Get ready to experience a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every single bite! This Layered Summer Strawberry Cake isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a breathtaking dessert that will have your guests begging for seconds. Imagine layers of tender, moist cake embraced by clouds of freshly whipped cream and studded with vibrant, juicy strawberries - a slice of pure happiness that promises to transport you to a sun-drenched strawberry field with each heavenly forkful.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide cake batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove cakes from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, approximately 1 hour.
- While cakes are cooling, wash and slice fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy whipped cream.
- Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream and arrange sliced strawberries on top.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with remaining whipped cream and decorate with additional fresh strawberry slices.
- Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cream to set.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the most intense flavor and sweetest results.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter mixing.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to a tough cake texture.
- Use a serrated knife for clean, even cake layer cutting.
- Chill the cake before serving to help the whipped cream set and enhance flavor melding.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a light brushing of strawberry preserves between cake layers.
- If the whipped cream starts to soften, quickly return the cake to the refrigerator to firm it up.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 160mg
