Introduction:
Embrace the essence of summer with this Strawberry Cake! Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a celebration of sweetness, perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge in the deliciousness of ripe strawberries.
The inspiration behind this Strawberry Cake emerged from the desire to capture the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries in a delightful dessert. Experimenting with various recipes led to a perfected blend of strawberry-infused batter and creamy frosting, creating a treat that quickly became a family favorite.
“Why This Strawberry Sensation Is a Celebration on Your Plate: Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting”
- Fresh Strawberry Bliss: Infused with the essence of real strawberries for an authentic burst of flavor.
- Decadent Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Versatile Elegance: Ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or simply as a sweet pick-me-up for any day.
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed (strained for seeds, if desired)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Directions:
For the Strawberry Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
Notes:
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter (optional).
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake if not serving immediately and bring it to room temperature before serving.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries for the cake? A: Yes, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but ensure they are drained well before pureeing to control the batter’s consistency.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers in advance, wrap them well, and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake a day before serving for the best flavor.
Indulge in the delightful sweetness and vibrant flavor of this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—a true celebration of summer’s bounty in every delicious slice!