Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of fresh flavor to any occasion. This cake is perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or even just a sweet treat at home. With its luscious strawberry-infused layers and creamy frosting, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. It’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The use of real strawberries makes this cake incredibly vibrant and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake this cake with confidence.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers, this cake suits any occasion.
• Creamy Frosting: The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a rich and decadent touch that complements the cake perfectly.
• Beautiful Presentation: The pink color and fresh strawberry garnish create an eye-catching dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience much easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Rubber spatula
• Cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly, resulting in a fluffy cake texture.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of your bowl, helping to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
• Cake pans: Provides the shape for your layers; using the right size is crucial for even baking.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)
• Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment). In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to intensify the pink color. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Step 2: Bake

Bake for 22-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and creamy. Pour in cold heavy whipping cream and whip until the frosting is fluffy and holds peaks (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if necessary. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer followed by another frosting layer, then repeat with the third layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting, smoothing out or adding swirls as desired. Garnish with fresh strawberries if serving immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this delicious cake.

Casual Gatherings

• Slice and Share: Cut the cake into generous slices, allowing guests to easily enjoy a piece alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
• Cake Stand Presentation: Display the cake on a beautiful cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering.

Special Occasions

• Garnished Slices: Top each slice with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a vibrant touch that enhances the visual appeal.
• Layered Dessert Cups: Crumble the cake into cups and layer with whipped cream frosting, creating individual desserts for parties.

Picnics and Outdoor Events

• Portable Slices: Wrap slices of cake in parchment paper for easy transport, making them perfect for picnics.
• Mini Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for bite-sized treats that are easy to grab and enjoy outdoors.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting takes a bit of practice and attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips:

• bold ingredient quality: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your cake and frosting.
• bold proper mixing: Mix ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to a dense cake.
• bold cooling completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting them; this prevents melting and sliding of the frosting.
• bold whip the cream correctly: Ensure your heavy cream is cold before whipping; it will achieve better volume and texture in your frosting.
• bold experimenting with flavors: Feel free to add lemon zest or vanilla bean for an extra flavor dimension in both the cake and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Consider these complementary options:

1. bold Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. bold Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that complements the strawberry flavors beautifully.
3. bold Citrus Sorbet: A light, zesty sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites of rich cake.
4. bold Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats bring an additional layer of indulgence while keeping with the strawberry theme.
5. bold Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A crisp salad offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.
6. bold Lemonade or Iced Tea: Both beverages provide a refreshing counterpoint, enhancing the overall enjoyment of sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, avoiding common pitfalls will lead to a better outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and taste of the cake.

• Not preheating the oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve an even rise and perfect texture.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Ignoring cooling times: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.

• Using cold ingredients: Bring eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 10-15 seconds at a time.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covered with a lid, for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting that might help you:

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well before mashing or pureeing.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting the white cake mix with a gluten-free version will make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan cream cheese as an alternative in your whipped frosting.

How should I store leftovers of Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I add more flavor to the frosting?

Absolutely! You can incorporate lemon zest or fresh fruit purees into the frosting for added flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors according to your preferences. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a sweet treat at home, we encourage you to try this delightful recipe!