Strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting Perfect spring dessert

Spring is here, and you might be searching for the perfect dessert. Strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting is a favorite for many, with over 62.5% of people loving it. It’s a hit at spring gatherings and celebrations.

This dessert is not just delicious but also looks great as a centerpiece for any spring event.

Making this spring dessert is easy, taking only 1 hour. You’ll need 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook. It serves 12 people and uses ingredients like flour, cornstarch, strawberry jello, and cream cheese.

The result is a moist strawberry cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect treat for spring.

Key Takeaways

• You can make a strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting in 1 hour.
• The recipe serves 12 people and is perfect for spring gatherings and celebrations.
• The cake is made with ingredients like all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and strawberry jello.
• The cream cheese frosting is tangy and pairs perfectly with the moist strawberry cake.
• The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Each slice of the cake contains approximately 659 calories and 84g of carbohydrates.

Why This Strawberry Cake Will Become Your Signature Dessert

This strawberry cake recipe is special. It combines fresh strawberries with cream cheese frosting for a sweet and tangy taste. It’s a dessert that will wow your guests with its unique flavor and beautiful look.

The strawberries’ natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy cream cheese frosting. This makes the cake a standout at any spring event. Plus, it’s easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tangy

This dessert is all about finding the right balance. The strawberries’ sweetness meets the frosting’s tanginess. This creates a taste that’s both refreshing and rich. You’ll impress everyone with this strawberry cake.

A Show-Stopping Spring Centerpiece

This cake is a stunning centerpiece for spring events. Its layers of moist cake and creamy frosting make it a hit at any gathering. It’s perfect for birthdays, weddings, or casual parties.

Why Home Bakers Love This Recipe

Home bakers adore this recipe for its simplicity and creativity. You can add your own twist, like fresh strawberry slices or different cream cheese types. It’s a great way to show off your baking skills and add your personal touch.

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cake

To make a delicious strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting, you’ll need several key ingredients. For the cake, you’ll need fresh strawberries, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. These ingredients are vital for a moist and flavorful cake.

For the frosting, you’ll need softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients help create a tangy and creamy frosting that pairs well with the cake’s sweetness. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:

• 2-3 cups diced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
• 4 large egg whites and 4 large egg yolks
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup strawberry puree
• Softened cream cheese for the frosting
• Powdered sugar for the frosting

Having these ingredients ready will help you make a tasty strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting. Use high-quality ingredients like fresh strawberries and real cream cheese for the best taste and texture.

By combining the right strawberry cake ingredients with cream cheese frosting ingredients, you’ll create a stunning dessert. It’s perfect for any special occasion.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make your strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting perfect, you need the right tools. Having the right baking and decorating tools makes the process easier. It also makes your cake look more professional.

A stand mixer is key for creaming butter and sugar. You’ll also need 8-inch round cake pans for the cake layers. A pastry bag is essential for decorating with frosting. Don’t forget measuring equipment like a digital scale and measuring cups for accurate measurements.

Baking Essentials

• Stand mixer
• 8-inch round cake pans
• Pastry bag

Optional but Helpful Tools

• Food processor for grinding freeze-dried strawberries
• Cake leveler for ensuring even layers

Having the right tools makes a big difference in your cake’s quality. With these essentials and optional tools, you’re ready to make a beautiful and tasty dessert.

Preparing Your Fresh Strawberries

To make a delicious strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting, preparing fresh strawberries is key. First, wash the strawberries under cold water to get rid of dirt. Then, remove the green tops and slice them thinly.

For the cake, you might want to make a strawberry puree. Blend some sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor. This adds moisture and flavor to the cake. About 4 cups of fresh strawberries make 1.5 cups of puree.

Here are some tips for preparing your fresh strawberries:

• Wash the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris
• Hull the strawberries to remove the green tops
• Slice the strawberries into thin pieces
• Make a strawberry puree by blending some of the sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor

By following these steps, you can ensure your strawberries are ready for your strawberry cake. They’re perfect for making a strawberry puree or just for decoration. Fresh strawberries are a must for this tasty dessert.

Making the Perfect Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

To make a tasty strawberry cake, start by mixing the cake batter. You’ll need flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, butter, and strawberry puree. Mix everything until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

After mixing, pour the batter into pans and bake until golden. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar until it’s right. This frosting makes your cake look and taste amazing.

Mixing the Cake Batter

When mixing the batter, follow important steps. First, mix dry ingredients in a big bowl. Then, add wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix to avoid a dense cake.

Baking Tips for Success

To bake the perfect cake, follow these tips. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick is clean. Use 3 8-inch pans for even cooking. Freeze-dried strawberries add extra flavor and texture.

Creating the Cream Cheese Frosting

To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Then, add powdered sugar until it’s right. This frosting makes your cake look and taste amazing. With these tips, you’ll make a stunning cake that impresses everyone.

Decorating Your Cake Like a Pro

Now that your strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting is ready, it’s time to decorate it. Decorating can be fun and creative. With a few tips, your cake can look like it came from a bakery. A classic look with fresh strawberries and greenery is perfect for a strawberry cake.

Start by placing your cake on a turntable. This makes it easier to decorate all sides. Use a pastry bag for a crumb coat and a final layer of frosting. Top it with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries for a beautiful finish.

Basic Frosting Techniques

There are basic frosting techniques for decorating your cake. You can smooth the frosting with a spatula or create a textured look with a fork. Use a pastry bag to pipe borders and designs. A knife or spatula can also help create a decorative border around the bottom.

Adding Fresh Strawberry Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are a great garnish for your cake. Slice them thinly and arrange them on top in a pattern. Or, use whole strawberries to create a border. You can also make a strawberry reduction sauce to drizzle over the cake.

Here are some tips for decorating your cake:

• Use a turntable to display your cake and make it easier to access all sides.
• Apply a crumb coat of frosting to the cake before adding a final layer of frosting.
• Top the cake with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries for a beautiful and simple decoration.
• Use a pastry bag to pipe on borders and designs.
• Create a decorative border around the bottom of the cake with a knife or spatula.

With these tips, you can decorate your strawberry cake beautifully. Decorating is fun, whether you’re new to it or experienced. By using these techniques, your cake will be delicious and look amazing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When baking a cake, problems can pop up even if you follow the recipe closely. Issues like a dense cake, frosting that’s too thin or too thick, and uneven layers can happen. To fix these, try adjusting the ingredients or checking your oven’s temperature.

Frosting troubles can be a real challenge. If it’s too runny, chill it for about 30 minutes to firm it up. For frosting that’s too stiff, a bit of cream can help soften it. These tweaks can make your frosting just right, making your cake look and taste amazing.

Here are some more tips for tackling common cake and frosting problems:

• Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. The wrong temperature can mess up your cake’s texture.
• Use a cake leveler for even layers, which is key for multi-layer cakes.
• Adjust your frosting’s consistency by adding powdered sugar to thicken or cream to thin it out.

By using these tips and keeping an eye out for common issues, you can make a stunning and tasty cake. Remember, getting it right takes practice. So, don’t get discouraged if your first tries don’t turn out perfectly.

Storage and Serving Tips

To keep your strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting fresh, proper storage is key. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’ll serve it within a day or two, keep it at room temperature. Just make sure it’s away from sunlight and heat.

For the best taste and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. Letting it warm up before serving is a good idea. You can also prepare the cake layers or frosting ahead of time. Then, assemble the cake just before serving.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness
• Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy your strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting at its finest. Remember to think about the serving temperature and storage. This way, the cake will stay fresh and delicious.

Seasonal Variations and Adaptations

Exploring strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting can lead to seasonal changes. You can use fresh strawberries in summer and frozen ones in winter. This way, you can enjoy your favorite dessert all year round. You can also try different frostings to match the cake’s flavor.

For frozen strawberries, thaw them and pat dry with a paper towel. This removes extra moisture, making your cake light and fluffy. You can use whipped cream for a lighter taste or buttercream for something richer. These changes let you make unique cakes for any season.

Other frosting ideas include mixing cream cheese with mascarpone or adding lemon or orange zest. You can also try non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. These options let you create a special dessert for any event.

• Use frozen strawberries as a substitute for fresh strawberries during the off-season
• Experiment with alternative frostings, such as whipped cream or buttercream
• Try using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, to create a non-dairy version of the frosting

Adapting your strawberry cake to different seasons and tastes is fun. Whether you use seasonal variations or try new frostings, the goal is to have fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients until you find your perfect match.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

To get the best results with your strawberry cake, follow some expert tips. First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the cake batter mix smoothly and evenly. This tip is key to a great cake texture.

For decorating, using a turntable to show off your cake is smart. It lets you decorate all sides easily. Plus, adding fresh strawberries adds color and freshness. Here are more tips to remember:

• Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
• Use high-quality ingredients, such as ripe and juicy strawberries, to ensure the best flavor.
• Consider adding a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the color of your cake.

By following these tips and using the right techniques, you can make a stunning strawberry cake. It will be delicious and sure to impress.

Conclusion

The strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting is a true delight for the senses. It’s a spring dessert recipe that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The cake is moist and tender, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

With the right tips and techniques, you can make this bakery-worthy treat at home. It will delight your family and friends with its irresistible charm.

Whether you’re an experienced home baker or just starting, this recipe is sure to become your new signature dish. By following the step-by-step instructions and expert advice, you’ll create a strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting that’s both beautiful and flavorful. So why not give it a try and let this spring-inspired dessert be the star of your next celebration?

FAQ

What makes this strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting special?

This cake is special because it combines moist strawberry cake with tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and tangy, making it both refreshing and rich.

Why is this cake a great centerpiece for spring gatherings?

The cake is a stunning centerpiece for spring celebrations. Its layers of moist cake and generous frosting make it eye-catching. Plus, the natural pink from the strawberries makes it perfect for Instagram.

What makes this recipe popular with home bakers?

Home bakers love this recipe because it’s easy to make. It also lets them get creative, whether by adding fresh strawberries or using different cream cheese types for the frosting.

What are the essential ingredients for the strawberry cake and cream cheese frosting?

For the cake, you need fresh strawberries, all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. For the frosting, you’ll need softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Don’t forget freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor.

What tools and equipment are needed to make this cake?

You’ll need a stand mixer, 8-inch round cake pans, and a pastry bag for decorating. A food processor and cake leveler are optional but helpful. Measuring tools like a digital scale and cups are essential for accuracy.

How do you prepare the fresh strawberries for this recipe?

First, wash the strawberries under cold water. Then, remove the green tops and slice them thinly. You can also make a strawberry puree to add moisture and flavor to the cake.

What are the key steps in making the perfect strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting?

Start by mixing the dry and wet ingredients for the cake batter. Bake the cake until it’s golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Then, make the frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter until smooth, adding powdered sugar gradually.

How can you decorate the strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting?

Place the cake on a turntable for easy access. Apply a crumb coat of frosting, then a final layer. Top with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries for a beautiful decoration.

How can you troubleshoot common issues when baking a strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting?

If your cake is dense, check your ingredient ratios and oven temperature. For uneven layers, use a cake leveler. For frosting issues, adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream.

How should you store and serve the strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. If serving within a day or two, keep it at room temperature. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can you use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well, even when fresh ones are out of season. Thaw and pat them dry before using. You can also try different frostings, like whipped cream or buttercream, for a unique taste.

What are some expert tips for achieving the best results with this strawberry cake?

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. Avoid overmixing the batter. Use a turntable to display your cake and add fresh strawberries for color and freshness.