Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake

Strawberry shortcake layered cake is the dreamy dessert that combines tender vanilla cake, juicy macerated strawberries, and clouds of fresh whipped cream into one irresistible creation. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply craving something sweet, this showstopper brings together flavor and elegance in every bite. Unlike traditional strawberry shortcake, this layered version offers height, beauty, and extra indulgence—while still being easy enough for home bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍓 Classic meets elegant – turns a nostalgic dessert into a gorgeous centerpiece
• 💡 Easy prep – no fancy techniques, just simple steps
• 🎂 Moist, fluffy cake – with that buttery, biscuit-like tenderness
• 🍓 Real fruit flavor – thanks to fresh macerated strawberries
• 🥄 Make-ahead friendly – prep components in advance for stress-free assembly

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)

For the Strawberry Filling

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Whipped Cream

• 3 cups heavy cream (chilled)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
5. Add flour mixture and milk alternately, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently.
6. Divide evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Toss gently and let macerate for at least 30 minutes to release juices.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer.
2. Beat until stiff peaks form. Don’t overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a cake stand. Brush with some strawberry syrup.
3. Spread whipped cream, then top with sliced strawberries.
4. Repeat with remaining layers.
5. Frost the outside with remaining whipped cream. Decorate with strawberries.
6. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Assembly/Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 12

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per slice)

• Calories: 420
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg

Tips & Variations

• ✅ Room temp ingredients = better cake texture
• 🍓 Don’t skip macerating strawberries—it makes the filling juicier
• 🎨 Decorate with mint, chocolate curls, or freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 🍫 Want a twist? Swap in chocolate cake layers!
• 🍰 Use mascarpone in the cream for a richer frosting
• 🫐 Try mixing in raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries
• 🍷 Add Grand Marnier or Amaretto to the strawberries for an adult version

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cakes and prep the strawberries a day ahead. Assemble the cake a few hours before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can, but thaw and drain them first. Fresh strawberries are best.

How do I keep whipped cream stable?
Use very cold cream and bowl. Adding powdered sugar helps with stability.

How long will it last?
Best enjoyed within 1–2 days. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake

A delicious twist on a classic, this strawberry shortcake layered cake combines tender vanilla cake, macerated berries, and fluffy whipped cream for a light and stunning dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 3 x 8-inch cake pans
• Hand or stand mixer
• Serrated knife (for leveling)

Ingredients

  

• Cake
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• Strawberries
• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Whipped Cream
• 3 cups heavy cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 3 cake pans.
• Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
• Alternate dry mix and milk into the batter. Mix just until combined.
• Bake for 25–30 mins. Cool completely.
• Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit 30 minutes.
• Whip chilled cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
• Assemble: Layer cake, whipped cream, and strawberries. Repeat and frost.
• Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead by baking cakes a day early

Decorate with extra strawberries, mint, or lemon zest

For added richness, fold mascarpone into the whipped cream

Keyword Strawberry Shortcake Layered Cake

Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake layered cake is everything you love about the classic dessert—just taller, prettier, and even more delicious. With fluffy cake layers, juicy berries, and luscious whipped cream, it’s a celebration on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, brunch, or birthday, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Simple ingredients, fresh flavors, and easy techniques make it a home baker’s dream.