Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe for Summer

Imagine this: It’s a warm summer evening, and you’re craving something sweet, light, and oh-so-delicious. What do you reach for? If you’re like me, it’s the classic strawberry shortcake. But not just any shortcake—the best strawberry shortcake cake that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. And guess what? This recipe is easier than you think. Ready to dive in?

Why This Strawberry Shortcake Recipe is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: strawberries and cream are a match made in dessert heaven. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate this timeless treat? Enter Sprouts Organic Balsamic Glaze , my secret weapon for taking this shortcake recipe from good to absolutely unforgettable. Don’t worry—it doesn’t taste like vinegar! Instead, it adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes every bite sing.

This strawberry vanilla cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, but honestly, I’d make it year-round if I could. The combination of fluffy vanilla cake, fresh whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and that magical glaze? Pure magic.

What You’ll Need for This Easy Shortcake Recipe

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temp)
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup oil (vegetable, canola, or light olive oil works great)
• ¼ cup sour cream (full fat, please!)
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Strawberries:

• 2 pints fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon Sprouts Organic Balsamic Glaze (optional but highly recommended)
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (divided)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese (again, full fat!)
• ¼ cup diced strawberries (from the glazed batch)

How to Make the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together. Don’t worry; this shortcake recipe easy enough for even beginner bakers!

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans, dust them with flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Slowly add the sugar while mixing, and keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy. Take your time here—it’s worth it!
4. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and oil.
5. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the milk and flour mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Blend just until combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 22–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool before freezing them briefly to lock in moisture.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

1. Dice the strawberries and toss them in a bowl with the balsamic glaze and sugar. Cover and pop them in the fridge while you whip up the cream.

Step 3: Whip That Cream

1. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and start beating. Add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and the vanilla as it thickens.
3. Once the cream holds soft peaks, transfer it to another bowl and chill.
4. Clean the mixing bowl, then blend the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar and mix again.
5. Fold in the reserved whipped cream gently—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece

1. Layer the cooled cakes with whipped cream and strawberries. Repeat until you’ve stacked all three layers.
2. Garnish with whole strawberries if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Pro tip: This cake tastes best within 1–2 hours of assembly.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Cake

This isn’t just any shortcake cake —it’s a showstopper. The vanilla cake is perfectly tender, the whipped cream is dreamy, and those balsamic-glazed strawberries? They’re the cherry on top (pun intended). Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or treating yourself to a solo slice, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and freeze them. This saves time and keeps the cake moist.
• Presentation Matters: Use a “naked” frosting technique to let those gorgeous berries shine.
• Experiment: Swap out the balsamic glaze for honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous.

Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe – The Best Summer Dessert!

This Strawberry Shortcake Cake is the ultimate summer dessert, featuring layers of perfect vanilla cake, fresh whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and a surprising touch of balsamic glaze for added depth and flavor. Light, refreshing, and visually stunning, this cake is ideal for spring and summer gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 503 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter room temp
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup oil vegetable, canola, or light olive oil works great
• ¼ cup sour cream full fat, please!
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Strawberries:

• 2 pints fresh strawberries
• 1 tablespoon Sprouts Organic Balsamic Glaze optional but highly recommended
• 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¾ cup powdered sugar divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese again, full fat!
• ¼ cup diced strawberries from the glazed batch

Instructions

 

• Step: Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans, dust them with flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

  2. In a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth. Slowly add the sugar while mixing, and keep going until the mixture is light and fluffy. Take your time here—it’s worth it!

  3. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and oil.

  4. Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the milk and flour mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Blend just until combined.

  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 22–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool before freezing them briefly to lock in moisture.
  
• Step: Prep the Strawberries: Dice the strawberries and toss them in a bowl with the balsamic glaze and sugar. Cover and pop them in the fridge while you whip up the cream.
• Step: Whip That Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 5 minutes.

  1. Pour in the heavy cream and start beating. Add ¼ cup of powdered sugar and the vanilla as it thickens.

  2. Clean the mixing bowl, then blend the cream cheese until silky smooth. Add the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar and mix again.

  3. Fold in the reserved whipped cream gently—don’t overmix!
  
• Step: Assemble Your Masterpiece: Layer the cooled cakes with whipped cream and strawberries. Repeat until you’ve stacked all three layers.

  1. Garnish with whole strawberries if you’re feeling fancy.

  2.Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. Pro tip: This cake tastes best within 1–2 hours of assembly.
  

Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: You can bake and freeze the cake layers a day or two in advance to save time.
• Storage: Best served within 1-2 hours of assembly. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
• Flavor Boost: The optional Sprouts Organic Balsamic Glaze adds a unique depth to the strawberries without overpowering their natural sweetness.

Keyword Balsamic Strawberry Dessert, Strawberry Shortcake Cake, Summer Dessert Recipe, Vanilla Cake with Strawberries, Whipped Cream Cake

Tips & Variations

1. Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to ensure it holds its shape better.
2. Variation: Swap the balsamic glaze with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter twist.
3. Presentation Idea: Decorate the cake with whole strawberries or edible flowers for a show-stopping look.
4. Dietary Adjustments: Use plant-based whipped cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
5. Flavor Pairing: Add a hint of lemon zest to the whipped cream for a citrusy kick that complements the berries.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dessert that brings people together. This strawberry shortcake cake does exactly that. So go ahead—grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Have you tried this recipe yet? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Fresh Raspberry Tiramisu: Spring Cake Idea You’ll Love
• Cadbury Egg Easter Cookie Cake
• Easter Cookie Cake
• Robin’s Egg Macarons
• Easter Egg Cookies Recipe
• Lemon Blueberry Cake Recipe

Tried This Recipe?

I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.