Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, cold
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream, for brushing
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
  • 4 pounds (1814g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cups (720ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 6 tablespoons (75g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine dry shortcake ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
  2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
  4. Gently combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Divide dough and pat into 9-inch rounds in prepared cake pans.
  6. Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.
  7. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  8. Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let macerate for at least 30 minutes.
  9. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
  11. Slowly drizzle in cornstarch slurry and continue to beat until combined, firm peaks form, and cream is thickened.
  12. Place one shortcake layer on a serving plate.
  13. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries and their juices over the shortcake layer.
  14. Top with half of the whipped cream, spreading it evenly.
  15. Gently place the second shortcake layer on top.
  16. Repeat with the remaining strawberries and whipped cream.
  17. Decorate with extra fresh strawberries, if desired.
  18. Chill the assembled strawberry shortcake birthday cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.