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Perfect Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

heart-shaped strawberry shortcake layer cake - featured image
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A quick and easy heart-shaped strawberry shortcake layer cake featuring tender vanilla sponge layers, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk, room temperature (can substitute almond milk)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled (can substitute coconut cream)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch heart-shaped cake pans or line with parchment paper. (10 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. (5 minutes)
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until fluffy and pale. (5 minutes)
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Batter may look slightly curdled. (3 minutes)
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with dry. Mix gently until smooth and pourable. (5 minutes)
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans, smooth tops with spatula. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and cakes spring back when pressed. (25-30 minutes)
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks. Cool completely before assembling. (30-40 minutes)
  8. Hull and slice strawberries. Toss with strawberry jam if desired. (10 minutes)
  9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. (5-7 minutes)
  10. Assemble cake by placing one layer on plate, spreading whipped cream, then strawberries. Top with second layer, cover with remaining whipped cream, and decorate with extra strawberries or mint leaves. (10-15 minutes)

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better batter texture. Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid dense cake. Chill bowl and utensils before whipping cream. Use firm, ripe strawberries and pat dry if too juicy to prevent soggy layers. If heart-shaped pans are unavailable, bake in round pans and cut into heart shape using a template.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, heart-shaped cake, Valentine’s Day cake, easy layer cake, whipped cream cake, fresh strawberries dessert

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/perfect-heart-shaped-strawberry-shortcake-layer-cake-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/