. Opening the door can cause them to sink in the middle. Trust the timer!
Cool completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. If they’re warm, the whipped cream will melt, and nobody wants a sad, soggy cake!
Chill your tools: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters. It helps the cream whip up faster and stay fluffy!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious cake that everyone will rave about!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For each slice of this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake, you can expect around 350 calories, 18g of fat, 4g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a sweet treat, so enjoy it in moderation! Remember, the joy of baking and sharing this cake is what truly counts!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries in a pinch, but keep in mind that they’ll release more moisture as they thaw, which might make your cake a bit soggier. If you decide to go this route, I recommend letting them thaw completely and draining any excess liquid before using them in your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake. Fresh strawberries are definitely ideal for that vibrant flavor and texture, but frozen can work if you’re in a bind!

How do I store leftovers?

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the whipped cream can start to weep and the strawberries may lose their freshness. If you want to keep it for longer, consider storing the layers separately—frosted cake and whipped cream can be kept in the fridge for a day or two without losing too much quality!

Can I make this cake in advance?

You bet! The sponge cake layers can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, whip up the cream and assemble the cake with fresh strawberries. This way, you’ll save time on the day of your gathering, and your cake will still taste fresh and fabulous!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the lightness of the cake beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside a berry compote for an extra burst of flavor. And don’t forget—some fresh mint leaves can add a lovely touch of color and freshness! These simple additions will enhance your dessert and impress your guests even more!

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake: 7 Reasons to Love It