Summer Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake

Here’s a delightful Summer Strawberry Shortcake recipe that’s perfect for a birthday cake! This cake is light, airy, and filled with fresh strawberries (use local or berries you grew yourself, if you can!), making it a refreshing and celebratory treat.

Summer Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Strawberry Filling:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Whipped Cream:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decoration:

• Whole strawberries
• Fresh mint leaves (optional)
• Sprinkles or birthday candles

Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the strawberries evenly.
2. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to macerate, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Whipped Cream:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
2. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries over the whipped cream.
3. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread another layer of whipped cream and spoon the remaining strawberries on top.
4. Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it out evenly.
5. Decorate with whole strawberries, fresh mint leaves, and sprinkles or birthday candles.

Serving:

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.
2. Slice and enjoy this delightful summer strawberry shortcake birthday cake!

Feel free to customize the decoration to match the birthday theme. This cake is sure to be a hit at any summer birthday celebration!