Strawberry Shortcake Tower

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350° and line 3 8" round pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl using hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.

2 . Stage

In another large bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Pour in the milk and mix until fully incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined. 

3 . Stage

Fill baking pans 3/4 full with batter. Bake until slightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely. 

4 . Stage

Meanwhile, toss strawberries and sugar together in a large bowl. Refrigerate while making whipped cream.

5 . Stage

Make whipped cream: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Keep chilled until ready to serve. 

6 . Stage

Level cakes and slice each cake in half horizontally. Top one layer of cake with a large scoop of whipped cream and spread to edges. Next, add an even layer of strawberries. Repeat layering cake with whipped cream and strawberries, finishing the final layer of cake with whipped cream and strawberries.