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There’s nothing quite like a perfect Strawberry Short Cake—light, airy layers of vanilla cake, juicy strawberries, and clouds of whipped cream that melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. But here’s the thing: most homemade versions turn out dense, dry, or worse—soggy.
I learned this the hard way when I tried to impress my in-laws with my “famous” Strawberry Short Cake, only to serve them something closer to a sweet brick. After years of testing (and tasting!), I finally cracked the code to ultra-fluffy layers that stay tender, soak up berry juices, and make every forkful heavenly.
This recipe is easier than you think—no fancy techniques, just 5 simple secrets that guarantee bakery-quality results. If you loved our Classic Vanilla Cake, you’ll adore this summery twist. Ready to bake the best Strawberry Short Cake of your life? Let’s go!
What is Strawberry Short Cake?
Ever wondered why it’s called Strawberry Short Cake and not just “strawberry cake”? Turns out, “short” refers to the tender, crumbly texture (thanks to butter or shortening) that makes this dessert so irresistible. Some say it’s called “short” because it disappears too quickly—and honestly, I believe it!
Is there anything more nostalgic than a slice of this berry-loaded beauty? It’s like summer on a plate, and as the old saying goes, “The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach.” (Spoiler: This cake works every time.) So, grab your mixing bowl—let’s make magic!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Short Cake
- Fluffy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Layers – No more dense cake! Our secrets ensure a light, tender crumb that soaks up strawberry juices without falling apart.
- Cheaper (and Tastier) Than Bakeries – Why pay $50 for a fancy cake when you can make a better version at home for half the price?
- Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing – Swap whipped cream for mascarpone, add a splash of balsamic to the berries, or layer in lemon curd for a twist. (Psst… if you love fruity desserts, try our Mixed Berry Trifle next!)
How to Make Strawberry Short Cake
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins
- Key Perks: No mixer needed, beginner-friendly, and 100% foolproof fluffiness.
Key Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder (secret #1: fresh = extra lift!)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temp (secret #2: soft butter = tender crumb)
- 2 eggs + 1 yolk (secret #3: yolks add richness)
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (secret #4: acidity = fluffier layers)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped + 2 tbsp powdered sugar
(Tip: See substitutions below for gluten-free or dairy-free options!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Berries: Toss sliced strawberries with sugar; let sit 30 mins to release juices.
- Dry Whisk: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. (Secret #5: No overmixing!)
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate Wet/Dry: Mix in flour mix and buttermilk in 3 batches, ending with flour.
- Bake: Pour into 2 greased 8” pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22-25 mins. Cool completely.
- Assemble: Layer cake → whipped cream → strawberries → repeat. Dust with powdered sugar.
What to Serve With Strawberry Short Cake
- Drinks: Iced coffee, sparkling rosé, or a berry smoothie
- Sides: Vanilla ice cream, lemon sorbet, or dark chocolate shavings
- Brunch Pairing: Try it with our Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes for a decadent spread!
Top Tips for Perfect Strawberry Short Cake
- Room-Temp Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs = dense cake.
- Fold, Don’t Stir: Gently fold berries into cream to avoid mush.
- Make Ahead: Bake cake layers a day early; store wrapped at room temp.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store assembled cake (covered) for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Wrap cake layers alone for up to 1 month. Thaw before assembling.
- Revive Soggy Cake: Toast slices lightly in the oven for 5 mins.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate Strawberry Short Cake with layers so fluffy, they’ll make you swoon. Whether it’s for a birthday, picnic, or “just because” Tuesday, this dessert never fails to delight. Tag us on Instagram when you bake it—we’d love to see your masterpiece!
Hungry for more? Click any recipe to keep the cooking streak alive!
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P.S. Want us to feature your favorite dish? Drop it in the comments!