East Bay strawberry shortcake that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

[M_Brent]

I'm hosting a baby shower for a friend in June. She's requested a strawberry shortcake for the dessert. I've called several bakeries, and have been quoted prices ranging from $80-$100 for a half sheet decorated cake. I'm on a budget unfortunately, and that price is too high for me.

Does anyone know of a bakery that makes a great, cheaper strawberry shortcake? I live in Berkeley but am willing to travel to Oakland, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, or Richmond.

Thanks so much in advance!

[M_Brent]

I should clarify - I'm looking more for the type of cake that Ruth mentioned, so I guess not a true shortcake.

Does anyone know of a good Chinese bakery around Berkeley? I'd be willing to go to Oakland's Chinatown, too, if need be.

wolfe - I'm actually headed in that direction today, so I'll stop into Ranch 99 and take a look at their prices. Thanks for the tip!

[wally]

The Ranch 99 complex in Richmond has a couple of Chinese Bakeries. Sheng Kee is one. Look around.

[kc72]

Sogo Bakery inside 99 Ranch also

[calalilly]

If I remember correctly a half sheet strawberry cake at Sheng Kee in the Ranch 99 mall is about $45. It's probably $10-15 less in Oakland chinatown.

[Robert Lauriston]

Try Wonder Food in Oakland Chinatown.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/818950

[Stephanie Wong]

You might also look at the Strawberry Cake at Taste of Denmark on Telegraph in Oakland. Haven't tried it since the changeover from Neldam's:

http://tasteofdenmark.localon.com/Sto...

[kc72]

Napolean, Wonder and Ruby King.

Princesse on 13th(?) makes good cakes too.

[Ruth Lafler]

I'm confused. A strawberry shortcake is not a decorated sheet cake ("shortcake" vs. "cake"). If you want a true strawberry shortcake, I'd try Bakesale Betty's, which makes (or has in the past and can presumably do again by order) fabulous true strawberry shortcakes.

But I agree with wolfe that what you probably want is what you can find in Chinese bakeries: a sheetcake made from a light chiffon cake filled with sliced strawberries and whipped cream frosting. I haven't priced one recently, but they're generally not expensive.

[Robert Lauriston]

Strawberry shortcake is not a sheet cake. It's slightly sweet biscuits served with macerated strawberries and whipped cream. They have to be assembled right before you eat them or they turn into a soggy mess. If you buy the shortcakes (or make them yourself, it's a very easy dish) and do the strawberries and whipped cream yourself it will be inexpensive.

Bakesale Betty makes good shortcakes, though I don't know if they take orders any more since they turned into a chicken sandwich shop. Sconehenge's look good.

[wolfe]

Haven't tried them but have you priced the bakeries at Ranch 99 complex in Richmond?