Description
This Ultimate Vanilla Bean Strawberry Shortcake Torte combines fluffy vanilla bean cake, sweet macerated strawberries, and luscious whipped cream for a dessert that’s both elegant and nostalgic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1.5 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, room temperature
- 1 lb (450g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the seeds of the vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste.
- Mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes bake, toss the sliced strawberries with 3 tbsp sugar and let them macerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spoon half of the strawberries and their juices over the top, then spread a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat with the second cake layer, remaining strawberries, and more whipped cream.
- Refrigerate the torte for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For a polished look, level the cake layers with a serrated knife. Keep all ingredients cold during assembly to prevent the whipped cream from softening. Add lemon zest or Grand Marnier to the strawberries for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of the torte)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla Bean Cake, Summer Dessert, Layered Cake, Whipped Cream Dessert