Category
Yummy Desserts
Servings
8
Prep Time
2 hours 25 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Author:
Sallys Baking Addiction
This one layer strawberry shortcake cake combines vanilla cake, fresh juicy strawberries, and homemade whipped cream. It is a refreshing, light, and totally manageable summertime dessert that is perfect for a smaller crowd. This single layer vanilla cake uses the reverse creaming method, which guarantees a uniquely moist and soft crumb.
Ingredients
1 and 1/4 cups cake flour (spoon and leveled)
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter - cubed and softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk - at room temperature and divided
1 large egg - at room temperature
2 Tablespoons canola oil or vegetable oil
1 and 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 Tablespoon strawberry jam
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 cup cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar or granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
STRAWBERRIES
WHIPPED CREAM
Directions
MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan or 9-inch cake pan, line with a parchment paper round (cut at 8 or 9 inch circle or parchment), then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cake seamlessly release from the pan.
Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. (or if using a handheld mixer, any large mixing bowl.) Add the butter, vanilla, and 1/4 cup milk. Mix on medium speed until the dry ingredients are moistened, and about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl.
Whisk the remaining milk, the egg, and oil together. With the mixer running on medium speed, add the egg mixture in 2 additions, mixing for about 15 seconds between. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl if needed, then mix for about 15 more seconds or until batter is completely combined. Avoid over-mixing. Some small lumps are OK.
Pour batter into cake pan. Bake for around 20-22 minutes or until the cake is baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done. Cool cake completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
MIX THE STRAWBERRIES: When the cake is just about cooled, mix the sliced strawberries, jam, and sugar together. Let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator so the strawberries release some of their juices.
MAKE THE WHIPPED CREAM: When the cake is cooled. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Medium peaks are between loose peaks and stiff peaks and are the perfect consistency for topping on cakes.
Place the cooled cake on your serving plate or cake stand. Pile whipped cream on top, then gently spread it out to the edges. Top with strawberries.
Slice and serve cake immediately of refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving. Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Note
Freezing & Make Ahead Instructions: The cake layers can be baked, cooled, and covered tightly at room temperature overnight. For best taste, make the whipped cream and strawberries the day of serving. For freezing, bake and cool the cake, then wrap tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter, then continue with the recipe.
Cake Flour: For the lightest, softest crumb, I recommend using cake flour. The same amount of all-purpose flour works too and the cake will be soft, just not as fluffy. If you can't get your h ands on cake flour, use this cake flour substitute instead.
Sugar in Whipped Cream: Some bakers swear by granulated sugar in whipped cream; others swear by confectioners' sugar. If you are only working with a couple Tablespoons of sugar, it doesn't really make a difference. Use either.