Strawberry Shortcake Recipe With Homemade Sponge Cake

Homemade strawberry shortcake is a classic summertime dessert that brings back fond childhood memories for many of us. However this time instead of grabbing a pack of those little round cakes make a homemade sponge cake instead.

Making the cake from scratch is actually easier than you might. With just a few basic ingredients the batter will be made and the cake will be ready to go in the oven!

Then all that is left to do is let it cool and mound the top with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. The cool and refreshing dessert is perfect to share with your family and friends on warm summer gatherings and backyard barbecues.

In fact, it is one of my favorite recipes when strawberry season rolls around. I pick a few baskets of berries every year and will make strawberry jam, strawberry bread and of course this delicious recipe.

However, besides the amazing taste, what I really love about this recipe is that it is a make-ahead recipe. The dessert is prepared in advance and requires only a minute or two of assembly right before serving.

So it is time to gather fresh strawberries, grab your mixing bowls, and make this beloved treat from scratch! Your family and friends will surely appreciate this delicious, homemade version of a classic dessert.

Strawberry Topping

The famous strawberry topping for shortcake consists of macerated strawberries. This fancy name refers to strawberries that have been mixed with sugar, which draws out their natural juices and creates a delightful syrup.

The ratio of sugar to berries is 2 tablespoons of sugar for every cup of sliced strawberries. If you are using fresh-picked strawberries, which tend to be sweeter, you can decrease the sugar ratio to suit your taste.

Homemade Sponge Cake For Strawberry Shortcake

Making a homemade sponge cake is far superior to using store-bought mini round sponge cakes, as it allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and eliminate unnecessary preservatives.

However, the key to a light and fluffy sponge cake is to beat the eggs until they are frothy and pale yellow, and then gently fold in the dry ingredients.

Cake Pan Required

An 8×3-inch cake pan is recommended for this recipe, as it provides enough depth to ensure the sponge cake rises evenly. An 8×2-inch pan can be used, but there’s a risk of the batter spilling out during baking.

In addition, the shorter the cake, the more the ratio of cake to strawberry topping will be altered. Although it will still taste good, do yourself a favor and purchase the deeper cake pan.

You can also use the pan to make birthday cakes, casseroles and more!

Make Ahead Option

While this strawberry shortcake is best enjoyed the day it’s made, you can prepare the sponge cake up to 2 days in advance. To store the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature.

Then assemble the dessert just before serving to allow the macerated strawberries and whipped topping to remain fresh.

Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

Strawberry Topping:

• 2 ½ cups sliced strawberries
• 5 Tablespoons granulated white sugar

Sponge Cake:

• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ teaspoon kosher
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional:

• Homemade whipped cream or cool whipped topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat to 350˚F (177°C). Spray a deep, 8×3-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the parchment with the nonstick cooking spray.

Next it is time to prepare the berries for the Strawberry Shortcake topping. Wash and dry the strawberries. Then core the stem of the strawberries and discard.

Slice the berries into 1/4 inch thick pieces and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle the granulated white sugar over top of the berries. Then let them sit at room temperature while you prepare the sponge cake.

Make The Homemade Spongecake Batter

In a small saucepan placed over medium heat, warm the milk and butter, stirring, until the butter has fully melted. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until evenly distributed and no clumps of flour can be seen. In a large mixing bowl beat the eggs until well beaten.

Add the salt and continue to beat until mixture becomes frothy, about 1 minute. With the mixer on low speed slowly add in the sugar.

Once the sugar is no longer visible, increase the speed to high and beat for 5 minutes or until the eggs are very light and pale yellow in color. While the eggs are beating, stir the strawberries to help release the juices so they will be ready to add on top of the shortcake later.

Place the mixer back to low speed and add the cooled butter and milk mixture and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined (about 1 minute).

Remove the large bowl from the mixer and gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, evenly spreading the batter across the pan.

Cook Time Required

Place the pan in preheated oven and cook for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the spongecake comes out clean. Remove the cake pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool for 15 minutes.

Carefully remove the cake from the pan and discard the parchment paper. Slice the top of the cake with a large serrated knife so that it is flat (optional).

Allow the cake to cool completely.

For Serving: Spread the macerated strawberries and juices over top of the homemade sponge cake. Then add a layer of whipped topping (optional).

The Shortcake is best served the day that it is made. However, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and assemble right before serving for a make ahead option.

Well, there you have it! This delightful homemade strawberry shortcake recipe is just the treat to reminisce about those sweet childhood memories while enjoying the fresh picked berries.

With the perfect balance of a light, fluffy sponge cake and delectable macerated strawberries, this dessert is sure to impress your friends and family. However, if you prefer to make individual servings rather than a larger cake, be sure to check out this Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Recipe.

Enjoy! Mary

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