Strawberry Shortcake

There's something timeless about a strawberry shortcake cake. It's the perfect dessert for spring and summer hangouts. Ever since I found this recipe on Pinterest from IziRecipes, I've been baking it with my friends whenever they come over. What I love most about this cake is how fresh it tastes. The strawberries pair beautifully with the soft sponge cake, while the frosting keeps everything light and balanced. Unlike heavier desserts, this cake feels refreshing, making it perfect for normal afternoons or special occasions.

Fresh Strawberries | Source: Allrecipes

Homemade Sponge Cake Layers | Source: Haniela’s

Ingredients

Sponge Cake

• 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 eggs (separated)
• 1/4 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar (optional)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 cup vegetable oil
• 1/8 cup warm water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste

Strawberry Simple Syrup

• 3/8 cup water
• 3/8 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sliced strawberries

Strawberry Purée (Optional)

• 1/4 lb strawberries
• 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tbsp water

Whipped Cream Frosting

• 2 oz cream cheese
• 3/8 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste
• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

Filling & Decoration

• 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, sliced

Method

1. The Sponge Cake

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two 8-inch cake tins. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks, half of the sugar, oil, water, and vanilla, then stir in the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt).

In another bowl, beat the egg whites [with lemon juice] until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter, divide between the tins, and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

2. The Simple Syrup

Simmer the water, sugar, and sliced strawberries until the sugar fully dissolves. Leave to cool, and then strain.

3. The Strawberry Purée (Optional)

Cook the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water over medium heat until thickened. Allow to cool, then mash/blend until smooth.

4. The Frosting

Whisk the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and whipping cream, then whisk until thick and fluffy.

5. The Filling

Wash and slice the strawberries.

6. Assembling the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and brush with some simple syrup. Spread whipped cream frosting and add a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat with the remaining cake layers. Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting and decorate with fresh strawberries and strawberry purée [if desired].

Strawberry Shortcake Slide | Source: Okonomi Kitchen

For in-depth step-by-step baking instructions, visit the original recipe by IziRecipes on Pinterest, where the full method is explained in detail. The recipe takes approximately two hours to complete and serves around 4 to 8 people. While it requires a little patience, the finished result is well worth the effort. The strawberry syrup helps keep the sponge moist, while the strawberries add more sweetness throughout each layer.

Finished Strawberry Shortcake Cake | Source: Pinterest (IziRecipes)

Whether you're an experienced baker or simply looking for a new dessert to try, this strawberry shortcake cake is a fantastic choice. It combines simple ingredients with beautiful presentation, creating a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better. If you're looking for a refreshing cake, I highly recommend trying this recipe.