Strawberry Shortcake Cake, a delightful twist on the classic dessert, takes center stage in this recipe inspired by The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Imagine layers of moist vanilla butter cake embracing a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting and a generous filling of fresh, sweetened strawberries. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, perfect for transforming any gathering into a celebration, be it a birthday, holiday, or simply a special treat.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberries
For those who adore strawberry desserts, particularly as spring and summer bloom, this Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a dream come true. The beauty of this dessert lies in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. While traditional strawberry shortcakes often feature biscuits or scones, this recipe elevates the experience with a tender vanilla butter cake base. Paired with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Pioneer Woman Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
This recipe is thoughtfully adapted from Ree Drummond’s acclaimed cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier.” Drummond’s culinary creations resonate with home cooks because they are both approachable and undeniably delicious, and this Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe is no exception. It captures the essence of comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it ideal for both casual family meals and more formal occasions.
Layers of Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberries
Why Choose Strawberry Shortcake Cake Over Traditional Shortcakes?
The genius of transforming strawberry shortcake into a cake lies in its enhanced texture and structure. Unlike biscuit-based shortcakes which can sometimes become crumbly or dry, the vanilla butter cake layers in this recipe maintain a delightful moistness. They provide a sturdy yet tender base that perfectly complements the juicy strawberries and creamy frosting. This cake format ensures that every slice is a balanced bite of cake, fruit, and frosting, without becoming soggy.
Close up of Strawberry Shortcake Cake Layers with Strawberry Filling
The homemade cream cheese frosting is another star of this recipe. Its richness and slight tang cut through the sweetness of the cake and strawberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both satisfying and refreshing. The frosting’s consistency is also crucial; it’s robust enough to support the layered cake, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound dessert.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Being Sliced
The Joy of Baking a Homemade Cake
There’s a unique satisfaction in creating a homemade cake from scratch. The process of creaming butter and sugar, the anticipation as the cake bakes in the oven, filling your kitchen with sweet aromas, and finally witnessing the golden transformation – it’s a rewarding experience. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe encapsulates that joy, offering a relatively straightforward baking process with impressive results.
Cake Batter Being Poured into a Pan for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Beyond the baking itself, the assembly and decoration are where creativity truly blossoms. Frosting the cake and adorning it with fresh strawberries allows for personal touches, making each cake unique and special. Whether you opt for a simple, rustic look or an elaborate decorative design, the end result is always a visually appealing and mouthwatering dessert.
Fresh Strawberries Being Prepared for Strawberry Shortcake Cake Filling
Perfect for Celebrations and Everyday Indulgence
This Pioneer Woman inspired Strawberry Shortcake Cake is incredibly versatile. It’s an ideal centerpiece for birthday celebrations, adding a touch of homemade goodness to the special day. Its bright and cheerful flavors also make it a perfect dessert for spring holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day gatherings. However, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this cake. It’s equally delightful as a weekend treat, a potluck contribution, or simply a sweet ending to a family dinner.
Decorated Strawberry Shortcake Cake with Fresh Strawberries
One of the best compliments for any baker is when their creation disappears quickly. This Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe has a tendency to do just that! It’s irresistibly delicious, prompting second helpings and requests for the recipe. Even the next day, the cake remains wonderfully moist and flavorful, making it a delightful treat to savor over a few days, if it lasts that long.
Slice of Strawberry Shortcake Cake on a Plate
Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on your Strawberry Shortcake Cake baking journey, gather these essential ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Fresh strawberries
- Cream cheese frosting (recipe link provided below)
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Recipe: Pioneer Woman Inspired Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Recipe adapted from Ree Drummond/William Morrow 2012
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 1 Cake
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Strawberries:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Click here for Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (at least 2 inches deep).
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull and halve strawberries. Mash about half of them with a potato masher or fork. Reserve a few whole or halved strawberries for garnish, if desired.
- Macerate Strawberries: Sprinkle sugar over the mashed and halved strawberries. Toss gently and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to release their juices.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Prepare the cream cheese frosting according to your favorite recipe or use the linked recipe above. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, use a serrated knife to carefully slice it horizontally into two layers.
- Fill with Strawberries: Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the macerated strawberries evenly over the top.
- Chill Briefly (Optional but Recommended): For easier frosting, carefully place the cake layers with strawberries in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up the strawberry layer slightly.
- Frost the Cake: Remove cake from freezer. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the strawberries on the bottom layer. Gently place the top cake layer over the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate & Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with reserved fresh strawberry halves or slices, if desired. Slice and serve.
Recipe Notes:
Store leftover Strawberry Shortcake Cake in the refrigerator, loosely covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cake, a Pioneer Woman inspired recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
