Making the best strawberry cake involves a combination of a delicious and moist cake base, a flavorful strawberry filling, and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Here's a step-by-step recipe to help you create a delectable strawberry cake:
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen)
For the strawberry filling:
- 1 and 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the strawberry cream cheese frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pureed strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the strawberry filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down to form a jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Prepare the cake batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree until well combined.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake the cakes for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the strawberry cream cheese frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and pink.
Assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the strawberry filling on top of the cake.
- Add a generous layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting over the filling.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process.
- Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Optional: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries on top.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.
Enjoy your homemade, delicious strawberry cake! It's perfect for special occasions or any time you want to indulge in a delightful dessert.