Heavenly Strawberry Dream Shortcake
Indulge in the exquisite layers of Heavenlly Strawberry Dream Shortcake, a unique recipe crafted with love. This delightful dessert features a tender yellow sponge cake that strikes the perfect balance between moistness and density, providing an ideal canvas for luscious strawberries and fluffy whipped cream. Allow the strawberries to macerate in sugar for at least 6 hours, bringing out their natural sweetness and juices for an irresistible topping. This recipe is versatile, as you can opt for a layered cake or create separate individual cakes, making it perfect for gatherings or intimate celebrations. With a few simple ingredients and room temperature essentials, you’ll create a stunning centerpiece that will impress everyone at your table. Prepare to be amazed—once you try this, you’ll truly never look back!
8
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries
2 pints (hulled and sliced)
Sugar
1/2 cup (for macerating strawberries; use more for sweetness)
Sweetened Whipped Cream
as desired (for filling and topping)
Butter
1 cup (room temperature (no substitutions))
Granulated Sugar
1 cup (for the cake)
Large Eggs
4 (MUST be room temperature)
Lukewarm Milk
1/4 cup (for the cake.)
Almond Extract
1 teaspoon (or use strawberry extract if preferred)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (for the cake)
Baking Powder
2 teaspoons (for leavening the cake)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the strawberries, then hull and slice them into a mixing bowl.
2
Sprinkle 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar over the sliced strawberries and gently toss until they are well coated. The more sugar you add, the sweeter and more succulent they will be.
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
4
Generously grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray.
5
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer set to medium speed, cream together the room temperature butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
6
Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the almond and vanilla extracts, beating the mixture on medium speed for an additional 4-5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
7
Pour in the lukewarm milk and mix until fully combined.
8
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, beating until just combined. The batter will be thick.
9
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
10
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), placing the rack in the second-lowest position.
11
Bake the cakes for approximately 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake.
12
Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before inverting them onto serving plates to cool completely.
13
Assemble the cake: Place half of the strawberry mixture, including some of the juicy syrup, atop one cake layer, followed by half of the whipped cream, spreading it generously.
14
Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then add the remaining strawberries and finish with the rest of the whipped cream. Serve immediately and delight in every delicious bite!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
55g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the texture of the Heavenly Strawberry Dream Shortcake?
The recipe features a tender yellow sponge cake that provides a perfect balance between moistness and density.
How long should I macerate the strawberries?
For the best results, allow the strawberries to macerate in sugar for at least 2 hours, though 6 hours is ideal to bring out their natural juices.
Can I make individual shortcakes instead of a layered cake?
Yes, this versatile recipe allows you to opt for a traditional layered cake or create separate individual cakes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What size cake pans should I use?
You should use two 8-inch round cake pans, generously greased with butter or non-stick spray.
Does the butter need to be room temperature?
Yes, the recipe specifically requires 1 cup of room temperature butter with no substitutions allowed.
Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature?
Using room temperature eggs ensures they incorporate properly into the creamed butter and sugar for a smooth batter.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar together?
Cream the room temperature butter and 1 cup of sugar for approximately 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What is the purpose of beating the mixture for 4-5 minutes after adding extracts?
Beating the mixture on medium speed for 4-5 minutes ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved into the batter.
Can I substitute the almond extract?
Yes, you can use strawberry extract instead of almond extract if you prefer.
What type of milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of lukewarm milk.
How should the flour and baking powder be added?
Whisk them together in a separate bowl first, then gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed ingredients, beating until just combined.
What is the consistency of the cake batter?
The resulting cake batter will be thick.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be placed in the second-lowest position in the oven.
How long do the cakes take to bake?
Bake the cakes for approximately 22 minutes.
How do I check if the cakes are done?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before inverting them onto plates.
How do I assemble the Heavenly Strawberry Dream Shortcake?
Layer half the strawberries and whipped cream on the first cake, top with the second cake, then add the remaining berries and whipped cream.
Should I serve this cake immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and freshness, it is recommended to serve the cake immediately after assembly.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 55 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this dessert?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
The strawberries should be washed, hulled, and sliced before macerating.
How much sugar is used for macerating the fruit?
The recipe suggests 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar depending on how sweet and succulent you want the strawberries to be.
How many strawberries do I need?
The recipe requires 2 pints of fresh strawberries.
What type of flour is needed for the cake?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of baking powder are used as the leavening agent for the cake.
What is the recommended whipped cream to use?
The recipe calls for sweetened whipped cream, used as desired for both filling and topping.