Strawberry Cake with Cream: A Sumptuous Summer Delight

Introduction

Is there anything more irresistible than a fresh Strawberry Cake with Cream? This delectable dessert combines layers of moist, strawberry-infused cake with a luscious whipped strawberry buttercream that melts in your mouth. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe promises bakery-quality results right from your kitchen.

Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this cake showcases the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries in every bite. Follow this easy-to-make recipe to create a showstopping dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Strawberry Cake

• 2 ¾ cups (358g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¾ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups (310g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (173g) sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 3 cups (400g) fresh strawberries (chopped)

Whipped Strawberry Buttercream

• 3 cups (400g) fresh strawberries (chopped)
• 2 cups (448g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 8 cups (920g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch salt (or to taste)

Ingredient Tips

• For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries.
• If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch.
• Sour cream enhances the cake's moisture; you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper circles and grease the sides. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add the sour cream and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl to ensure even mixing.
6. Alternate adding half of the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in pans for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (2-3 hours).

Make the Buttercream

1. Puree the strawberries in a food processor until smooth (about 1 ½ cups of puree).
2. Cook the puree in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ¾ cup (10-15 minutes), stirring frequently.
3. Let the reduction cool to room temperature before using.
4. Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
5. Blend in 4-5 tablespoons of the strawberry reduction and vanilla extract.
6. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar, adjusting consistency with more reduction as needed.
7. Whip the buttercream for 3-5 minutes for a lighter texture.

Build the Cake

1. Level the cake tops with a serrated knife if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a cake plate and spread 1 cup of frosting evenly. Repeat with the next layers.
3. Frost the exterior smoothly and decorate with buttercream swirls and fresh strawberries.

Storage Tips

Store the finished Strawberry Cake with Cream in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

A single serving (1/12 of the cake) contains:

• Calories: 978kcal
• Carbohydrates: 134g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 108g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Healthier Alternatives

For a lighter twist on this Strawberry Cake with Cream, consider these swaps:

• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Replace butter with applesauce (for the cake) or avocado (for the frosting) for a dairy-free option.
• Choose a whipped coconut cream frosting for a vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines on its own, but you can enhance the experience with:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh strawberry coulis drizzled over each slice
• A cup of hot tea or sparkling rosé to complement the sweetness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the batter – This leads to a dense cake instead of a light crumb.
2. Using cold butter – Room-temperature butter ensures smooth frosting and proper creaming.
3. Not reducing the strawberry puree enough – Excess liquid makes the buttercream runny.
4. Skipping parchment paper – Cakes may stick without proper lining.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cake with Cream is a delightful balance of tender crumb and rich frosting, packed with fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?
   Yes, but make sure they’re thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture.

2. How do I store leftover cake?
   Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature.

4. What if my buttercream is too runny?
   Chill it for 15-20 minutes, then rewhip. If needed, add more powdered sugar.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

6. Why did my cake turn out dry?
   Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Measure flour accurately and set a timer.

7. Can I use jam instead of fresh strawberries?
   While possible, fresh strawberries provide the best taste and texture.

8. How do I get smooth frosting on my cake?
   Use a bench scraper for even spreading and chill the cake between layers.

Enjoy baking this stunning Strawberry Cake with Cream, and savor every berry-filled bite!