The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. I grew up surrounded by the scent of fresh fruit, honey, and vanilla drifting from my grandmother’s kitchen. One of my sweetest memories is when she made a classic strawberry shortcake layer cake on warm spring afternoons. The cake wasn’t just dessert it was a celebration. We’d sit together under the olive trees, laughing, talking, and sharing slices filled with whipped cream and juicy strawberries.
That’s why this classic strawberry shortcake layer cake is so close to my heart. It’s light, fluffy, and layered with love. The tender sponge soaks up sweet strawberry juices, while the whipped cream brings everything together in a soft, cloud-like texture.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a Sunday brunch, or simply craving a taste of sunshine, this recipe is your perfect match. It’s not just a dessert it’s a story baked with joy and shared from my Crete kitchen to yours.
The classic strawberry shortcake layer cake will remind you how simple ingredients can create magic and how every slice can make a moment unforgettable. 🍓
Ingredients
For the cake layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the strawberry filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the whipped cream frosting:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish:
- Whole strawberries and mint leaves
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their natural juices this will create that lovely syrup that moistens the cake layers.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before layering.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat the goal is a light, airy texture that spreads smoothly.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and spoon half of the macerated strawberries over it. Add the second cake layer, top with more whipped cream, and finish with the remaining strawberries. Garnish with whole strawberries and mint leaves.
Serving Suggestion
Serve chilled or slightly cool for the freshest taste. The combination of light sponge, sweet strawberries, and airy whipped cream makes every bite a little taste of summer. Pair it with iced coffee or a cup of Greek mountain tea for a refreshing treat.
Print
🍓 Classic Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
A light, fluffy, and classic strawberry shortcake layer cake filled with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. This easy, timeless dessert brings the taste of summer to your table sweet, airy, and full of homemade love inspired by Crete’s sunny charm. Perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Strawberry Filling:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
Whole strawberries and mint leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries:
In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 30 minutes to release their juices.Make the Cake Batter:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk into the batter. Mix until smooth.Bake the Layers:
Divide batter into the pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely on wire racks.Prepare the Whipped Cream:
Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overmix.Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a stand. Add whipped cream and strawberries.
Top with the second layer, spread more cream, and decorate with fresh berries and mint.
Notes
Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for best texture.
For an extra flavor boost, brush cake layers with a little strawberry syrup or liqueur before assembling.
Use stabilized whipped cream if you plan to serve it the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with a Greek twist
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Conclusion
There’s something so comforting about a classic strawberry shortcake layer cake. It’s simple, elegant, and full of nostalgia. Every layer tells a story of sweetness, simplicity, and shared moments. I still remember how my grandmother would dust the top with a little powdered sugar before calling us in for dessert.
So, bake this cake not just for taste, but for joy. Share it with people you love, and let it become part of your own kitchen memories. 🍓💕
100-Word Short Version
This classic strawberry shortcake layer cake brings together fluffy vanilla cake, juicy strawberries, and light whipped cream for a truly timeless dessert. Inspired by my grandmother’s Crete kitchen, it’s a simple, beautiful cake that celebrates sweetness and love. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or summer picnics, every slice melts in your mouth with fresh, fruity flavor. Follow this easy recipe to create a dessert that feels like sunshine on a plate a soft, creamy, and utterly delicious treat to share with your favorite people. Baking joy has never been this sweet!