Craving a slice of heavenly strawberry cake that’s bursting with real fruit flavor? Dive into my fresh take on the classic strawberry cake recipe. Elevating this dessert staple, I’ve crafted a moist and fluffy masterpiece that celebrates the essence of strawberries in every bite.
Forget artificial flavors – my recipe revolves around reducing fresh strawberry puree and infusing it into the finest white cake batter, ensuring an authentic taste that sets this cake apart. After countless trials to perfect the balance of flavor and texture, I’m thrilled to present a cake that exceeded all expectations.
With Mother’s Day and my birthday on the horizon, it’s the ideal occasion to share this delightful creation with you. Get ready to indulge in a strawberry cake like no other, where each luscious layer is a tribute to the real essence of strawberries.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cake
Creating a delicious strawberry cake starts with gathering the essential ingredients that will infuse your creation with the delightful taste of fresh strawberries.
Strawberry Base Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 sticks of softened butter
- 3-ounce package of strawberry-flavored Jell-O mix
- 4 eggs
- Cake flour
- Baking powder
- Whole milk
- Frozen strawberries for homemade strawberry puree
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 3 oz box strawberry Jell-O mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup oil (canola oil works well)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pureed strawberries (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for icing)
- 4 eggs
Necessary Tools and Equipment
To prepare the delicious strawberry cake recipe, you will need the following tools and equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: Ensure you have a set of different-sized mixing bowls to combine the ingredients effectively.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A mixer will help you mix the batter to the right consistency without any lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring all the ingredients.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Use a baking pan of this size for baking the sheet cake version of the strawberry cake.
- Parchment Paper or Non-Stick Cooking Spray: To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
- Spatula: Use a spatula for scraping the bowl and smoothing the batter in the pan.
- Cooling Rack: Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool on a rack for the best texture.
- Cake Decorating Tools (optional): If you plan to decorate the cake, have piping bags, tips, and spatulas ready.
Having these tools and equipment on hand will make the process of creating your strawberry cake seamless and enjoyable.
Preparing the Strawberry Reduction
To create the concentrated and flavorful strawberry reduction for your cake, follow these steps:
Cooking the Strawberries
Begin by rinsing and hulling 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Afterward, puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer the puree to a saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Pureeing and Straining
Continue simmering the puree until it reduces to about 1/2 cup or slightly more. This process takes at least 25-35 minutes. Allow the reduced puree to cool completely before using it in the cake batter. For best results, prepare the reduction a day ahead to ensure it cools thoroughly.
Making the Strawberry Cake Batter
To create the perfect strawberry cake batter, we need to focus on two crucial steps: mixing the wet and dry ingredients and incorporating the flavorful strawberry reduction.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients by whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar until smooth. Slowly incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream until the batter is well combined, even if it looks slightly spotty.
It’s time to add a touch of color! Start with a few drops of food coloring and increase the amount after adding the strawberry reduction for a deeper hue.
Incorporating the Strawberry Reduction
Alternately mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, along with milk, until the batter is well combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a crumbly texture in the cake.
Fold in the strawberry reduction gently, ensuring it blends evenly to avoid streaks in the batter. If you desire a richer color, consider adding more food coloring at this stage. I generally add around 8 drops of McCormick liquid food coloring for a vibrant finish.
By following these steps meticulously, you’ll create a velvety strawberry cake batter bursting with pure strawberry flavor, no artificial additives – just the pure essence of strawberries.
Baking the Strawberry Cake
To ensure the perfect strawberry cake, proper preparation of the pan, oven settings, and precise baking time and temperature are crucial.
Preparing the Pan
Before pouring the strawberry cake batter, it’s essential to prepare the cake pans properly. Begin by greasing the pans with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Next, line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper to guarantee easy cake removal after baking. You can also trace the pan’s circumference on the parchment paper and cut it out for a quick and precise fit.
Oven Settings
Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature of 350°F (180°C). Ensuring the oven reaches the specified temperature before baking is crucial for even cooking and proper rising of the cake. Have the oven racks positioned to allow for consistent heat distribution during baking.
Baking Time and Temperature
For the perfect strawberry cake texture, bake the prepared batter at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 35-40 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting for the best results.
Creating the Strawberry Frosting
Ingredients for Strawberry Frosting
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, pureed
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Fold in the fresh strawberry puree and mix on high speed until the frosting is smooth and well incorporated.
- Once the frosting is fluffy and smooth, it is ready to be generously spread over your cooled strawberry cake.
- Enjoy the rich and indulgent strawberry cream cheese frosting that perfectly complements the natural strawberry flavor of the cake.
Assembling the Strawberry Cake
Now that we have our delicious strawberry cake layers and flavorful frosting ready, it’s time to put everything together to create a beautiful and mouthwatering strawberry cake. Let’s layer the cake with the creamy frosting and add some decoration to make it even more inviting.
Layering the Cake and Frosting
- Place one of the strawberry cake layers on a cake stand or serving plate.
- Spread about 1 cup of the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake layer.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
- Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire exterior of the cake, creating a smooth and even layer of frosting.
- Feel free to get creative with the frosting design on the cake, using a spatula or piping bag to add swirls or designs.
- To enhance the visual appeal of your strawberry cake, consider decorating it with fresh strawberry slices on top.
- You can also sprinkle some edible flower petals, crushed nuts, or even chocolate shavings for an added touch of elegance.
- For a more elaborate decoration, consider piping additional frosting around the edges of the cake or adding some colorful sprinkles on top.
- Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative with the decoration to make your strawberry cake not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Storing and Serving the Strawberry Cake
After making this scrumptious strawberry cake, it’s essential to know how to store it properly for lasting freshness and how to serve it to impress your guests.
How to Store
To store your strawberry cake, follow these simple steps:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it moist.
- Refrigerate the cake for up to 7 days, ensuring it is well covered to prevent drying out.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the frosted cake or unfrosted cake layers for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.
- Garnish the cake with extra sliced strawberries on the side for a fresh and fruity touch.
- Get creative with decorations by adding edible flower petals, nuts, or chocolate shavings on top of the frosting for an elegant finish.
- Experiment with piping additional frosting designs or colorful sprinkles to make the cake visually appealing.
- Consider serving the cake on a decorative cake stand for a more elegant presentation that will impress your guests.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a delightful strawberry cake recipe that is sure to impress your taste buds and guests alike. With the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, this moist cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of ripe strawberries in a delectable dessert. From the luscious strawberry puree to the creamy frosting, every bite is a burst of fruity goodness. So why not give it a try and treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly creation? With simple steps and a few creative touches, you can elevate any occasion with this scrumptious strawberry cake. Enjoy baking and indulging in this irresistible treat!