Strawberry Sheet Shortcake Cake (Print)

Tender vanilla cake layered with fresh macerated strawberries and billowy whipped cream. Great for summer parties.

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Base

01 - 250 g all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 115 g unsalted butter, softened
06 - 200 g granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 120 g sour cream
10 - 120 ml whole milk

→ Strawberry Topping

11 - 600 g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
12 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ Whipped Cream

13 - 360 ml heavy whipping cream, well chilled
14 - 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23 × 33 cm baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Stir in sour cream, then alternately add flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just incorporated; do not overmix.
06 - Transfer batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack until completely cooled.
08 - While cake cools, toss sliced strawberries with 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Let stand for 20–30 minutes to release juices.
09 - In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10 - Spread macerated strawberries evenly over the cooled cake, then top with generous dollops of freshly whipped cream. Slice and serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For best results, chill the mixing bowl and whisk before whipping the cream.
02 - The cake base can be baked a day in advance and stored tightly covered. Top with strawberries and cream just before serving.
03 - Enhance the flavour by adding finely grated lemon zest to the batter or a dash of almond extract to the cream.
04 - This dessert is best enjoyed on the day of assembly to maintain freshness and texture.