If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a classic yet delicious strawberry shortcake cake, Auntie Lins' recipe is just what you need! Follow these detailed steps for the perfect celebration dessert.
#### Ingredients:
**For the Sponge Cake:**
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
**For the Strawberry Filling:**
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
**For the Shortcake Layer:**
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup cold water
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or glass
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### Making the Sponge Cake:
1. **Preheat Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:**
- In one bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and mix well.
4. **Add Eggs and Mix:**
- Beat two eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
6. **Bake Sponge Cake:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
#### Making the Strawberry Filling:
1. **Prepare Strawberries:**
- In a medium bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes so they release their juices.
2. **Thicken the Mixture:**
- Dissolve cornstarch in water, then stir it into the strawberry mixture until smooth. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
#### Assembling the Cake:
1. **Prepare Shortcake Layer:**
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cut-in butter pieces. Rub them together using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
2. **Shape and Bake Shortcakes:**
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut circles from the dough.
- Place the shortcake rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
3. **Stack the Cake:**
- Spread a layer of cooled strawberry filling over one side of the sponge cake.
- Place several shortcakes on top, alternating with more layers of strawberry filling and sponge cake pieces until you’ve used all your ingredients.
4. **Serve Immediately or Refrigerate:**
- Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy this delicious Auntie Lins' Killer Strawberry Shortcake Cake, perfect for any celebration!