Triple Layer Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Shortcake is my very favorite dessert. We served it at our wedding and I happily ate leftovers for every meal for two weeks straight. Although my waistline didn't much like it, my taste buds were in heaven. I'm always looking for a new way to enjoy strawberry shortcake. About a month ago I decided to bust out one of my Christmas presents, Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes. I found the recipe for angel food cake and knew that I had to try it as a triple layer strawberry shortcake. All I have to say is that Corey & I devoured this cake in less than two days...and it brought back lots of good memories from our wedding.

Triple Layer Strawberry Shortcake
adapted from Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes

6 egg whites
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. cream of tarter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2/3 cup cake flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lb. strawberries, hulled and sliced

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Beat egg whites on high speed until light and frothy. Add granulated sugar and cream of tartar. Continue beating until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and almond extract.
3. In separate bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
4. With mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture. Beat until just combined (be careful not to overmix).
5. Divide the batter between three ungreased (if you grease the pans the cake won't rise properly) 6-inch round cake pans (if you don't have 6-inch cake pans, you can divide the batter between two 8-inch round pans or one 6-cup tube pan).
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Invert pans onto cooling racks and cool completely. Remove from pans.
7. Beat whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla with mixer until soft peaks form.
8. Place one cake layer on serving dish. Top with 1/3 of the cream and 1/3 of the berries. Repeat with remaining layers. For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate and serve within 24 hours.