Strawberries capture the essence of freshness and joy, making this strawberry cake a delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries, promising a luscious dessert that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
Pink food coloring (optional)
2 cups strawberry jam
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries for garnish
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract. Slowly add the flour mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour.
5. Stir in the strawberry puree until the batter is smooth. Add a few drops of pink food coloring if desired for a vibrant hue.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
9. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining layers.
10. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
11. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones but make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.
Buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a half cup of milk and letting it sit for 10 minutes.
Adding pink food coloring is optional but it will give the cake a beautiful, vibrant pink color that complements the flavor of the strawberries.
For a sturdier cake that is easier to frost, refrigerate the cake layers for about an hour before assembling.
Cook techniques
Creaming Method: This recipe uses the creaming method, which involves beating the butter, oil, and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake.
Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: When mixing the batter, alternately add the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients (in this case, buttermilk). This helps ensure that the mixture is well combined without overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Whipping Cream: When making the whipped cream, make sure the bowl and beaters are cold. This helps the cream whip up faster and stay stable longer. Be careful not to overbeat the cream or it will turn into butter.
FAQ
Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries? Yes, you can substitute other berries or fruits. However, the flavor and texture might change slightly depending on the type of fruit used.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for best results.
What can I use instead of strawberry jam? You can use any type of jam or preserves that you like. Raspberry, blueberry, or apricot jam would work well with this cake.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Celebration Cake is not only visually stunning but also a deliciously fresh way to enjoy one of summer’s best fruits. The combination of light, fluffy cake, fruity jam, and creamy whipped cream creates a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to make any occasion extra special.
More recipes suggestions and combination
If you enjoyed this Strawberry Celebration Cake, you might also love these other fruity desserts:
Strawberry Shortcake: A classic dessert featuring layers of tender biscuit, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
Berry Tart: A crisp tart shell filled with creamy custard and topped with an assortment of fresh berries.
Fruit Trifle: Layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream create a delightful and visually appealing treat.
Lemon Blueberry Cake: A moist and tangy lemon cake filled with juicy blueberries and topped with a lemon buttercream.
Mixed Berry Cobbler: A warm dessert with a biscuit topping and a mix of your favorite berries, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
These recipes offer a variety of ways to incorporate fresh fruit into your desserts, making the most of seasonal produce and adding a burst of flavor to your meals.
