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Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese frosting. This cake is a celebration of classic flavors, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a festive birthday party.
Origin and Cultural Significance
A Timeless Classic
The roots of strawberry cake can be traced back to the Southern United States, where strawberries are abundant in the warm months. This cake embodies the spirit of summer, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia that brings people together, reminding us of sunlit days and cherished moments shared around the table.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
The Star of the Show
What sets this cake apart is its use of fresh strawberries, which add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the cake. The addition of pureed strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cake moist and tender. The cream cheese frosting, with its tangy richness, creates a perfect balance against the sweetness of the cake, making each bite a delightful experience.
Cooking Techniques
Baking this cake involves a few simple techniques that elevate its flavor profile. From creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy to carefully folding in the strawberry puree, each step is crucial in creating a light, airy texture. The frosting, whipped to perfection, is spread generously, adding an enticing visual appeal and a luscious mouthfeel that makes it irresistible.
Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
This luscious strawberry cake is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Instructions
Preparing the Strawberry Cake Batter
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Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.Make sure to place the oven rack in the center for the best heat distribution. -
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This blend creates the perfect foundation for your cake.Sifting the flour and baking powder can help avoid lumps. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened, and 1 cup of milk until creamy. Then, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a smooth mixture! -
Incorporate Fresh Strawberries
Fold in 1 cup of fresh strawberries, chopped finely, into the wet ingredients. This adds that fresh, fruity flavor that makes the cake irresistible.You can toss the strawberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. -
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so treat your batter gently! -
Pour into Cake Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between the pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.You can line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper for easier removal. -
Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Keep an eye on your cakes; every oven is different! -
Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.Cooling is crucial; frosting a warm cake can melt your frosting!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese and ½ cup of unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. -
Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add in 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to achieve your desired consistency. -
Frost the Cakes
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.For a smoother finish, use a bench scraper to even out the frosting. -
Decorate as Desired
Top the cake with additional fresh strawberries or sprinkles for a festive touch!You can also drizzle some strawberry puree on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving and Storing the Cake
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Slice and Serve
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve with a smile! This cake is perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon treat.Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate dessert experience. -
Storage Tips
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick treat later!Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag to keep them fresh.
Note
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture.
- To enhance the strawberry flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the batter.
- For a more pronounced color, you can incorporate a few drops of red food coloring, but this is optional.
- When making the cream cheese frosting, ensure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar to avoid a grainy texture.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
- For an added crunch, fold in chopped nuts or toasted coconut into the cake batter.
- This cake can be layered with whipped cream and additional strawberries between the layers for a more decadent presentation.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- To freeze, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.