Strawberry Shortcake Loaf

Strawberry Shortcake Loaf is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. This cake combines the fresh taste of strawberries with light and fluffy whipped cream, all nestled in a soft and buttery loaf. Perfect for summer picnics, birthday parties, or just a sweet treat at home, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Shortcake Loaf is a wonderful way to celebrate the fresh flavors of strawberries. It’s a light and refreshing dessert that is straightforward to prepare. Plus, it looks beautiful on any table! This loaf is not only delicious but also offers a unique spin on traditional shortcake, making it a standout dish for any gathering.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Loaf

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally into three layers.
In a large chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake, and arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top.
Place the middle layer of the cake over the strawberries and repeat with whipped cream and strawberries.
Top with the final layer of cake and frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Loaf

Serve the Strawberry Shortcake Loaf chilled or at room temperature. Slice the loaf into thick pieces and enjoy it as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack throughout the day. A cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with this delightful treat.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Loaf

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Loaf

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. You can substitute with other berries if you like.
Don’t skip the chilling step for the heavy cream; it helps achieve the perfect whipped consistency.

Variation

For a fun twist, try adding lemon zest to the batter for a bright flavor. You can also use other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, in place of strawberries.

FAQs

1. Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the loaf a day in advance and assemble it when you are ready to serve.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or whipped topping for a lighter option.

3. How do I prevent the strawberries from getting mushy?
Make sure to toss the strawberries with sugar just before serving, and keep them refrigerated until you layer them. This helps keep them fresh and firm.