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Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Benchi

Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake features tender, buttery layers, sweet macerated strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream for a dreamy dessert perfect for birthdays, summer picnics, or any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz mascarpone or cream cheese, softened, for stability (optional)

Equipment

  • cake pans

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. For the strawberries, combine sliced berries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
  8. For the frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone or cream cheese if using.
  9. Assemble cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, top with whipped cream and half the strawberries. Add second cake layer, then top with remaining whipped cream and strawberries.
  10. Chill before slicing and serving.