Okay, bestie! You are NOT ready for the flavor BOMB I’m about to drop on you. Get ready to ditch those boring desserts because I’ve perfected the ultimate Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, Cuba Queen style!
This isn’t your grandma’s sad, dry cake. We’re talking layers of moist, tender cake, whipped cream that practically melts in your mouth, and strawberries bursting with sunshine-y flavor.
I spent weeks tweaking this recipe, suffering through soggy messes and bland disappointments, all so you could have dessert perfection on your plate. I knew I had nailed the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe when even *I* couldn’t stop eating it. And trust me, I have HIGH standards.
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is pure Cuba Queen: unapologetically bold, totally satisfying, and guaranteed to turn any occasion into a full-blown fiesta.
So, clear your schedule, grab your apron, and prepare to create some serious magic. Get ready for your new favorite Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe recipe!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! We’re talking quality over quantity, flavor adventurers.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Don’t pack it! Spoon and level for the perfect crumb in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: For sweetness, of course, but also helps with the cake’s tenderness in our Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is the leavening agent that gives our cake its lift and airy texture in this amazing Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* soft, not melted! This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe depends on it.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk gives the best flavor and moisture for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure. Let them come to room temperature for best results when making this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The secret weapon that adds a touch of warmth and complexity. High-quality extract is key for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Obviously! Find the ripest, juiciest berries you can for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: This is going to become our dreamy whipped cream. Make sure it’s cold for easy whipping with the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For sweetening the whipped cream. Adjust to your liking in our Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.

The secret to an epic Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is using *real* vanilla extract instead of the imitation stuff. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. You’ll find the best berries for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe at your local farmer’s market. Splurge on high-quality butter for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe – trust me, it’s worth it.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s turn these ingredients into a Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe masterpiece! Don’t stress – your cake is going to be incredible.
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking, a CRITICAL step for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe perfection.
Dry Ingredients Unite
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it like you mean it for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!
Butter Up
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pro tip for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe perfection: don’t overmix!
Wet Ingredients Join the Party
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until *just* combined. Here’s where most people mess up their Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe – DO NOT OVERMIX!
Bake It ‘Til You Make It
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe takes *exactly* 28 minutes.
Cool Down Time
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience, young grasshopper! This is important for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe success.
Whip It Good
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe should look billowy and delicious.
Strawberry Sensation
Gently fold half of the sliced strawberries into the whipped cream. This is where your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe transforms into pure magic.
Assemble the Masterpiece
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry whipped cream mixture evenly over the cake. Top with the remaining cake layer and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top.
Strawberry Extravaganza
Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream. While your Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
Chill Out
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. This final chill makes all the difference in the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe!
PRESENTATION:
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe isn’t just about the taste, it’s about the *experience*. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe at summer barbecues.
For maximum impact, pile those strawberries high! Think overflowing abundance. Dust the top with a little extra powdered sugar for a snowy, elegant finish to the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast. A glass of chilled rosé or a sparkling lemonade would also be amazing alongside this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe absolutely slays at dinner parties, potlucks, or even just a Tuesday night when you need a little extra sparkle. For an extra touch of Cuba Queen flair, try adding a sprinkle of edible glitter!
Leftovers? Crumble the cake and layer it in parfait glasses with the remaining whipped cream and strawberries for an elegant breakfast treat. Or, slice and freeze individual portions for a quick dessert fix. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is versatile like that!
For a festive twist, try using different berries! Blueberries, raspberries, or even a mixed berry medley would be fantastic in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe. If your kids love this fresh strawberry cake recipe, they’ll go crazy for Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake.
FAQs:
Got questions about this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? I’ve got answers! I’ve been there, done that, and taste-tested my way to Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe perfection.
- Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature. However, I recommend assembling the cake no more than a few hours before serving, as the whipped cream can soften over time.
- What if I don’t have fresh strawberries for my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? While fresh is best, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. They might not be as pretty on top, but they’ll still deliver that strawberry flavor in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- How do I know when my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe is perfectly done? The best way to tell is to insert a wooden skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! You can also gently press on the top of the cake; it should spring back lightly.
- Can I use a different frosting for this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Of course! While I love the simplicity of whipped cream, you could also use a buttercream frosting or a cream cheese frosting. Just make sure it complements the strawberry flavor in this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- My whipped cream isn’t stiffening up. What am I doing wrong with my Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Make sure your heavy whipping cream is COLD! Also, your bowl and beaters should be cold as well. Sometimes I even pop them in the freezer for a few minutes before whipping. Also, don’t overbeat! Once stiff peaks form, stop mixing for the Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
- Can I make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
- How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan when I’m making this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe? Grease and flour your pans thoroughly! I like to use a pastry brush to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. You can also use baking spray with flour for extra insurance.
CONCLUSION:
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a whole lot of love. It is a fresh strawberry cake recipe that is certain to become a favorite!
This is the kind of dessert that makes people smile, that creates memories, that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. This Easy Strawberry Shortcake is a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.
My Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe Power Tips:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the cake bake evenly and creates a tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Chill the cake before serving: This allows the flavors to meld together and the whipped cream to set up, and it’s just perfect for this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Cake.
Here are a few Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe variations I’ve created and loved:
- Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Cake: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and a hint of lemon juice to the whipped cream for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake: Fold cocoa powder into the cake batter for a decadent chocolate version. Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving.
- Strawberry Basil Shortcake Cake: Muddle fresh basil with the strawberries for an herbaceous and refreshing flavor combination.
The lemon version always gets the biggest reactions!
I have total confidence that you can make this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe your signature dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to put your own spin on it, to make it yours.
Now go forth and create some Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe memories! And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! If you enjoyed this recipe for a fresh strawberry cake recipe, make sure to check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe. Also, be sure to try this Raspberry White Chocolate Cake Roll recipe as well! For more bold flavor adventures, check out this Mini Banana Pudding Cheesecakes recipe!

And remember, life’s too short for boring desserts. Now go make this incredible Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe, as seen here on Strawberry Shortcake Cake – Celebrating Sweets or Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe | Life, Love and Sugar and even on Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
This Strawberry Shortcake Cake takes the classic dessert to a new level with layers of moist cake, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect show-stopping treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter and milk and beat until just combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream by beating heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once cakes are cool, level them with a serrated knife if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, then top with sliced strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with additional strawberries.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle the strawberries with a little balsamic glaze.

