Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake: A Summer Celebration.

The Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a grand, vertical reimagining of the classic American biscuit dessert.¹ This version trades the traditional crumbly scone for a tender vanilla buttermilk sponge, providing a stable foundation for layers of macerated strawberries and stabilized whipped cream.

The hallmark of this cake is its freshness. By macerating the berries in sugar and a touch of lemon, you create a natural syrup that soaks into the cake layers, ensuring every bite is infused with fruit flavor.

Ingredients

The Buttermilk Sponge

All-Purpose Flour: 320g.
Granulated Sugar: 300g.
Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon.²
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
Unsalted Butter: 170g, softened.
Egg Whites: 4 large (for a white, airy crumb).
Buttermilk: 240ml (room temperature).
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons.³

The Strawberry Filling

Fresh Strawberries: 500g, hulled and sliced.
Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons.
Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon.

Stabilized Whipped Cream

Heavy Whipping Cream: 600ml, very cold.
Powdered Sugar: 60g.
Mascarpone Cheese: 100g (the secret to a stable, pipeable cream).
Vanilla Bean Paste: 1 teaspoon.

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Sponge

Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and half of the buttermilk, mixing until the flour is moistened. In a separate bowl, whisk the remaining buttermilk with the egg whites and vanilla, then gradually add to the batter. Divide and bake for 28–32 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2: Macerate the Berries

In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the lemon juice. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. The sugar will draw out the juices, creating a bright red syrup.⁴

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly pour in the cold heavy cream while continuing to whisk on high speed until stiff peaks form. The mascarpone ensures the cream won’t wilt or weep as the cake sits.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Place the first cake layer on a stand.
Pipe a ring of whipped cream around the edge to create a “dam.”
Spread a thin layer of cream inside the ring, then spoon in half of the macerated strawberries along with some of their syrup.
Top with the second cake layer.

Step 5: The Finish

Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. For a “naked cake” look, scrape the sides thin so the golden cake layers peek through. Garnish the top with whole strawberries and mint leaves.

Flavor and Texture Notes

This cake is exceptionally light and refreshing. The buttermilk sponge has a velvety, tight crumb that stands up well to the moisture of the fruit. The whipped cream is rich and cloud-like, while the macerated strawberries provide a bright, acidic pop that cuts through the dairy.

Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and egg whites are at room temperature before mixing to prevent the batter from curdling.
The Syrup Soak: Don’t discard the liquid that collects in the strawberry bowl! Drizzle it directly onto the sponge layers before adding the cream for extra moisture and flavor.
Chill Before Slicing: Because of the soft cream and fruit, this cake benefits from 2 hours in the fridge before serving. This “sets” the layers and makes for much cleaner slices.

FAQ

Question	Answer
Can I make this a day early?	You can bake the sponges ahead, but it is best assembled the day of serving to keep the whipped cream at its peak.
Can I use frozen strawberries?	It is not recommended for this specific cake; frozen berries release too much water and will make the sponge soggy.
What if I don’t have Mascarpone?	You can use 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin bloomed in water as an alternative stabilizer for the cream.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of peak-season fruit.⁵ Its simple elegance and nostalgic flavor profile make it a reliable choice for any gathering.