If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tender cake, juicy berries, and a billowy cloud of cream, look no further than Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. This impressive layer cake delivers all the charm and nostalgia of the classic strawberry shortcake, but with the softest crumb, the freshest berries, and a tangy-sweet whipped cream cheese icing that holds like a dream. Whether you’re planning a birthday, brunch, or a summer get-together, this cake is bound to become a favorite at your table.

Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting was chosen for maximum flavor and texture, yet everything is easy to find and simple to use. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap — every element, from the creamy sour cream to the sparkling fresh strawberries, plays an essential role in creating layers you’ll want to show off!

All-purpose flour: For the perfect cake structure; spooned and leveled for lightness.
Baking powder: Gives the cake that necessary lift and airy bite.
Salt: Balances and enhances every sweet note in the cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while keeping it moist and tender.
Vegetable or canola oil: Delivers luxurious moisture with a neutral flavor.
Large eggs and egg whites: Add structure and stability but keep the crumb delicate.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and frosting with comforting, aromatic flavor.
Almond extract (optional): A secret touch that deepens and brightens the whole cake — don’t skip if possible!
Sour cream: The secret to irresistible moisture; adds a slight tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Milk (whole or 2%): Keeps the batter fluid and ultra-soft; make sure it’s at room temperature for best blending.
Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient; choose ripe, juicy berries and set some aside for the stunning garnish.
Strawberry jam: Rounds out the berry flavor and helps bind the filling together.
Cream cheese: Whips up into a creamy, stable base for the frosting, making it both rich and sturdy.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps hold the whipped cream to just the right consistency.
Heavy whipping cream: Chill it thoroughly for a billowing, cloud-like frosting that isn’t too sweet.
Additional whole strawberries (optional): For an eye-catching, fresh garnish on top.

How to Make Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure a perfectly even bake. In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined flawlessly. This ensures even dispersal of the leavening agents and keeps your cake delightfully fluffy. Set the bowl aside to keep things organized as you move forward.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer, if that’s what you have), beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, egg whites, and those aromatic vanilla and almond extracts. The goal is to achieve a smoothly blended batter with a hint of almond depth. Add in the sour cream and beat again — your batter will already smell incredible!

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Milk

Gradually add half of the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, blending on a low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing. While the mixer is running, slowly pour in the milk, then follow with the rest of the dry mix. Stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl so no pockets of flour remain; this step gives your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting that signature soft crumb.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease them thoroughly. Evenly divide the batter among your pans, gently tapping each on the countertop to break any pesky air bubbles. Bake for 18–22 minutes, rotating the pans halfway if your oven browns unevenly. When a toothpick emerges clean from the center, your cakes are ready. Cool them in the pans on a rack until completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting later.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cakes cool, stir together your sliced strawberries and strawberry jam in a small bowl. This quick toss coats the berries in glossy sweetness and creates a juicy, gorgeous filling for each layer and for topping. Be sure to set aside about half a cup of diced berries for crowning the cake at the end.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

For the signature topping of Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until perfectly smooth. With the mixer on medium, gradually add the cold heavy whipping cream down the side of the bowl, pausing to scrape as needed. Then, whip at high speed until stiff peaks form and the frosting holds its glorious shape. Keep everything as cool as possible to ensure cloud-like volume that won’t deflate.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

To build your masterpiece, place one cooled cake layer on your serving platter. Spread a third of the whipped cream frosting evenly over the layer — don’t worry about being too precise, rustic swirls are beautiful! Top with about 1¼ cups of the strawberry filling. Repeat with your second layer. Finish with a thick layer of frosting and nestle the reserved diced berries in the center, adding whole strawberries around the edge if desired. The end result is guaranteed to steal the show.

How to Serve Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Garnishes

For a truly spectacular finish, arrange whole strawberries with their green tops around the cake’s edge or pile them high in the center. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a magical, bakery-worthy touch. If you want to bring out more color, tuck in a few sprigs of fresh mint for extra vibrancy.

Side Dishes

Though Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is the showstopper on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad brightened with citrus, or a bowl of lightly sweetened yogurt. For summertime parties, consider serving chilled berry lemonade or even a glass of sparkling wine alongside for a refreshing, celebratory pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! You can bake the batter in a sheet pan for a picnic-friendly slab cake served in squares, or turn it into mini shortcake trifles by layering cubes of cake, strawberries, and whipped cream in individual jars or glasses. For birthdays, a cascade of candles nestled among the berries is always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting will stay moist and delicious for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap the platter tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the whipped cream from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, bake the cake layers in advance, let them cool, then wrap tightly and freeze them (without frosting) for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then assemble with fresh strawberries and whipped cream just before serving for best results.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you need to bring it back to room temp after refrigeration, allow it to sit out for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this could melt the frosting and compromise the texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor, color, and texture for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting, but if you’re in a pinch, thaw and drain frozen berries very well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the whipped cream frosting in advance?

You can whip the frosting a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until assembly, but for longest-lasting peaks and the freshest look, it’s best to prepare it just before you frost the cake layers.

Is almond extract really necessary?

While optional, a touch of almond extract gives a subtle, unforgettable aroma and a more complex flavor profile that enhances the berries and cream. If you have it, absolutely add it in!

Can I bake this as a two-layer cake instead?

Yes, you can use two 9-inch round pans instead of three 8-inch ones, but increase baking time by a few minutes and check doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.

How long does the cake stay moist?

Thanks to the oil, sour cream, and juicy strawberries, your Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting remains tender and luscious for two to three days after making, so you can savor every slice even after the party’s over.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting is pure celebration in every bite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s the kind of cake that turns ordinary days into something memorable, and I know your friends and family will swoon over every luscious, berry-studded forkful. Give it a try — you’ll want to make it again and again!

Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 3-layer cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Moist Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting. A perfect blend of fluffy cake layers, fresh strawberries, and creamy frosting that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Instructions

Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts. Add sour cream and flour mix. Pour in milk, mix, and divide batter into pans. Bake, then cool.
Filling: Combine strawberries with strawberry jam.
Frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Pour in cold cream and whip until stiff peaks form.
Assembly: Layer cake, frosting, and strawberries. Repeat. Top with frosting and strawberries. Decorate with whole strawberries if desired.

Notes

Make sure to use very cold heavy cream for the frosting.
Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling.
Feel free to customize by adding more strawberries or adjusting sweetness to your preference.

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