Once Upon A Chef Fresh Strawberry Cake
There's nothing quite like biting into a sweet, juicy strawberry on a hot summer day. But what if you could take that delicious flavor and turn it into a cake? That's exactly what Once Upon A Chef has done with their Fresh Strawberry Cake. This delectable dessert is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of summer and all the fresh produce that comes along with it. Let's take a closer look at what makes this cake so special.
The Ingredients
As with any recipe, the first step to making a delicious cake is to gather all the necessary ingredients. In the case of Once Upon A Chef's Fresh Strawberry Cake, you'll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh strawberries
One of the things that makes this cake stand out is the use of fresh strawberries. While you could certainly use frozen berries, there's something special about using the ripe, juicy fruit that's in season. The combination of strawberries with the other ingredients creates a cake that's both sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of moisture.
The Process
Once you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to start baking. Here's a step-by-step guide to making Once Upon A Chef's Fresh Strawberry Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine the milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients and the milk mixture to the butter mixture in alternating batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
While the recipe may seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple to follow. One of the keys to making a successful cake is to measure your ingredients carefully and follow the instructions closely. If you do that, you'll be rewarded with a moist, flavorful cake that's sure to impress your friends and family.
The Presentation
Of course, no cake is complete without a beautiful presentation. Once Upon A Chef's Fresh Strawberry Cake is a gorgeous dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Here are a few tips for making your cake look its best:
- Add a layer of whipped cream between the cake layers for extra moisture and flavor.
- Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries for a pop of color.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
With a little bit of extra effort, you can turn your Fresh Strawberry Cake into a show-stopping dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
The Verdict
So, is Once Upon A Chef's Fresh Strawberry Cake worth all the effort? Absolutely. This cake is a delicious celebration of summer and all the fresh produce that comes along with it. The combination of sweet, tangy strawberries with moist, fluffy cake is a match made in heaven. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to please.