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 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.
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).
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
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!
This strawberry shortcake layer cake is packed with strawberries and frosted with whipped cream; it tastes just like strawberry shortcake!
- 1 18-ounce white or yellow cake mix + ingredients to make the cake
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- additional 1/2 cup hulled and sliced strawberries for garnish
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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.
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Mix and bake the cake according to directions on the box. Cool cake layers completely on a wire rack.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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
Miriam @londonkitchendiaries says
August 24, 2017 at 1:26 amThis cake looks so delicious – love layer cakes! So cute that Goldie stole the berries off this cake – I think I would have given her extra berries for stealing too, she looked so pretty & lovely! So sorry for you loss – I have always had furry friends in my life, currently have two of them that I love dearly and very much know how hard it is to let them go.
Miriam xx
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:13 amThank you Miriam! Goldie was such a sweetie it was impossible not to reward her 🙂
David | Spiced says
August 24, 2017 at 4:39 amI couldn’t agree with you more about dogs, Kelsie! We are absolutely a dog family here, and while our pups get a little less attention now thanks to a certain toddler, they are still very much spoiled. In fact, I should make them a batch of homemade treats this weekend. It’s been quite a while since I’ve done that! I’m so sorry to hear about Goldie’s cancer. That just sucks. But it sounds like Cookie is doing her best to channel Goldie’s spirit! And as far as this cake goes, I’ll take 2 slices. Do you deliver? 🙂
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:14 amThank you David! Sometimes I think Goldie eggs Cookie on to keep me on my toes :). I sent the cake off yesterday so you should be getting it soon! Have a great weekend!
Deepika|TheLoveOfCakes says
August 24, 2017 at 4:48 amI don’t have a dog, but I understand how tragic a dog’s loss is :(. Goldie sounds like a cute darling!! It’s so sweet of you to make a cake in his memory Kelsie! The cake looks so soft and berrilicious! Totally yummy and fluffy!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:15 amShe was such a love, Deepika! Thank you so much–berrilicious is exactly the right word 🙂 Have a great weekend, my friend!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
August 24, 2017 at 5:14 amSo sad, yet so heartwarming at the same time! I’m sure Goldie is up in heaven watching you and Cookie every day and she is eating lots and lots of treats (or berries ;)).
This cake looks beautiful, Kelsie! I could totally eat this for breakfast right now and considering that it is almost Friday I think that is totally acceptable 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:16 amThank you Dawn! I actually think that Cake for Breakfast Thursday should be a thing–I mean, we have days for everything now, right? 🙂 You have a wonderful weekend too!
grace says
August 24, 2017 at 6:14 amtears! 🙁
on a happy note, you’ve made something to be proud of in honor of your pooch–what a delicious cake!!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:17 amThank you so much, Grace! Have a wonderful weekend!
Bill says
August 24, 2017 at 6:36 amWhat a lovely, heartwarming visit with you, Goldie and…cake! Thanks so much.
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:18 amThank you so much, Bill! Have a great weekend!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
August 24, 2017 at 7:58 amI’m sorry for the loss of your precious Goldie, Kelsie. I love the image of your grandma and Goldie having a birthday celebration up in heaven. It’s very sweet and comforting. I have been watching The Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry. If anything, it reassures that our loved ones (even pets) live on after they have passed and that they are always with us. This cake looks beautiful!! You can’t beat strawberries and cream (and cake)!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:19 amI’ve never seen that show but I think I should watch! I’m always looking for confirmation that my loved ones are still around :). Thank you Thao! Have a lovely weekend, my friend!
thatskinnychickcanbake says
August 24, 2017 at 8:43 amOur fur babies are the best! I’m so sorry Goldie is no longer with you—she was one adorable puppy. I think I need to make a strawberry shortcake cake in her memory (plus my family would go crazy for it!!).
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:20 amThank you Liz! I think Goldie would love for you to honor her with cake. It’s just soooo good I think I might need to make another this weekend :). Happy Friday!
Carlee says
August 24, 2017 at 9:05 amI am sure Goldie and your grandma are having one heck of a bash! If this cake is involved, they have to be having a great time. This looks delicious!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:20 amThank you Carlee! I think so too 🙂
Maria Doss says
August 24, 2017 at 11:49 amThis cake looks simply divine Kelsie. The frosting is so perfectly finished and this cake ain’t gonna be safe with me. Amazing to resist!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:21 amThank you so much Maria! Happy Friday!
evolvewithmary says
August 24, 2017 at 11:51 amI grew up devouring Strawberry Shortcake, but I’ve never had a strawberry shortcake layer cake. Happy Adoption anniversary, Goldie-bear looks like such a sweetie. She adds lots of love and value into your life.
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:21 amThis was a first for me too, and definitely not a last :). Thank you Mary! Have a great weekend!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
August 24, 2017 at 12:09 pmAwwwww! This post totally touched my heart, girlfriend. I love that you celebrate Goldie-bear every year, and I KNOW shes up there in puppy heaven waiting to one day be reunited! As someone who has lost a fur baby, I completely understand the joy they bring into our lives and the devastation that ensues when they pass on to a better place. It’s refreshing to hear you celebrate Goldie’s life and all the wonderful memories you guys shared!!! Hard to transition after that, but, I’m thinking this cake is the PERFECT way to celebrate a love so special! Strawberry shortcake is an all time favorite of mine, so I love that you turned it into a layer cake! I could devour this in one sitting. NO JOKE! Looks AMAZING! Cheers to you and to Goldie-bears anniversary! XOXO
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:24 amThank you so much, Chey! I knew you’d get it :). We had dogs growing up but Goldie was my first who was just mine and I couldn’t believe how different it was! Can you even imagine life without your fur baby? I shudder to think of it. Hope you had a fantastic week and have an awesome weekend!
Marissa (@pinchandswirl) says
August 24, 2017 at 12:13 pmGoldie sounds like such a wonderful dog! I see why you still celebrate her life. This stunner looks like a perfect celebration cake.
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:26 amThank you Marissa! She was such an amazing little thing :). Have a great weekend!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen says
August 24, 2017 at 4:19 pmHow sweet that you celebrate Goldie’s birthday every year! Our furry friends bring so much happiness into our lives, don;t they?! Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite summer desserts Kelsie, so you are speaking my love language with this cake! Sounds delicious! And looks beautiful!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:28 amThank you Mary Ann! I’ll never understand how such little creatures can be so full of love :). Happy Friday, my friend!
Milena | Craft Beering says
August 24, 2017 at 4:50 pmThis is the sweetest post of yours I’ve read so far. I also believe that certain creatures enter our lives to teach us how to handle ourselves and our pain better. All we need to do is notice them and embrace them. Even if they try to eat all the berries:) I love that you gave Goldie even more – why would you need to reprimand her? She was just following her nature, it was part of her. Love that you made her such a thoughtful cake.
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:30 amThank you so much, Milena! Haha–I know! I just couldn’t bring myself to be angry. She was so clever to push the chair out she deserved a reward :). Have a fantastic weekend, my dear!
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess says
August 24, 2017 at 8:09 pmKelsie, we lost our Jaida almost a year ago. She was a huge part of our family and I spoiled her way too much, but I couldn’t help it! I think about her everyday and how she filled my life with joy while she was with us. Goldie would be so proud! Good mommy! 😀
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:31 amI’m so sorry! It’s painful beyond words, isn’t it? I spoil mine too; I figure dogs won’t have to grow up and be on their own so it’s OK :). Thank you Kim! Happy Friday!
Katherine | Love In My Ovenk says
August 24, 2017 at 9:01 pmAw, so sorry about Goldie 🙁 This is a wonderful tribute to her. I still make a cake every year on my Dad’s birthday too – I think they are eating a piece along with us in spirit!! Beautiful tribute, beautiful cake!!
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:32 amThank you Katherine! Food is the best way to celebrate our loved ones I think :). Have a great weekend, my dear!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynn's Sweets and Treats says
August 24, 2017 at 10:12 pmLooks so yummy and I loved your stories about Goldie! Sorry you lost her to cancer. I’m sure she is in doggie heaven drooling over like cake though 😉 xoxo
Kelsie says
August 25, 2017 at 8:33 amThank you Kelly! I think so too :). Happy Friday, my dear!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
August 25, 2017 at 10:51 amYummy! This cake seems so delicious, Kelsie! Loved the recipe! 😉
Kelsie says
August 26, 2017 at 9:25 amThank you Agness! Have a great weekend, my friend!
Kate says
August 25, 2017 at 11:00 amThis cake looks incredible! And hooray for new fur-babies!!!!!!! :))))
Kelsie says
August 26, 2017 at 9:22 amThank you Kate! Have a lovely weekend!
pglooney says
August 25, 2017 at 11:12 amlosing an animal is so hard! She looked and sounded like an amazing animal who had an amazing life! Great looking cake as always.
Kelsie says
August 26, 2017 at 9:22 amIt really is, Patrick! Thank you so much!
dawnyucuiscooking says
August 25, 2017 at 9:16 pmGoldie was a cutie. It’s hard to lose a pet. Love all the strawberries in this cake. It sounds delicious!
Kelsie says
August 26, 2017 at 9:23 amThank you Dawn! Have a great weekend!
Emma says
August 26, 2017 at 3:57 amOh 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.
Kelsie says
August 26, 2017 at 9:24 amThank you Emma! Dogs are just such amazing creatures aren’t they? Have a great weekend!
marcie@flavorthemoments says
August 26, 2017 at 9:22 amWhat 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!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
August 27, 2017 at 6:32 amSad 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?:)
Kelsie says
August 27, 2017 at 2:52 pmThank you Ben! I would gladly share three or four pieces! Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Georgie | The Home Cook's Kitchen says
August 27, 2017 at 10:55 amGoldie 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!
Kelsie says
August 27, 2017 at 2:53 pmThank you so much, Georgie! She really was a sweetheart :). Happy Sunday, my friend!
hummingbirdthyme says
August 28, 2017 at 11:49 amI 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.
Kelsie says
August 28, 2017 at 8:24 pmThank you Laura! Dogs are just such amazing creatures aren’t they?
pakistanirecipesinurdu says
August 29, 2017 at 5:53 amThis 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/ ).
Kelsie says
August 29, 2017 at 4:42 pmThank you!
Teesh Osita says
August 30, 2017 at 5:47 amAww Goldie sounds like such an adorable little angel! I’m sure heaven is filled with berries she doesn’t have to steal. <3
Kelsie says
August 30, 2017 at 8:42 amThat’s what I think too! Thank you Teesh 🙂
lynne hoareau says
September 1, 2017 at 5:01 amAwww 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
Kelsie says
September 1, 2017 at 8:15 amThank you Lynne! I know all dog lovers can relate to my pain at losing her. She was such a sweet girl :).
The Thrifty Campers says
September 5, 2017 at 6:23 pmLooks incredibly scrumptious:)
Deborah says
July 4, 2018 at 7:56 amThis 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
Kelsie says
July 5, 2018 at 6:04 amThank you!