Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to family gatherings. This cake features a moist, fruity base paired with a luscious cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level. With its vibrant color and fresh strawberry flavor, this cake will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for celebrations, picnics, or just a cozy family dessert night.
• Stunning Presentation: The bright pink cake layers look beautiful on any dessert table, making it a showstopper.
• Customizable Options: You can easily adjust sweetness or add garnishes to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into creating this delicious Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready helps streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures smooth batter and fluffy frosting by thoroughly combining ingredients.
• Cake pans: Properly sized pans help the cake bake evenly, resulting in perfectly shaped layers.
• Mixing bowls: Use these for easy ingredient mixing without mess.

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Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)
• Optional: 3-4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
4. If desired, add food coloring to enhance the pink hue of your batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract and gradually mix in powdered sugar until light and creamy.
3. Pour in cold heavy whipping cream and whip until fluffy with soft peaks (about 2-3 minutes). Be cautious not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cooled cake layer using a serrated knife if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a serving plate or cake board and spread a layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second layer followed by another layer of frosting. Repeat with the third layer.
4. Frost the top and sides with any remaining frosting. Smooth out or create swirls as desired.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries if serving immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a simple family gathering, there are creative ways to present and enjoy this delicious dessert.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh, sliced strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful, vibrant touch.
• Mixed Berries: A medley of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries pairs wonderfully with the sweet cake.

Add Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the cake’s texture.
• Strawberry Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with strawberry sorbet to complement the cake’s flavor.

Create a Dessert Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up a toppings bar with options like crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for guests to customize their slices.
• Whipped Cream: Offer extra whipped cream on the side for those who want an extra indulgent touch.

Serve with Beverages

• Iced Tea: A chilled glass of peach or lemon iced tea complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Sparkling Water: For a lighter option, serve sparkling water with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Strawberry Cake is nothing short of perfection, consider these helpful tips. They will help you achieve an even better result every time you bake this delightful dessert.

• Choose Ripe Strawberries: Using ripe strawberries will give your cake a more intense flavor and natural sweetness.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your cake mix and gelatin powder together for a lighter batter that rises beautifully.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients like eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to prevent dense cake layers; overmixing can lead to tough cakes.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely on wire racks before adding frosting; warm cakes can cause melting.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness; it can last up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

When serving Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the frosting.
3. Chocolate-Covered Almonds: These provide a crunchy texture and delicious chocolate flavor that pairs well with strawberry.
4. Cheese Platter: Assorted cheeses create a savory counterpart to the sweet cake; consider mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
5. Lemon Bars: The tartness of lemon bars complements the sweetness of the Strawberry Cake perfectly.
6. Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches offer savory elements that balance out dessert flavors nicely when served together.
7. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds heartiness without overwhelming the palate; choose light dressings for best results.
8. Herbed Breadsticks: Lightly seasoned breadsticks provide a crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Boldly skip measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for the best results.
• Boldly ignore room temperature: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a lighter texture.
• Boldly rush the cooling process: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow each layer to cool completely before applying frosting.
• Boldly forget flavor enhancements: Vanilla extract enhances flavors significantly. Don’t skip it; adding it will elevate your cake’s taste.
• Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy result.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350F (175C) and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan on low heat, cover, and warm gently for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

How can I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract along with vanilla. These will provide extra depth of flavor.

What is the best way to frost my Strawberry Cake?

Use an offset spatula for even spreading, and consider chilling the frosting briefly if it’s too soft.

Can I substitute other fruits in this cake?

Absolutely! You can replace strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for different flavors while keeping the same base recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different fruits or flavors according to your preference. Try this delightful recipe for your next celebration or as a sweet treat anytime!