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When it comes to weddings, one of the most anticipated moments—after the “I do”—is the cake-cutting ceremony. A wedding cake is more than just dessert; it’s a symbol of celebration, joy, and togetherness. While traditional tiered cakes adorned with buttercream or fondant still hold a classic charm, modern couples are increasingly opting for cakes that reflect personality, flavor, and uniqueness.

One standout in the world of Wedding Cake Recipes is the Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake. With its light sponge layers, luscious whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, this cake is elegant yet refreshingly simple. It offers the perfect balance between sophistication and natural beauty, making it a top choice for summer weddings, garden receptions, and couples who want something timeless but less heavy than traditional cakes.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about making a Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake—from ingredients and tools to baking instructions, decorating ideas, serving tips, and expert advice to help you create a show-stopping centerpiece for your big day.

Why Choose Strawberry Shortcake for Your Wedding Cake?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake is the ultimate option among modern Wedding Cake Recipes:

Freshness & Lightness – Unlike overly sweet fondant cakes, this cake uses fresh whipped cream and berries, making it lighter and more refreshing.
Visual Appeal – The vibrant red strawberries against fluffy white cream create a romantic, rustic look that’s Instagram-worthy.
Seasonal Perfection – Strawberries peak in summer, making this cake perfect for warm-weather weddings.
Customizable – You can layer with mascarpone, vanilla custard, or even infuse the sponge with champagne for added elegance.
Guest-Friendly – Many guests prefer fruity, light cakes over heavy buttercream or chocolate desserts at a wedding reception.

Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake

Here’s a detailed ingredient breakdown for a 3-tier cake (serves 60–70 guests):

Sponge Cake Layers

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 cups granulated sugar
12 large eggs (room temperature)
2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream Filling & Frosting

8 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, helps stabilize the cream for longer events)

Strawberry Filling

10 cups fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (to macerate the strawberries)
2 tbsp lemon juice

Garnishes

Whole strawberries (with stems for decoration)
Edible flowers (roses, pansies, or lavender for a rustic wedding vibe)
Powdered sugar (light dusting for finishing touch)

Tools You’ll Need

3 round cake pans (6-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch for tiers)
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Whisk, spatula, and measuring cups/spoons
Serrated knife (for leveling cake layers)
Cake dowels (for structural support of tiers)
Offset spatula (for spreading whipped cream)
Rotating cake stand (optional, for smooth frosting)
Cake boards (for each tier)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

1: Bake the Sponge Layers

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with dry mix.
Divide batter evenly into the three pans.
Bake each pan (adjusting time based on size: ~25 min for 6-inch, ~30 for 9-inch, ~35 for 12-inch) or until toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool completely, then level tops with a serrated knife.

2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Let sit for 15–20 minutes until strawberries release juice.

3: Whip the Cream Frosting

In a chilled bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch. Beat until stiff peaks form.

4: Assemble the Cake

Place the 12-inch cake layer on a cake board. Spread a layer of whipped cream, then spoon strawberries on top. Add second 12-inch layer and repeat. Frost with whipped cream and smooth edges.
Insert cake dowels into the base tier to support the next layer.
Place 9-inch tier on top, repeating the same filling and frosting process. Insert dowels again.
Place the 6-inch tier last, finishing with whipped cream and strawberries.

5: Decorate

Arrange whole strawberries on top and along sides.
Add edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for a romantic finish.
Refrigerate until ready to serve (best served within 24 hours).

Helpful Tips for Perfect Wedding Cake Results

Stabilize the Cream – Use gelatin or cornstarch to stabilize whipped cream for long outdoor weddings.
Choose Ripe Strawberries – Sweet, firm strawberries hold better and add natural sweetness.
Make Ahead – Bake sponge cakes a day before, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate. Assemble on the wedding day for maximum freshness.
Rustic Look – Don’t worry about perfectly smooth frosting—semi-naked frosting looks charming and trendy for wedding cakes.
Portioning – A 3-tier cake of this size serves about 60–70 people. Scale up or down depending on guest count.

Nutritional Value (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Sugars: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Vitamin C: 25% DV

Variations of Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake – Add cocoa powder to sponge layers and drizzle chocolate ganache between tiers.
Champagne Infused – Soak sponge layers with champagne syrup for a luxurious twist.
Vegan Version – Use plant-based cream, almond milk, and egg substitutes for a dairy-free, vegan-friendly cake.
Mini Shortcake Towers – Instead of one large cake, serve mini strawberry shortcakes as individual desserts for guests.

Pairing Ideas for Wedding Reception

Drinks: Champagne, sparkling rosé, or strawberry lemonade.
Food: Pairs beautifully with light meals like grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or summer salads.
Other Desserts: Mini fruit tarts or macarons to complement the fruity theme.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Tops the List of Wedding Cake Recipes

Strawberry Shortcake isn’t just delicious; it embodies the essence of what modern couples want—freshness, beauty, and a touch of romance. While traditional wedding cakes can be overly heavy, this cake offers a refreshing alternative that guests love. It also ranks highly in trending Wedding Cake Recipes because it bridges tradition and modern flair.

Conclusion

A wedding is one of life’s most cherished milestones, and your cake should be just as memorable. This Strawberry Shortcake Wedding Cake is more than just dessert—it’s a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a flavor-packed finale to your celebration.

With layers of fluffy sponge, creamy whipped frosting, and vibrant strawberries, this cake captures the romance and joy of your special day. If you’re browsing through Wedding Cake Recipes to find the perfect one, look no further—this is the showstopper you’ve been dreaming of.

So go ahead, bake (or order) this masterpiece, and let your wedding cake be as sweet and unforgettable as your love story.