Introduction to Strawberry Cake Recipe
When it comes to dessert, few fruits embody sweetness and vibrancy like strawberries. Known for their gorgeous red hue and delightful flavor, strawberries are not just a pretty component of any dessert but also bring a wealth of benefits. They are low in calories yet high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a delightful choice for a more health-conscious treat.
In this strawberry cake recipe, the fresh taste of strawberries shines through in both the cake and the luscious frosting. Every bite transports you to a sun-kissed strawberry field, evoking a sense of joy and comfort. But beyond their deliciousness, strawberries also add natural moisture to baked goods, keeping your cake wonderfully tender and fluffy.
If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just indulge in something sweet, this strawberry cake is sure to steal the show. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, the easy-to-follow steps will help you create a stunning dessert that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Curious about the magic of this cake? Let's dive into the recipe that transforms humble strawberries into a spectacular celebration of flavor!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Recipe
Creating a delicious strawberry cake starts with the right ingredients. Below are the essentials you’ll need for both the cake and the luscious frosting.
Fresh ingredients for the cake
To make your strawberry cake recipe shine, focus on sourcing the freshest ingredients:
- Strawberry Puree: 1 pound of fresh strawberries (or frozen, but thawed) is key for that vibrant flavor.
- Cake Base: Gather 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons of baking powder, and just a pinch of baking soda and salt.
- Moisture and Flavor: You'll need 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large egg whites, and a couple of teaspoons of vanilla extract. A splash of whole milk and fresh strawberry puree rounds out the mix perfectly!
Essential tools and equipment needed
A few handy tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable:
- 2 9-inch cake pans: These are perfect for creating even layers.
- Stand mixer or electric mixer: A must-have for achieving that light and fluffy batter.
- Mixing bowls: You can never have too many! Use them for mixing different components without cluttering your workspace.
Before you start, ensure you have all your ingredients and tools ready. A little preparation goes a long way in creating your perfect strawberry cake! If you’re interested in additional baking tips, check out this expert guide on ingredient substitutions.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Strawberry Cake
Making a delightful strawberry cake from scratch might seem daunting, but the process is actually quite simple and rewarding. Follow these steps, and you'll be on your way to impressing friends and family with a delicious homemade dessert that’s bursting with strawberry flavor!
Prepare the Strawberry Puree
The first step in our strawberry cake recipe is creating a luscious strawberry puree that will enhance both the cake and the frosting.
- Start by hullings 1 pound of fresh or thawed frozen strawberries.
- Place the strawberries in a blender and puree them for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and gently simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently, cooking until the puree reduces by half, which typically takes around 25 minutes for fresh strawberries and up to 45 minutes for frozen ones. You’ll want to end up with about 1 cup of concentrated puree. Let this cool completely before using.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now it's time to prepare the dry mix that forms the cake's foundation.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. This blend ensures a light and fluffy texture for your cake.
Make the Cake Batter
Bringing together the dry ingredients and the wet components can be a fun and satisfying step.
- In a mixer bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of granulated sugar, mixing until light and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes.
- Next, mix in 4 egg whites and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well-combined. Lower the speed and alternate adding the dry mixture with ½ cup of whole milk and ½ cup of the prepared strawberry puree, mixing until just combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a drop or two of pink food coloring for extra flair!
Bake the Strawberry Cake Layers
With the batter ready, it’s time to bake!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with butter or baking spray, lining them with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when touched. Allow them to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
What’s a cake without its crowning glory? Let’s make a strawberry cream cheese frosting that’s nothing short of heavenly.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually include 6 to 7 cups of powdered sugar, alternating it with ¼ cup of strawberry puree until the mixture is fluffy and creamy. Adjust with a little more puree or milk if needed.
Assemble the Cake
Finally, it’s time to put it all together!
- Start by placing one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake, smoothing it out nicely.
- For a personal touch, you can decorate with fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of crumbs from the cake!
Serve this visually stunning and delicious strawberry cake at any gathering, and watch it disappear in no time. Enjoy every slice of this delightful creation!
Variations on Strawberry Cake Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Style
If you’re a fan of the classic strawberry shortcake, consider transforming your strawberry cake recipe into delightful layers of shortcake goodness! Use the same cake base, but layer it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries between cake layers. For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the cream for a refreshing zing. This style is perfect for summer gatherings or family picnics. Everyone will appreciate the light, fluffy texture complemented by real fruit!
Adding Flavors for a Unique Twist
Why stop at strawberries? Channel your creativity by incorporating complementary flavors! Add a hint of almond extract to the batter for warmth or mix in crushed pistachios for crunch. For a fun upgrade, consider pairing strawberries with basil or mint for an herbal note. You can even swirl in some chocolate or matcha to elevate the overall experience. Exploring these variations not only makes your strawberry cake recipe unique but also impresses your guests with delightful surprises!
For more tips on flavor combinations, check out this insightful guide on flavor pairings that can really enhance your baking.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Cake
Ensuring the perfect cake texture
To achieve a moist and fluffy strawberry cake, remember that all your ingredients should be at room temperature. This includes the butter, eggs, and milk, which helps them mix better. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter. If your cake layers dome up during baking, gently press them down with a spatula once they’re out of the oven for a perfectly flat surface.
Storage tips for freshness
To maintain the freshness of your strawberry cake, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to five days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. A great tip is to separate the layers with parchment paper when storing in the fridge; it helps prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, you can freeze the layers, well-wrapped in plastic, for up to three months. Just allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cake
Ideal Accompaniments
Pair your delightful strawberry cake with light, refreshing flavors to enhance its sweetness. Consider serving it alongside:
- Whipped cream for added richness
- Fresh strawberries or mixed berries to complement the cake's flavors
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch
- A side of tart yogurt to balance the sweetness
These accompaniments create a vibrant dessert experience that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Presentation Ideas
Make your strawberry cake recipe a centerpiece by showcasing it beautifully. Here are some simple yet effective ideas:
- Use a cake stand to elevate your creation.
- Decorate the top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of mint leaves for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a little leftover strawberry puree on the plate for an elegant touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish that looks enticing.
These presentation tips not only make your cake visually appealing but will also wow your guests!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Cake Recipe
Preparation Time
Getting started on your strawberry cake recipe will take about 25 minutes. This includes prepping your ingredients, making the strawberry puree, and mixing your batter. You’ll want to have everything organized to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Baking Time
The baking phase will take approximately 55 minutes. While your cake layers are in the oven, take a moment to savor the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen—it's a sure sign that your dessert is coming together beautifully.
Cooling and Assembly Time
After baking, allow your cakes to cool for about 1 hour and 35 minutes before you start layering them with that rich strawberry cream cheese frosting. This cooling time is essential to achieve the perfect texture and prevent melting. Happy baking!
For more tips on timing and technique, consider checking out resources like The Kitchn for helpful baking guides and tricks.
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Cake
Calories per serving
Each slice of this delightful strawberry cake packs approximately 833 calories, making it a sweet indulgence for your dessert table. While that may seem high, remember that it's perfect for sharing at gatherings!
Key nutrients per slice
In every serving, you’ll find essential nutrients that add a touch of health to this decadent treat:
- Carbohydrates: 120g – fuel for your energy needs
- Fat: 38g – including healthy fats from cream cheese and butter
- Protein: 6g – courtesy of the egg whites and cream cheese
This strawberry cake recipe isn’t just about taste; it offers a blend of enjoyable flavors and nutritional value, making your dessert moments a bit more wholesome! For more detailed insights, consider checking resources like NutritionData for comprehensive breakdowns of your favorite foods.
FAQs about Strawberry Cake Recipe
How can I make my cake more moist?
To ensure your strawberry cake recipe stays moist, consider adding an extra egg or substituting some of the butter with yogurt or sour cream. A splash of milk can also help. Be cautious not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to a denser cake, rather than a light and fluffy one!
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones in your strawberry cake recipe. Just remember to thaw and drain them well before using them in your puree to avoid excess moisture. This way, you’ll still enjoy that delightful strawberry flavor without compromising texture.
How should I store leftover cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you’d like to prolong its life, refrigerating it is a great option—just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors! For more storing tips, check out this informative blog post.
Conclusion on Strawberry Cake Recipe
In conclusion, this strawberry cake recipe is not just a dessert—it's a showstopper. Perfect for birthdays or special celebrations, it marries delightful flavors with stunning aesthetics. Don't hesitate to experiment with your own variations. Enjoy every slice and let the sweet memories blossom with each bite!
Strawberry Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9-inch cake pans
- Stand mixer or electric mixer
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries thawed
Cake
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk room temperature
- ½ cup fresh strawberry puree
- Pink food coloring optional
Strawberry Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar sifted
- ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree
Instructions
For the Strawberry Puree
- Hull the strawberries. Place them in a blender canister and puree on high for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook until reduced by about half, 25 minutes for fresh and up to 45 minutes for frozen. (You should have 1 cup of reduction.) Let cool completely before dividing to use in both the cake layers and the frosting.
For the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, or spray with baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper. (You can wrap the cake pans with soaked fabric baking strips if desired.)
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed just until creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Scrape down the bowl and add the egg whites and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute or until well combined and very fluffy.
- Reduce the speed to low. Add the flour mixture alternating with the milk and the strawberry reduction, mixing just until combined. Stop and scrape down the bowl as needed. If desired, mix in a drop or two of pink food coloring. Divide the batter among the two cake pans.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the cake is springy to the touch and starts to pull away from the sides of the pans. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack. Discard the parchment paper.
For the Strawberry Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add in the powdered sugar alternating with a tablespoon of the strawberry puree. Stop and scrape down the bowl a few times during mixing. Once all of the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy. If the frosting feels too stiff and not silky, add a tablespoon or two of puree or milk.
For the Assembly
- Place a cake layer on a cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of frosting on top of the cake. Top with the second layer. Spread the remaining frosting all over the outside of the cake and decorate as desired. The cake should be stored covered and will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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