Life has been good.
We are adjusting to many changes...like having grandma's and grandpa's and cousins and dear friends over to visit the new baby.
Eddie is wonderful by the way. Much loved and adored!
But there is only one new baby, and with lots of people visiting it is always good to have something for the rest of the folks to do.
Like.... eat. I like stuffing my guests with as much food as possible. Forces them to not look at the layers of dust on my cupboards or the crayon scribbles masterpieces on my once white walls.
Hence, I decided to make a quick and easy dessert for everyone to enjoy. And since we happened to have about five pounds of strawberries on hand, a strawberry shortcake seemed like the perfect choice.
With a twist of course!
(This frosting technique is so easy to do... tutorial here!
Now... although I had the desire to bake for everyone, I just did not have the energy. (still recovering from surgery) So this is definitely the semi homemade version.
Ingredients:
Box white cake.
Box red velvet cake.
Whipped cream from the grocery store.
Fresh strawberries.
I still had to chop strawberries. That counts as slaving away in the kitchen right???
As much as I love the look of whole, ripe, plump juicy strawberries on a shortcake, I just have found it easier to cut them up.
Its easier to assemble and easier to cut into and easier to eat.
Did I mention I was going with an easy concept on this dessert???
I made a four layer cake. Two layers of red velvet and two layers of white cake. I started with the red velvet, added a fluffy layer of whipped cream, then a bunch of diced strawberries.
Repeat. Except with the white cake. Then the red velvet. Then the white. Then accidentally shove a huge spoonful of whipped cream in your mouth and call it a day.
As you can tell by the first picture, I just wasn't satisfied with this, so I added whipped cream to the outside too.
Then I cut into it.
And tried to take a picture. Except people kept making these irrational demands and actually requesting to eat a piece.
So this is all I have left.
Or should I say, had left.
Gotta tell ya, this is one delicious cake. I loved the dense rich and chocolaty taste of the red velvet paired with the light whipped cream, the airy white cake, and fresh berries.
I loved the ease of decorating a cake with whipped cream.
I loved everything about it.
I have made it three times in the last week. And I can imagine I will be making it lots more this summer!
How pretty! So amazed that you're willing to feed guests on top of yourself and your kids! I don't even remember eating the first month after I had my children! Can't wait for the tutorial for that frosting technique!
Posted by: Bourbonnatrix | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:20 AM
Wow! Nice and HIGH cake! REALLY YUMMY looking :-)
Posted by: nina | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:27 AM
Amanda, you are DANGEROUS first thing in the morning. I *just* got back from the gym, and now all I can think about is red velvet strawberry shortcake. What are you doing, woman?! It's simply gorgeous, that cake.
Posted by: Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:27 AM
How perfect for spring!! Amanda, you are a wonder.
Loving that frosting technique- I'll be back for that tutorial!
Posted by: Aimee @ Simple Bites | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:28 AM
This is absolutely beautiful, Amanda!
Posted by: Katie | GoodLife Eats | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:34 AM
This looks gorgeous!! I can't wait to make this. All my boys love Red Velvet, Vanilla, whipped cream, and strawberries. You've just made their summer!! :)
Posted by: Jennifer Nixon | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:46 AM
You are amazing to create this layer cake for those sweet guests. Looks like enough time was spent on it without having to measure out all the ingredients too! Have fun with that little baby ;) xxoo
Posted by: marla {family fresh cooking} | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:47 AM
This is so pretty!
Posted by: Jessica @ How Sweet | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:56 AM
That looks beautiful and so delicious! I am going to make this today!!
Posted by: Meghan | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:59 AM
Agreed! Beautiful, and something I can do! This looks like u spent hours shaving away regardless! Now, if I can just get some strawberries!
Posted by: SweetSugarBelle | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:01 AM
You certainly are "every woman"! I will totally be making this cake! (But probably not any time soon after giving birth.)
Posted by: Liz | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:02 AM
You've made this 3 times in the past week?!?!?! This is the prettiest and most delicious strawberry cake I've ever seen. It's gorgeous!!
Posted by: Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:07 AM
I'm a big fan of semi-homemade! (Don't tell, but I use boxed cake mix as well. GASP!) And this looks awesome. Also? T-totally shocked that you're up and baking after having a kid. I would be running around crazed making Brad eat cereal all day. Kudos.
Posted by: Kelli | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:12 AM
That looks really good, and I don't even like strawberries! LOL
Posted by: Renee | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:14 AM
That cake looks amazingly delicious! Yum. Looking forward to seeing your frosting technique. It's sooo pretty.
Posted by: Glamour This! by Kelly | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:15 AM
That is the *perfect* spring cake! Looks divine and I love the combo of red velvet & white cake! Brilliant!
Posted by: Wenderly | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Heavenly! Can't wait for the frosting tutorial :)
Posted by: Rachel @ Baked by Rachel | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:33 AM
Strawberry Shortcake is one of my favorite desserts!! we had strawberry shortcake yesterday evening for my cousins bridal shower and ooo it was soo good! I can't wait to try yours!
Posted by: Angie--Bigebearswife | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:36 AM
What an absolutely gorgeous cake!
Posted by: cara @ the boys made me do it | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:06 AM
So glad I saw someone tweet a link to this recipe because your cake is gorgeous and looks amazingly delicious!
Posted by: Lauren at Keep It Sweet | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Wow! LOVE this Amanda! Are you sure you really had a baby 2 weeks ago? You've got to be kidding me here! Will surely try my hands at your recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Suzy | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:17 AM
What a beautiful cake, it looks to be more then delicious, I loved it, great job. :)
xoxo
Posted by: Pam | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Amazing!
I live the presentation....
Posted by: Shellie Cadogan | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Strawberry shortcake is one of my all time favorite desserts. So...I'm going to assume you made this for me. Yes? No? Oh. Well...this is awkward, isn't it.
Can't wait to learn that frosting technique..it looks so cool!!
Posted by: Cookbook Queen | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:28 AM
So beautiful... congrats on the newest addition!
Posted by: denise:) | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:38 AM
OMG! Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous cake! I love the way you styled it. I will totally come over and wipe down the dust for a bite
Posted by: naomi | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:41 AM
you are super woman...new baby and YOU are cooking abd baking for them! Hmmm...shouldn't it be the other way around?
That cake looks yummy!
Posted by: diane stanley | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:43 AM
That looks fantastic! And since i don't care for red velvet...I'm going to substitute a chocolate layer in there! Woot! Hope you're feeling well and getting the rest you need, and that recovery is going ok too. Both my babies were born by the big C, and the recovery on the second one was dreadful.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Oh. My. Goodness. I've been trying to decide what kind of dessert I wanted for my birthday. I had settled on strawberry shortcake, but my favorite is red velvet. Thanks to you, I don't have to choose anymore! I can have both!
Posted by: Nicole | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Heading to the store today!! I am definitely going to make this!! It looks so delicious!!
Posted by: Joy | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Beautiful!!! can't wait to make once myself!!! :)
Posted by: Marianne | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:47 AM
To make this once in a week is great, to make it three times...fantastic. Hope all that company you are feeding this too is allowing you to rest up a lot between baking :)
Posted by: Paula | Apr 11, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I can't wait to see this layer tecnique!!!
..just love it!
Thank you
Etta
Posted by: etta | Apr 11, 2011 at 10:05 AM
That is absolutely stunning, Amanda! Stunning indeed!
So glad you are all enjoying new baby bliss and the wonderful treats!
Posted by: Kristen | Apr 11, 2011 at 10:37 AM
First, I have to say congrats on being the TK featured member this week. I'm so glad I stopped by your blog, because this cake looks incredible. I've requested strawberry shortcake from my husband for my past 2 birthdays, and let's just say it hasn't looked quite like yours. =) Maybe I'll stealthily print off your recipe and put it on his side of the bed or something, heh heh. Your pictures are beautiful, and are making me crave a spoonful of whipped cream right now!
Posted by: Jenna | Apr 11, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Oh wow! This looks fabulous and so simple to make! Glad to hear that you and Eddie are doing well :)
Posted by: Anna | Apr 11, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Yea for Amanda! So glad you are feeling good enough to get back to baking. What a joy for you to have such loving family and friends.
Posted by: Georgia | Apr 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM
This is absolutely gorgeous, Amanda! I love the frosting technique. So sleek.
Posted by: Shaina | Apr 11, 2011 at 11:53 AM
WOW Amanda!! this is definitely going on my MUST MAKE list!! love the idea of red velvet with strawberries!!
Posted by: TidyMom | Apr 11, 2011 at 12:52 PM
no words to describe this cake!!...
Posted by: Luisellabella | Apr 11, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Gorgeous as usual - I love your super tall cakes! Can't wait for the tutorial:)
Posted by: Lucy @ The Sweet Touch | Apr 11, 2011 at 01:25 PM
so pretty! And summery :)
Posted by: megan @ whatmegansmaking | Apr 11, 2011 at 01:27 PM
You are seriously amazing. I love this cake. I'm going to give it a try this summer for sure.
Posted by: Katie | Apr 11, 2011 at 01:34 PM
I will try this for Easter. Looks yummy.
Posted by: Robyn | Apr 11, 2011 at 02:00 PM
This is so gorgeous! I couldn't decide which picture to pin! :) {{hugs!}}
Posted by: In Katrina's Kitchen | Apr 11, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Sounds perfectly summery and easy to boot! I'll have to put this on my dessert list for Memorial Day!
Posted by: Tracy | Apr 11, 2011 at 02:25 PM
This is one of the prettiest cakes, ever! just gorgeous :)
Posted by: The Harried Cook | Apr 11, 2011 at 02:28 PM
i love you. enough said?
Posted by: bridget {bake at 350} | Apr 11, 2011 at 04:31 PM
This looks delcious!!! I need this esp after a day like today.
Posted by: Noey | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Wow ...what an amazing cake! You have such a gift for baking!!
Can' t wait to see your tutorial on the frosting! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all!!
Posted by: Angela in Atlanta | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:24 PM