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Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

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This strawberry shortcake layer cake is packed with strawberries and frosted with whipped cream; it tastes just like strawberry shortcake, but it’s a little more fluffy! 

Pinterest image for strawberry shortcake layer cake with text overlay

strawberry shortcake layer cake decorated with fresh strawberries sitting on a cake stand

This Sunday is the anniversary of the best decision I ever made.  Before Cookie, there was Goldilocks, the most amazing creature that has ever walked this earth. 

No hyperbole. 

August 26, 2008, I signed my Goldie-bear’s adoption papers.  Because she was a pound puppy I didn’t know her actual birthday so we celebrated on her adoption day.  Every year of her life I had a big party, complete with a fancy cake and a big dinner. 

And every year she acted like it was just another day, and like the party hat I made her wear was some kind of imposition.  And like she wasn’t excited to open her presents.  She was so blasé about the entire day!  Except the food.  She definitely loved all the treats she got on her bday.

photo of a small poodle-terrier mix on a rocky beach
Here she is on her first trip up to Washington. She loved beach days far more than birthdays.

Goldie died of cancer last year but I resolved to celebrate her birthday every year anyway; I like to think that up in heaven, my grandma is baking Goldie’s cake right now, and setting up for a huge birthday bash.

Down here on earth, this year’s cake is a layer cake-ified version of strawberry shortcake, because berries were one of Goldie’s favorite treats.

Back home in Oregon, I always made endless batches of freezer jam in the summer and jam day was Goldie’s, well, jam.

One June I brought home a flat of the season’s first strawberries and set them on the kitchen table while I went to change into old clothes (because jam day is messy). 

bottom cake layer for the strawberry shortcake layer cake with a dollop of whipped cream frosting piled on top

I came back not even two minutes later and Goldie had pushed a chair out from under the table, jumped up on it, and was seconds away from climbing onto the table to eat the berries.

It was the cutest thing EVER.  Discipline is not my forte so instead of a reprimand I gave her extra berries. 

I am of the firm belief that dogs are angels God sends into our lives to teach us about love.  Goldie taught me patience, and how to love without limits, and how to be strong in the face of devastating losses.  Because of her I’m a better person, and certainly a better mom to my little Cookie.  (Cookie often requires patience that only my sweet Goldie possessed but I’m working on it.)  

This strawberry shortcake layer cake is made simple with a box cake mix but if you have a favorite white or yellow cake recipe, you can totally use it.  I’m still searching for my ideal white cake.  Just be sure to plan enough time for the cake layers to chill once you pour the strawberry filling over the top; they need to refrigerate for at least four hours.

Happy Thursday, from me and my fur babies :).  If you have some time this weekend, make yourself a strawberry shortcake layer cake.  It’s worthy of the face plant I’m sure Goldie would have made right into the middle of that ridiculous whipped cream frosting.

A few more summery cakes (in case you’re hungry)
Lemon Curd Cupcakes
Strawberry Layer Cake
Coconut Mango Cake
No-Bake Mint Mocha Cheesecake

slice of strawberry shortcake layer cake on a plate with the rest of the cake in the background

PS, if you make this cake–or any of my recipes–be sure to let me know what you think with a comment and a rating below.  And post a pic on Insta too.  Tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see your beautiful creations!

Pinterest image for strawberry shortcake cake with text overlay
This strawberry shortcake layer cake is packed with strawberries and frosted with whipped cream; it tastes just like strawberry shortcake, but it’s a little more fluffy! This recipe uses a box cake mix for ease but you can use your favorite white or yellow cake recipe.
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Chilling time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 50 mins
 

This strawberry shortcake layer cake is packed with strawberries and frosted with whipped cream; it tastes just like strawberry shortcake!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Kelsie
Ingredients
Cake:
  • 1 18-ounce white or yellow cake mix + ingredients to make the cake
Filling:
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
Frosting:
  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • additional 1/2 cup hulled and sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Cake:
  1. Spray 2 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper and spray the paper with additional cooking spray. Set pans aside.
  2. Mix and bake the cake according to directions on the box. Cool cake layers completely on a wire rack.
Filling:
  1. Once cake layers are cool, combine the water, strawberry gelatin, granulated sugar, and the 2 1/2 cups of berries in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Cook mixture, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Poke 25 to 30 holes in each of the cake layers with a large-pronged fork or wooden skewer—don’t go all the way through the cake. Pour half of the gelatin mixture over each cake layer. Cover cake pans loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Frosting
  1. When you’re ready to frost your cake, place the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer set to low speed. When heavy cream has thickened a bit, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue beating on low speed until mixture holds soft peaks, then turn mixer to medium and beat until it holds stiff peaks.
  2. Carefully remove one of the cake layers from the pan and set strawberry-side up on a cake stand. (Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen; if you’re afraid the cake will break in half when you remove it, freeze the layers for 20 to 30 minutes.)
  3. Spread about 1 cup of the heavy cream into an even layer on top of the cake. Top with the remaining cake layer, strawberry-side down. Frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with remaining 1/2 cup of sliced berries. Serve and enjoy.

Adapted from A Taste of Oregon

Related

Comments

  1. Deborah says

    July 4, 2018 at 7:56 am

    This recipe looks awesome. I had to read through twice. The first time I couldn’t see through the haze. Sorry for your puppy loss. They keep us human. <3

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      July 5, 2018 at 6:04 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. The Thrifty Campers says

    September 5, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    Looks incredibly scrumptious:)

    Reply
  3. lynne hoareau says

    September 1, 2017 at 5:01 am

    Awww Kelsie….I am so sorry for your loss. Goldie-bear looks so gorgeous and full of fun. The loss of a precious fur baby is so sad, as they become our babies. Happy Anniversary on the adoption day of Goldie. You bet your grandma baked her the best cake ever with loads of berries <3
    Hugs my friend, and for your special kind heart .x

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      September 1, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Thank you Lynne! I know all dog lovers can relate to my pain at losing her. She was such a sweet girl :).

      Reply
  4. Teesh Osita says

    August 30, 2017 at 5:47 am

    Aww Goldie sounds like such an adorable little angel! I’m sure heaven is filled with berries she doesn’t have to steal. <3

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 30, 2017 at 8:42 am

      That’s what I think too! Thank you Teesh 🙂

      Reply
  5. pakistanirecipesinurdu says

    August 29, 2017 at 5:53 am

    This is exactly the same taste that I was looking for. The recipe had a great taste and delicious and yummy.last Sunday i made Punjabi Yakhni Pulao Recipe from one of the best cooking wesite sharing a link with you: ( https://pakistanirecipespoint.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/punjabi-yakhni-pulao/ ).

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 29, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. hummingbirdthyme says

    August 28, 2017 at 11:49 am

    I love love love strawberries, and Strawberry Shortcake layer cake looks so dang good! Pretty sure Goldilocks would have loved it! So great that you celebrate her birthday – they really are angels. They do just get us in ways other people don’t.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 28, 2017 at 8:24 pm

      Thank you Laura! Dogs are just such amazing creatures aren’t they?

      Reply
  7. Georgie | The Home Cook's Kitchen says

    August 27, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Goldie sounded like an absolute sweetheart, it’s never easy losing a pet but i love how you remember her each year 🙂 I adore dogs and can’t wait to have my own hopefully soon. this cake looks beautiful!!!! i love how the colour of the strawberry just pops!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      Thank you so much, Georgie! She really was a sweetheart :). Happy Sunday, my friend!

      Reply
  8. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

    August 27, 2017 at 6:32 am

    Sad to hear about Goldie, but I think celebrating her birthdays is a great idea, Kelsie! Besides a cake makes everything better, even sad events/memories. Although I’m not a huge fan of strawberry desserts/cakes, I would definitely sample some of this (And by “sampling” I mean 3-4 large slices). Also, you’ve reminded me I’ve wanted to make lamington cakes for years. Well, maybe you can make it and ship some to me?:)

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 27, 2017 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you Ben! I would gladly share three or four pieces! Hope you’re having a great weekend!

      Reply
  9. marcie@flavorthemoments says

    August 26, 2017 at 9:22 am

    What a sweet story Kelsie…it makes my heart break hearing that she died last year. Making a cake every year is a great way to celebrate her memory and this cake is beautiful! I’m a total dog person so I get it!

    Reply
  10. Emma says

    August 26, 2017 at 3:57 am

    Oh they are so cute, dogs can hold such a special place in our hearts that’s difficult to fill once they have gone. I still miss all the doggies that have passed on that I’ve had in my life. This is a lovely cake to remember yours with.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 26, 2017 at 9:24 am

      Thank you Emma! Dogs are just such amazing creatures aren’t they? Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  11. dawnyucuiscooking says

    August 25, 2017 at 9:16 pm

    Goldie was a cutie. It’s hard to lose a pet. Love all the strawberries in this cake. It sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 26, 2017 at 9:23 am

      Thank you Dawn! Have a great weekend!

      Reply
  12. pglooney says

    August 25, 2017 at 11:12 am

    losing an animal is so hard! She looked and sounded like an amazing animal who had an amazing life! Great looking cake as always.

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 26, 2017 at 9:22 am

      It really is, Patrick! Thank you so much!

      Reply
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photo of Kelsie Roehl     Hey there! I’m Kelsie and this is where I share my buttery, sugary, and all-around delicious recipes. I LOVE to bake and I want you to love baking too, so all of my recipes are totally do-able for the home baker.  If you need a little dessert in your life, consider this your one-stop shop for anything sweet! Need a little more info? Here you go!

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