Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. This cake stands out with its vibrant flavors and creamy frosting, making it a favorite for celebrations, picnics, or even a cozy dessert at home. The mix of fresh strawberries and creamy texture creates a light yet indulgent experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of real strawberries and whipped cream cheese delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for spring and summer.
• Versatile Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, weddings, or just because you want a sweet treat, this cake fits any celebration.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its pink hue and smooth frosting make it visually appealing, making it the centerpiece of any dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your touch with different fruit toppings or variations in frosting flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures the batter is mixed thoroughly and evenly, resulting in a light texture.
• Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls to incorporate every bit of batter into your cake mix.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without trapping moisture, preventing sogginess.

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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 with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla to the bowl. 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 color.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Bake 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 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 cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and creamy.
3. Pour in cold heavy whipping cream and whip until fluffy and holds peaks (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cooled cake layer using a serrated knife if necessary.
2. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread with a layer of frosting.
3. Repeat this process with the second and third layers, adding frosting between each one.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake 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 delicious Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your serving experience.

Add Fresh Berries

• Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a burst of color and flavor. Scatter them on top of the cake or serve them on the side for guests to enjoy.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully. The creamy texture balances the fluffy frosting and makes for a delightful contrast.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of extra whipped cream can enhance the creaminess of the frosting. It adds an airy element that makes each bite even more indulgent.

Create Mini Cake Servings

• Cut the cake into smaller pieces and stack them with layers of frosting in clear cups. This makes for an attractive presentation and is perfect for parties.

Drizzle with Strawberry Sauce

• A homemade strawberry sauce drizzled over each slice adds an extra touch of flavor. Simply blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar until smooth for a quick sauce.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a fluffier cake.

• Measure accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right texture in your cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined when making the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light one.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool entirely on wire racks before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures neat layers.

• Adjust sweetness as needed: Taste your frosting before applying it. If you prefer it less sweet, adjust the powdered sugar accordingly to fit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake enhances the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake and adds vibrant colors to your table.

2. Lemon Sorbet
   This light dessert offers a tart balance against the rich frosting, cleansing the palate between bites of cake.

3. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich chocolate mousse creates a decadent pairing that contrasts nicely with fruity flavors, pleasing chocolate lovers at your gathering.

4. Nuts and Dried Fruits Platter
   A selection of mixed nuts and dried fruits offers a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake while adding healthy elements to your spread.

5. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar provides a refreshing crunch that offsets the sweetness of dessert beautifully.

6. Cheese Board
   Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers and fruits for an elegant touch that pairs well with dessert wines or juices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and creamy frosting.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Beat until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Not greasing the pans properly: If you don’t grease and flour your pans well, the cake might stick. Ensure every corner is covered with grease or parchment paper.

• Ignoring cooling times: Letting the cakes cool completely before frosting is crucial. Otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide off.

• Using cold cream for frosting: Cold heavy cream is essential for achieving fluffy whipped frosting. Make sure it’s chilled before whipping.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry-flavored gelatin?

Yes, you can use pureed fresh strawberries instead of gelatin. Just adjust the liquid content accordingly in your batter.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free, substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to achieve a similar taste and texture in your frosting.

How do I enhance the flavor of my frosting?

Adding a pinch of salt or some lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile of your whipped cream cheese frosting beautifully.

Can I decorate this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can frost your Strawberry Cake ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

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 to suit your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!