Ingredients Breakdown
For the Strawberry Cake:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh strawberry puree | 1/2 cup (about 4-5 medium strawberries) |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Pinch of salt | To taste |
For Decoration:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh strawberries | As needed, thinly sliced |
Preparation Overview
| Step | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Bake Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Cool Time | 10 minutes (in pans) + 1 hour (completely) |
| Total Time | 2 hours |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cake Batter
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, blend the fresh strawberries into a puree using a blender or food processor.
- Gradually add the strawberry puree, milk, and sour cream to the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate the top of the cake with thin slices of fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
✔ Puree Consistency: Ensure the strawberry puree is smooth and not too chunky for a soft texture in the cake.
✔ Frosting Texture: If the frosting feels too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
✔ Moisture: The sour cream helps keep the cake moist, so don’t skip it!
Perfect Pairings
- Side Dish: A light fruit salad or a small whipped cream dessert would complement the rich flavor of the cake.
- Beverage: A chilled glass of lemonade or a light sparkling wine pairs perfectly with the fruity, tangy cake.
Health Benefits
- Strawberries: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries promote skin health and boost the immune system.
- Sour Cream: Provides calcium and phosphorus, beneficial for bone health.
- Cream Cheese: While rich in fats, cream cheese provides a good amount of calcium.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense. Mix only until smooth!
❌ Underbaking the Cake: If unsure, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
❌ Frosting Too Soft: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened properly, but not melted.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake is a perfect way to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries in a light, fluffy cake topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to steal the show!
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