Impress Your Guests with Our Strawberry Cake Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where I will be sharing with you my special recipe for a delicious and beautiful Strawberry Special Cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a dinner party, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

This cake is made with fresh strawberries, giving it a natural sweetness and a beautiful pink aesthetic. It’s a fluffy and moist vanilla cake, layered with a fresh strawberry filling and a creamy buttercream frosting.

I’ve been making this cake for years, and it never fails to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser and always gets compliments for its taste and aesthetic.

But don’t just take my word for it, try it out for yourself! Follow along with my recipe and tips, and you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious Strawberry Special Cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you ready to indulge in a delicious and beautiful dessert that will make your taste buds dance? Look no further than my Strawberry Special Cake recipe! This cake is a showstopper that will impress any guest, and it tastes even better than it looks.

What sets this cake apart is the use of fresh strawberries, which gives it a natural sweetness and beautiful pink color. The recipe itself is easy to follow, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can still make this cake from scratch with ease.

One of my favorite things about this cake is its versatility. You can make it as a sheet cake, a layer cake, or even as mini cakes for a fancy and aesthetic dessert. You can also customize the frosting and decorations to match any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or just a special treat for yourself.

Not only does this cake taste amazing, but it also has a fluffy and moist texture that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s easy to make substitutions and variations to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just looking for a different flavor, this recipe is flexible enough to fit your needs.

In short, my Strawberry Special Cake recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s easy to make, looks beautiful, and tastes absolutely delicious. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Strawberry Special Cake Recipe:

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, mashed

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1/2 cup of apricot jam
• 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, mashed

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Cream:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, mashed

Note that you can adjust the amount of strawberries according to your preference. If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, add more mashed strawberries to the cake layers, filling, and cream.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking our Strawberry Special Cake! This recipe is a homemade strawberry cake made from scratch, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from a fancy dinner party to a summer picnic. Here’s how you can make it.

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter and dust them with flour. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once it’s baked.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

3. Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of water, until the batter is smooth.

4. Add the strawberry puree

In a blender or food processor, puree 2 cups of fresh strawberries until smooth. Add the strawberry puree to the cake batter and mix until well combined.

5. Bake the cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the strawberry filling and frosting

In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter until smooth. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of strawberry jam or preserves with 1/4 cup of water to make the strawberry filling.

7. Assemble the cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling on top of the cake layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.

Now your Strawberry Special Cake is ready to serve!

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of this Strawberry Special Cake Recipe is its versatility. You can make substitutions to cater to your preferences, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

– Gluten-free: You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that already contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients.

– Vegan: To make this cake vegan-friendly, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of unsalted butter.

– Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add some cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and swap the strawberry filling for chocolate ganache or frosting.

– Jello: Another way to infuse the cake with strawberry flavor is to use strawberry Jello in the cake batter. Simply dissolve the Jello in hot water and add it to the batter along with the other wet ingredients.

– Mini cakes: If you want to make individual servings or a cute display, you can bake the cake batter in a muffin tin or mini cake pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and decorate with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

– Layer cake: For a more aesthetically pleasing presentation, you can divide the batter into multiple cake pans and make a layered cake. You can also alternate the layers with vanilla cake or white chocolate cake for a beautiful contrast.

– Frosting: To complement the fruity flavor of the cake, you can make a strawberry cream cheese frosting by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberry puree. Or, you can go for a classic whipped cream frosting and decorate with sliced strawberries.

No matter how you customize it, this Strawberry Special Cake Recipe will always be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving and Pairing

Now that your Strawberry Special Cake is ready, it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect accompaniments. This cake is a showstopper and should be served at a special occasion or celebration. It’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any event where you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious dessert.

To serve, slice the cake into even pieces and place them on a platter or cake stand. You can also garnish the cake with fresh strawberries or other fruits to add color and flavor. Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an extra decadent touch.

When it comes to pairing, this cake goes well with a variety of beverages. It pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a refreshing iced tea. If you’re looking for something more festive, you can pair it with a glass of champagne or a fruity cocktail.

This cake is also versatile enough to pair with other desserts. It goes well with other strawberry desserts, such as strawberry shortcake or strawberry ice cream. You can also pair it with chocolate desserts or other sweet treats for a dessert platter that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Strawberry Special Cake, it’s sure to be a hit. Its beautiful pink and white aesthetic, fluffy sponge cake, and fresh strawberry filling make it a truly special dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This Strawberry Special Cake recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had more time to develop and the cake has had time to absorb the moisture from the strawberry filling.

To make ahead, simply bake the cake, let it cool completely, and then assemble with the strawberry filling and frosting. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

To reheat the cake, you can either microwave it for 15-20 seconds per slice or heat it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. However, do keep in mind that reheating the cake too many times can cause it to become dry and lose its fluffy texture.

If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake should last for up to 5 days in the fridge, but do keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more likely it is to start getting soggy. To prevent this, you can brush a thin layer of apricot jam over the cake before storing it. This will help keep it moist without getting soggy.

Overall, this Strawberry Special Cake recipe is a great option for those who want to make a beautiful and delicious cake ahead of time for a special occasion or just to have on hand for a sweet treat throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Results

Making a strawberry special cake can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. But don’t worry, I have some tips to help you achieve the perfect results. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious cake that will impress everyone.

1. Use Fresh Strawberries

The key to making a delicious strawberry special cake is using fresh strawberries. Don’t use frozen strawberries or strawberry jam because they won’t give you the fresh and juicy flavor you’re looking for. Make sure to wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly before using them.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When making the cake batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough and dense. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, and then stop.

3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature ingredients is essential for making a fluffy and moist cake. Take the eggs, butter, and cream cheese out of the fridge a few hours before using them. Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother batter.

4. Grease the Cake Pans

Grease the cake pans with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the batter. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and breaking apart when you take it out.

5. Don’t Open the Oven Too Often

When baking the cake, avoid opening the oven too often. Every time you open the oven, the temperature drops, which can affect the baking process. Only open the oven when necessary, such as when checking if the cake is done.

6. Let the Cake Cool Before Decorating

After baking the cake, let it cool completely before decorating it. Decorating a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and the cake to become soggy. A cooled cake is easier to frost and decorate, and it will stay fresh longer.

7. Use a Cake Leveler

If you’re making a layered cake, use a cake leveler to ensure that the layers are even. This will make your cake look more professional and aesthetically pleasing.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a perfect strawberry special cake that will impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make the cake your own. Have fun and enjoy the process!

FAQ

Before we wrap up, let’s address some of the frequently asked questions about this strawberry special cake recipe. From substitutions to dietary restrictions, here are some answers to common queries to help you perfect your cake baking game.

What is the difference between strawberry cake and strawberry shortcake?

When it comes to strawberry desserts, there’s a distinction between strawberry cake and strawberry shortcake. While strawberry cake is typically a layered and substantial cake with cooked strawberries incorporated into the batter, strawberry shortcake is made up of layers of shortcake alternated with fresh, uncooked strawberries and cream.

How do you make a box cake taste like a bakery?

As a seasoned chef, I have learned some tips and tricks that can elevate any cake recipe to perfection. Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This is because room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly, creating a smooth and even batter.

Another tip is to substitute water with milk or buttermilk. Using milk adds richness and moisture to the cake and adds an extra dimension of flavor. Additionally, replacing some of the flour with sour cream can create a denser and more indulgent texture.

If you’re looking to make a cake that’s a little healthier, try swapping out butter for oil. Oil adds moisture to the cake and makes it lighter and fluffier. Adding extra eggs to the recipe is also an excellent way to create a lighter and more airy cake.

No cake is complete without a touch of vanilla extract. Adding a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract to your batter will enhance the flavor and create a depth that cannot be achieved with any other ingredient.

For chocolate cake lovers, adding cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the batter will transform any recipe into a chocolate lover’s dream.

Finally, decorating your cake like a pro is all about presentation. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze can take a cake from ordinary to extraordinary. For a more intricate design, try piping frosting in a decorative pattern or adding fresh fruit or flowers to the top. With these tips, you can create a cake that is truly a work of art.

How do you keep strawberries from getting soggy on cakes?

If you want to avoid the issue of fruit making your cake soggy, there is a simple solution – sealing the cake layers against moisture. One traditional method is by using apricot jam glaze. This involves brushing a thin layer of melted apricot jam onto the cake layer, allowing it to cool, and then placing the fruit on top. This helps to prevent the fruit’s juices from seeping into the cake and causing it to become soggy.

Will fresh strawberries on a cake make it soggy?

Incorporating strawberries into the cake will not result in a soggy texture. Contrarily, it will add to the cake’s moisture level.

Bottom Line

: In conclusion, this strawberry special cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh strawberries and a moist and fluffy cake. With its beautiful pink and white aesthetic and delicious taste, it’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to fancy dinners. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy recipe will guide you step-by-step to make a homemade strawberry cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t be afraid to make substitutions and variations to customize the recipe to your liking, and feel free to experiment with different frostings and toppings. And remember, the key to a perfect strawberry cake is using fresh, ripe strawberries and following the recipe closely. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the deliciousness of this strawberry summer cake!

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