From Scratch Strawberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
If you're looking for a sweet and fruity dessert that's easy to make from scratch, look no further than this delicious strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting. Made with fresh strawberries and simple ingredients, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays and holidays to afternoon tea with friends. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of making this cake step-by-step, providing tips and tricks along the way to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Before starting the recipe, make sure you have all of your ingredients at room temperature. This will help them blend together better and create a smoother batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Cake
In a large bowl, cream the 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until just combined.
Next, fold in 2 cups of fresh strawberries that have been pureed in a blender or food processor. Make sure the strawberries are well combined but don't overmix the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
While the cake is baking, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and 8 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are done baking, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and cooling them completely on wire racks. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand and spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help them blend together better and create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix the batter once you've added the strawberries. This will cause the cake to be dense and heavy.
- Cut the stems off the strawberries and puree them in a blender or food processor before adding them to the batter.
- If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and pureed.
- For a lighter frosting, you can substitute whipped cream for some of the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Just make sure to keep the proportions the same.
- If you want to add a decorative touch to your cake, you can slice some fresh strawberries and arrange them on top of the frosting.
Conclusion:
With this easy and delicious strawberry cake recipe, you'll be able to create a sweet and fruity dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just enjoying a slice with friends, this cake is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how simple and tasty it can be?