Fresh Strawberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to indulge in a delicious, moist, and refreshing fresh strawberry cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings. The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting is mouthwatering and irresistible. Here is an easy recipe for a fresh strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups diced fresh strawberries (about 1 pint)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the oil and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the diced strawberries.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
11. Once the crumb coat is set, spread a thick layer of frosting over the entire cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries, if desired.
Tips:
1. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
2. Be sure to dice the strawberries into small pieces to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
3. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
4. Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
This fresh strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It's easy to make, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The cream cheese frosting is creamy and tangy, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to please.