Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake — Light, Sweet, and Perfectly Summery
Introduction
This Strawberry Shortcake Layer Sponge Cake is everything a summer dessert should be—light, fruity, and irresistibly creamy. Delicate layers of airy sponge cake are filled with fresh strawberries and pillowy whipped cream, creating a dessert that feels as joyful as a sunny afternoon. It’s a classic in American households, especially during strawberry season, often served at birthdays, picnics, or just to make an ordinary day special. One sweet tradition? In many families, the first ripe strawberries of the season are reserved for this very cake.
Pro Tip
To keep your whipped cream stable and fluffy, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream. Cold tools help it whip faster and hold its shape longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Afternoon tea or brunch: Serve with a cup of Earl Grey or a glass of chilled lemonade.
- Summer celebration: Perfect centerpiece for birthdays, baby showers, or garden parties.
- Casual weeknight dessert: Keep it simple and serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of strawberry syrup.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend made for baking and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the sponge and strawberries for a decadent surprise.
- Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free whipped cream and egg replacer for the sponge.
- Berry Medley: Swap out half the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry experience.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls – For prepping batter, whipped cream, and strawberries separately.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – To whip eggs and cream to the right consistency.
- 8-inch cake pans (2) – For baking the sponge layers evenly.
- Spatula – Ideal for folding batter gently and spreading whipped cream.
- Serrated knife – Helps slice the cake cleanly without tearing the sponge.
- Wire rack – Allows the cakes to cool completely without trapping moisture.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature eggs make the sponge fluffier—take them out 30 minutes before starting.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the sponge airy.
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor—underripe berries can be tart and firm.
- Cool the cakes completely before layering or the whipped cream will melt.
- Chill the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing—it helps set the layers for neater cuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is light, fresh, and completely nostalgic. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to faces and disappears quickly from the table. With its simple ingredients and impressive appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch—no boxed mixes needed. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to indulge a little, this cake delivers joy with every forkful.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to macerate the berries)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with a hand or stand mixer for 6–8 minutes, until thick, pale, and tripled in volume. Add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula, just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Mix the milk and oil, then gently fold into the batter until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cakes cool, prepare the strawberries: toss with 1 tbsp sugar if desired, and let sit for 10 minutes.
- For the whipped cream, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half the whipped cream, top with sliced strawberries. Add the second cake layer and repeat.
- Chill before serving for best results. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition (Estimated per serving, based on 10 slices)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
FAQ
Q1: Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the sponge a day in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap once cooled and store at room temperature.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The sponge may absorb some cream over time but will still taste delicious.
Q3: Can I freeze the cake?
You can freeze the sponge layers (before assembling) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Do not freeze the whipped cream or strawberries.
Q4: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Drain well before adding.
Q5: What if I don’t have two cake pans?
Bake the batter in one pan and slice it in half horizontally after cooling. Increase bake time to 30–35 minutes and test for doneness.
