Strawberry Cream Cake

Strawberry Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines soft, fluffy cake layers with a rich, creamy filling and fresh strawberries. It is the perfect treat for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to impress with a beautiful and delicious dessert. This cake is light, moist, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it a favorite among fruit lovers.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know to make the best Strawberry Cream Cake, from key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, creative twists, and presentation ideas.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Cream Cake plays a vital role in ensuring the perfect taste and texture. Here’s what you need and why:

For the Cake:

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Milk – Keeps the cake soft and moist.

For the Cream Filling:

Heavy Whipping Cream – Creates a rich and fluffy texture.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cream filling while keeping it smooth.
Cream Cheese – Adds a tangy and creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the cream filling’s flavor.

For the Strawberry Layer:

Fresh Strawberries – The star ingredient that gives the cake a sweet, fruity taste.
Sugar – Helps the strawberries release their natural juices, making them softer and sweeter.
Lemon Juice – Enhances the natural flavor of the strawberries.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Cream Filling:

1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions with Expert Tips

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Expert Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tip: To ensure even layers, use a kitchen scale to measure the batter for each pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice.
Let them sit for 15 minutes to release their natural juices.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, mash some of the strawberries slightly to create a syrupy mixture.

Step 4: Make the Cream Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Expert Tip: Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to achieve the best results.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a layer of cream filling evenly over the cake.
Add a layer of strawberries on top of the cream.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Spread the remaining cream over the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate with additional fresh strawberries.

Presentation Tips

Garnish with Whole Strawberries: For a beautiful finish, arrange whole or halved strawberries on top.
Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce: A light drizzle of strawberry syrup adds a glossy touch.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A fine sprinkle of powdered sugar enhances the look of the cake.

Creative Twists

Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake and cream filling.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the strawberry layer.
Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cream filling for a citrusy kick.

Pro Tip for Customization

To make this cake extra special, try using a flavored cake base. A vanilla, almond, or even a light sponge cake can change the taste profile while still complementing the strawberries and cream.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

How do I store Strawberry Cream Cake?

Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it to keep it fresh.

Can I make Strawberry Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them in plastic wrap, and assemble the cake when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Buttercream, whipped cream, or even a mascarpone frosting would work well.

Can I make Strawberry Cream Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cake is a dreamy dessert that combines light cake layers, fluffy cream, and fresh strawberries for a perfect treat. Whether for a birthday, summer picnic, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress. Follow these step-by-step instructions and expert tips to create a delicious and visually stunning cake that everyone will love. Happy baking!