Name: One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups cake flour; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 2 tbsp canola oil; For Strawberries:; 1½ cups strawberries; 1 tbsp strawberry jam; 1 tsp granulated sugar; For Whipped Cream:; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar; ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that never fails to delight. It's a combination of crumbly cake, sweet strawberries and creamy whipped cream. This recipe simplifies the process by transforming it into a one layer cake, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.

Photos of One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite standard and can be easily found in most supermarkets. However, it's always best to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Also, for the cake flour, it's different from all-purpose flour as it has less protein, resulting in a softer, more tender cake. If you can't find cake flour, you can easily make your own by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup of flour.

Ingredients for the One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Cake flour: A type of flour that has less protein and is finely milled into delicate consistency. Often used in cakes to provide a tender, light crumb.

Granulated sugar: Commonly used in baking, it helps in browning and tenderizing the cake.

Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.

Unsalted butter: Gives richness to the cake and provides moisture.

Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.

Whole milk: Contributes to the rich, moist texture of the cake.

Egg: Adds structure and aids in leavening.

Canola oil: Adds moisture and helps in creating a tender crumb.

Strawberries: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the cake.

Strawberry jam: Enhances the strawberry flavor.

Heavy cream: Whipped into cream for a light, fluffy topping.

Confectioners’ sugar: Used to sweeten the whipped cream.

One reader, Fonz Simonson says:

This one-layer strawberry shortcake cake recipe is a game-changer! The cake is moist and fluffy, the strawberries are bursting with flavor, and the whipped cream is heavenly. It's a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!

Fonz Simonson

Key Techniques for Making a Delicious One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan, line it with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper.

Sift the dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Mix the batter: Add the butter, vanilla, and ¼ cup milk to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Prepare the strawberries: Mix the sliced strawberries, jam, and sugar together. Let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Whip the cream: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until medium peaks form.

Assemble the cake: Place the cooled cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Pile the whipped cream on top, then gently spread it out to the edges. Top with strawberries.

How To Make One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Combine vanilla cake with cream and strawberries, and you’ll get this decadent serving of strawberry shortcake, topped with a tart strawberry spread!

Preparation: 2 hours 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 2 hours 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1¼cupscake flour,spooned and leveled
⅔cupgranulated sugar
1tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
¼cupunsalted butter,cubed, softened to room temperature
1tsppure vanilla extract
½cupwhole milk,room temperature, divided
1large egg,room temperature
2tbspcanola oil,or vegetable oil

For Strawberries:

1½cupsstrawberries,sliced
1tbspstrawberry jam
1tspgranulated sugar

For Whipped Cream:

1cupheavy cream,or heavy whipping cream, cold
2tbspconfectioners’ sugar,or granulated sugar
½tsppure vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan or 9-inch cake pan, line with a parchment paper round, then grease the parchment paper.
Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the butter, vanilla, and ¼ cup milk.
Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until the dry ingredients are moistened. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl.
Whisk the remaining milk, the egg, and oil together. With the mixer running on medium speed, add the egg mixture in 2 additions, mixing for about 15 seconds between.
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl if needed, then mix for about 15 more seconds or until batter is completely combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Pour the batter into the cake pan.
Bake for around 20 to 22 minutes or until the cake is baked through or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool cake completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
Cool cake completely in the pan set on a wire rack.

Strawberries:

Mix the sliced strawberries, jam, and sugar together.
Let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Whipped Cream:

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until medium peaks form.
Place the cooled cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Pile the whipped cream on top, then gently spread it out to the edges. Top with strawberries.
Slice and serve the cake, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 373.11kcal
Fat: 21.62g
Saturated Fat: 11.27g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.88g
Carbohydrates: 41.65g
Fiber: 0.96g
Sugar: 23.51g
Protein: 3.89g
Cholesterol: 80.78mg
Sodium: 147.37mg
Calcium: 92.50mg
Potassium: 122.37mg
Iron: 1.90mg
Vitamin A: 188.09µg
Vitamin C: 17.16mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Strawberry Shortcake Cake

When making the whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before you start whipping. This will help it whip up faster and create a more stable whipped cream. Also, using a chilled bowl and beaters can enhance this effect. For an extra touch, you can also add a bit of cream cheese to the whipped cream to make it stiffer and more flavorful.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the cake layers, strawberries, and whipped cream the day before and assemble the cake just before serving for a time-saving dessert.

Use store-bought: If you're short on time, consider using store-bought cake layers or whipped cream to simplify the process.

Efficient assembly: To save time, consider using a pre-made cake mix for the base and focus on creating a delicious strawberry and cream topping for a quick and easy dessert.

Quick whip: Opt for pre-made whipped cream or whipped topping to save time on preparing the whipped cream from scratch.

Simple decorations: Consider using pre-sliced strawberries or other pre-cut fruits to save time on preparation and decoration.

Substitute Ingredients For One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe

cake flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cake flour. However, for every cup of cake flour, use 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
granulated sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar, but it will add a slightly different flavor and color to the cake.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: If you're out of baking powder, you can substitute it with baking soda. However, you'll need to use a smaller amount of baking soda and add an acid, such as buttermilk or yogurt, to the recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in baking. However, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk in this recipe. It will add a slightly nutty flavor to the cake.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream in the whipped cream topping. It will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dessert.

Presentation Ideas for a Beautiful Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Elevate the cake on a pedestal: Place the strawberry shortcake on a beautiful cake stand or pedestal to give it a sense of grandeur and importance.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves: Add a touch of vibrant green by garnishing the plate with fresh mint leaves. This will not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing aroma to the dish.
Create a strawberry fan: Thinly slice a few strawberries and fan them out on top of the whipped cream for an elegant and visually appealing presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a professional finish.
Drizzle with strawberry coulis: Use a small spoon to drizzle a strawberry coulis in an artistic pattern around the plate for a sophisticated and restaurant-worthy touch.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and extravagant touch, consider delicately placing a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the whipped cream.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the strawberry shortcake with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent and indulgent addition to the plate.
Use a stencil for powdered sugar design: Place a decorative stencil over the cake and carefully dust powdered sugar on top to create a stunning and intricate design.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that it is visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adding a few edible flowers to the plate for a sophisticated and refined presentation.

Essential Tools for Making a Perfect One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It consists of a mixing bowl, a set of beaters or a dough hook, and a motorized stand that holds the mixing attachment.
8-inch cake pan or 9-inch cake pan: A cake pan is a round or square metal pan with straight sides used for baking cakes. The size specified in the recipe will ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick paper used in baking to line pans and prevent food from sticking. It also makes for easy cleanup.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling baked goods. It allows air to circulate around the food, preventing sogginess.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: A hand mixer is a handheld kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It typically comes with detachable beaters and various speed settings. A stand mixer is a larger, more powerful version that sits on the countertop and is ideal for heavier mixing tasks.

Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Shortcake Cake

The strawberry shortcake cake is a classic dessert that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It was first mentioned in an English cookbook in 1588, but the modern version we know today, with layers of cake, whipped cream, and strawberries, became popular in the 1850s. This dessert was originally made with biscuits, but as time passed, it evolved into a cake-based dessert. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries with fluffy cake and whipped cream has made it a beloved treat for generations.

Is Making One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this strawberry shortcake recipe is quite favorable. The main ingredients, such as strawberries, flour, and sugar, are commonly found in households. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. The delightful combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy cake, and whipped cream earns this recipe a solid 9 out of 10. It's a simple, affordable, and delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Is This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?

The strawberry shortcake cake recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

The cake is made with refined flour and sugar, which are high in calories and low in nutrients
Butter and whole milk are used, adding saturated fat to the recipe
Heavy cream is used for the whipped cream topping, further increasing the saturated fat content
The recipe contains a significant amount of added sugar, both in the cake and the whipped cream

However, the inclusion of fresh strawberries does provide some nutritional benefits, such as vitamin C and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, several modifications could be made:

Replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and whipped cream, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use low-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative instead of whole milk
Replace the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or a lighter whipped topping made with Greek yogurt
Increase the amount of fresh strawberries used to boost the nutritional value of the dessert

By making these adjustments, you can create a strawberry shortcake cake that is still tasty but has a better nutritional profile. Remember, even with healthier ingredients, this dessert should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion: Why This Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe Stands Out

The recipe for the one-layer strawberry shortcake cake is a delightful and classic dessert. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of fluffy cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The use of cake flour and the addition of canola oil contribute to a tender crumb, while the strawberry jam adds a burst of fruity sweetness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful choice for any occasion and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection, with a hint of smokiness and a touch of charred flavor.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a tangy balsamic glaze, grilled to caramelized perfection.

Mango Salsa: Fresh, vibrant mango salsa with a zesty kick, perfect for adding a burst of tropical flavor to your meal.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection. Serve as a delicious and healthy side dish or main course.

Braised Beef Stew: Slow cook tender beef in a rich and savory broth with hearty vegetables for a comforting and satisfying stew. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend ripe mangoes with creamy coconut milk and a touch of honey, then freeze into refreshing popsicles for a tropical treat on a hot day.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes with aromatic basil and creamy coconut milk for a velvety smooth and comforting soup. Serve with a crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. These stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion.

Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves threaded onto skewers and drizzled with a balsamic glaze. These caprese skewers are a refreshing and elegant appetizer that's sure to impress your guests.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, served with a side of garlic bread.

Beef Stir Fry: Savory beef and colorful vegetables stir-fried in a flavorful sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice.

Why trust this One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a delectable experience for your taste buds. The strawberries are fresh and vibrant, complemented by a hint of sweetness from the strawberry jam. The whipped cream is light and airy, adding a luscious creaminess to each bite. With the perfect blend of cake flour, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar, this recipe promises a harmonious symphony of flavors. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous attention to detail in the preparation, and you'll be rewarded with a delightful strawberry shortcake that will surely impress.

Share your thoughts on this delicious One Layer Strawberry Shortcake Cake recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let's discuss how to make it even better!

FAQ:

How can I make the cake more moist?

To make the cake more moist, you can brush the cake layers with a simple syrup before assembling the cake. The simple syrup can be made by boiling equal parts of sugar and water until the sugar is dissolved, then allowing it to cool before brushing it onto the cake layers.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using in the recipe.

Can I make the cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake in advance. Once the cake is completely cooled, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

While whipped topping can be used as a substitute for whipped cream, I highly recommend using real whipped cream for the best flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. It's best to consume the cake within this time for the freshest taste and texture.