Description
Strawberry Layer Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup butter
1½ cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1½ cups chopped strawberries
For the Frosting:
1 cup butter
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup strawberry jam
Strawberries for garnish
Preparation Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease pans.
Sift flour and baking powder. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
Combine dry ingredients with milk, then fold in strawberries.
Bake for 25 minutes, cool completely.
Frost and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Fresh, fruity, and festive! Save this for your next baking project. #SweetBerryCake
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Sift together the 2 cups of flour and 2 tsp baking powder. Set aside.
2. Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the 1 cup of softened butter and 1½ cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Combine: Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and the 1 cup of milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Gently fold in the 1½ cups of chopped strawberries.
4. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Frost: For the frosting, beat 1 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in ½ cup of strawberry jam until frosting is fluffy and uniform in color.
6. Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of frosting. Top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a beautiful presentation, arrange a ring of whole and halved strawberries on top. This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of Earl Grey tea. It’s perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, or summer celebrations.
How-to Summary
Prepare pans and dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Alternate mixing in dry ingredients and milk. Fold in chopped strawberries. Bake two layers for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely. Make frosting by creaming butter, powdered sugar, and strawberry jam. Frost the cooled cake layers and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid to prevent a soggy batter. Chop them finely after draining.
How do I store this cake? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days due to the fresh fruit. Let slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I make the cake layers ahead? Absolutely. Bake and cool the layers completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw before frosting.
Why did my strawberries sink to the bottom? This can happen if the batter is too thin or the strawberries are too wet. Ensure your batter is properly thick and toss your chopped strawberries in a tablespoon of the dry flour mixture before folding them in.
Can I use a different fruit jam in the frosting? Certainly. Raspberry or blackberry jam would be delicious alternatives, though it will change the flavor and color of the frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using cold butter, which won’t cream properly. Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt. Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients, as this develops gluten and leads to a tough cake. Finally, do not skip the step of sifting the dry ingredients, as it prevents clumps and ensures a light, even crumb.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Layer Cake is a classic dessert that balances tender vanilla cake with the bright, sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a stunning, delicious centerpiece for any occasion. The homemade strawberry frosting adds an extra layer of fruity indulgence that store-bought versions can’t match. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
