Strawberry Cake

Strawberry cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every slice. Its bright pink hue, complemented by the burst of fresh strawberry flavor, makes it both visually appealing and irresistible to devour. The cake combines the light and tender texture of a well-baked sponge with the creaminess of a smooth cream cheese frosting, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it be a birthday, bridal shower, or simply a sweet addition to your weekend gathering.

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What You’ll Need for Strawberry Cake

Complete Ingredients List

To make a delicious strawberry cake, gather the following ingredients:

• Freeze-Dried Strawberries – ½ cup (for flavoring and frosting)
• Fresh Strawberries – 1½ cups (for the cake batter)
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
• Cornstarch – ½ cup
• Baking Powder – 2 teaspoons
• Kosher Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Granulated Sugar – 1¾ cups (for batter and frosting)
• Butter – ½ cup (unsalted, softened)
• Vegetable Oil – ¼ cup
• Egg Whites – 4 large
• Milk – 1 cup
• Confectioners’ Sugar – 3 cups (for frosting)
• Cream Cheese – 8 ounces (softened)
• Heavy Cream – ½ cup (for frosting)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

For those with dietary needs or allergies, here are some suggested substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
• Egg Substitute: If you need to make this recipe vegan, you can replace egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) or flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Sugar Alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, consider using coconut sugar or a healthy sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.

Creatively, the flavor of the cake can be enhanced by adding lemon zest for brightness or a hint of vanilla extract for warmth.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Creating a strawberry cake requires careful attention to detail, but the result is well worth the effort. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Begin by blitzing the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender until they achieve a fine powder. Set them aside for later use in the frosting. Next, prepare the strawberry puree by processing fresh strawberries until they are smooth. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces by half. Allow the puree to cool completely before incorporating it into the batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease two 8-inch round baking pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and maintaining the cake’s integrity.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. This mixture forms the backbone of the cake and ensures that the cake rises evenly and has a tender crumb.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once creamed, add in the vegetable oil and egg whites, mixing until combined.

Step 5: Combine Batter Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Carefully alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk while mixing to ensure no lumps form. Once all the dry ingredients and milk are well incorporated, fold in the cooled strawberry puree until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter equally between the prepared baking pans. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create the Frosting

To make the frosting, sift together the confectioners’ sugar and previously blitzed freeze-dried strawberries in a medium bowl. In a new bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Slowly add the sugar mixture and heavy cream, continuing to mix until everything is well combined and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops if necessary. Place one layer on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of frosting between the two layers. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For a beautiful finish, you can pipe additional frosting decorations or sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. Refrigerate the assembled cake until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cake

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry cake is best served chilled, allowing the frosting to maintain its structure and providing a refreshing experience with every bite. When preparing to serve, consider cutting the cake into even slices to showcase the vibrant layers of strawberry flavor.

For presentations, place the cake on a decorative cake stand. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, ensuring each slice reveals the beautiful pink layers filled with strawberry goodness.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

Enhance your strawberry cake experience with delightful pairings and toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side adds a luscious creaminess that complements the fruity cake. For a touch of elegance, consider drizzling a strawberry sauce or coulis over each slice, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Fresh mint leaves can also be garnished atop the cake for an added burst of color and freshness.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Cake

Best Storage Methods

To enjoy your strawberry cake for several days, proper storage is essential. If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days without losing its flavor or moisture. If you would like to enjoy it for an extended period, consider freezing the cake.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

To freeze your strawberry cake, slice it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing it into a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, the cake can remain in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost the cake overnight in the refrigerator to retain moisture, and if desired, serve at room temperature or reheat slightly in the microwave for a warm experience.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

To ensure your strawberry cake turns out perfectly, steer clear of these common baking faux pas:

• Overmixing the Batter: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cake fluffy.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure correct ratios.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting prevents melting and keeps the layers intact.

Helpful Tricks for Success

Here are some pro tips for an exceptional strawberry cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients (butter, eggs, and milk) are at room temperature before starting to achieve a better emulsion and texture.
• Butter Quality: Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer flavor in the cake.
• Testing for Doneness: While a toothpick is a reliable method, gently touching the top of the cake should spring back when done.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Get creative by adding different flavors to your strawberry cake! Consider incorporating lemon zest or orange zest into the batter for a hint of citrus. You can also experiment by folding in mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for added texture and sweetness.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

Adjust the strawberry cake recipe to fit various dietary restrictions. For a vegan option, replace the egg whites with flax eggs and use plant-based alternatives for butter and cream cheese. For a sugar-free version, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol to keep the cake sweet without the calories.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your strawberry cake turns out too dry, consider adding a simple sugar syrup (made from equal parts sugar and water) to moisten the layers. For cakes that are dense or not rising, confirm that your baking powder is fresh and measure ingredients accurately next time.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Prepare the cream cheese frosting and refrigerate it. Assemble and frost on the day you plan to serve.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

If you cannot find freeze-dried strawberries, you can use more fresh strawberries in the frosting but will need to adjust the amount of sugar and possibly incorporate cornstarch to maintain consistency. Regular granulated sugar can be swapped for an alternative sweetener, but remember that results may vary slightly.

With this comprehensive guide, making the perfect strawberry cake becomes not just a possibility but a guarantee. Enjoy the baking process, and let every bite of this captivating dessert transport you to sunny days filled with sweetness and joy.

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