Prepare to be transported to dessert paradise with this show-stopping Strawberry Layer Cake that will make your taste buds dance and your guests swoon! Imagine cutting into a moist, strawberry-infused cake layered with luxurious cream cheese frosting - a dessert so irresistible, it'll become the star of every gathering. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of pure bliss, this recipe promises to deliver a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and creamy goodness that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of pureed strawberries into the cake batter, ensuring even distribution.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until creamy and light.
- Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake, using remaining pureed strawberries between layers if desired.
- Decorate with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries on top and around the cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, even cake batter and optimal mixing.
- When pureeing strawberries, strain out excess liquid to prevent a watery batter.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- For the most vibrant strawberry flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries at peak season.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- Chill the cake for at least an hour before serving to help the frosting set and enhance the flavors.
- For a professional look, use a cake turntable and offset spatula when frosting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 160mg
