What kind of cake is used for strawberry shortcake?

Typically, a light vanilla sponge or butter cake is used in strawberry shortcake layer cake for a fluffy but sturdy structure.

What makes shortcake different from regular cake?

Shortcake is denser and more biscuit-like, made with more fat and less sugar, whereas this version uses airy cake layers.

What is another name for strawberry cake?

It may also be referred to as strawberry cream cake, berry torte, or fraisier cake in more elegant versions.

What kind of frosting for strawberry shortcake?

Whipped cream frosting is classic. It’s light, airy, and lets the strawberries shine.

What is the fancy name for strawberry shortcake?

In upscale settings, it's often called Fraisier Cake, especially if it includes pastry cream.

Why do they call it strawberry shortcake?

“Shortcake” refers to a crumbly texture due to fat (like butter or shortening) used in traditional recipes. Add strawberries, and it becomes a fruity treat.

Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tbsp sugar; ½ cup strawberry jam (optional); 2 cups heavy cream; 3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Description

This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is the ultimate summer dessert — soft vanilla sponge, layers of fluffy whipped cream, and juicy macerated strawberries in every bite. It’s light, fruity, and refreshingly sweet — just like the classic shortcake, but dressed up as a gorgeous bakery-style showstopper. Ready in under an hour and perfect for birthdays, brunches, or backyard parties!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Filling & Frosting:

2 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tbsp sugar
½ cup strawberry jam (optional)
2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.

2. Make the Cake Batter
In one bowl: whisk flour, baking powder, salt.
In another: beat butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry mix and milk—just until smooth.

3. Bake the Layers
Divide into pans. Bake 25–30 min, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

4. Macerate the Strawberries
Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 15–30 min to release juices.

5. Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

6. Assemble the Cake
Layer 1: Sponge + whipped cream + macerated berries + optional jam.
Layer 2: Repeat. Finish with extra cream + berries on top!

7. Chill & Slice
Refrigerate 30 min before slicing. Serve cold and enjoy every bite!

Notes

For best results, assemble the cake no more than a few hours before serving to keep the whipped cream stable and the sponge from getting soggy. You can bake the cake layers a day ahead—just wrap and store at room temperature. If you’re short on fresh strawberries, frozen (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch, though texture may vary.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 626 kcal
Sugar: 47.7 g
Sodium: 267 mg
Fat: 34.5 g
Saturated Fat: 20.8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12.8 g
Trans Fat: 0.7 g
Carbohydrates: 73.8 g
Fiber: 1.8 g
Protein: 7.6 g
Cholesterol: 181 mg

Keywords: easy summer cake, strawberry layer cake, whipped cream cake, fresh strawberry cake