Description
Heavenly strawberry cake elevates summer desserts with its lush layers of sweet berries and cloud-like whipped cream. Delicate crumb and fresh fruit create a perfect balance that delights taste buds and brings pure joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 0.75 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 0.33 cups vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1.5 teaspoons strawberry extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1.67 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
Fruit and Additional Filling:
- 4 cups sliced strawberries
- 0.33 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup slightly warmed strawberry jelly
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
- Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a large mixing bowl.
- Craft a smooth wet mixture by beating sugar, vegetable oil, and melted butter until well integrated. Incorporate egg whites individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
- Enhance the wet mixture by introducing heavy cream, sour cream, milk, strawberry extract, and vanilla extract. Stir until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
- Merge dry and wet ingredients gradually, stirring until just incorporated to maintain a light cake texture.
- Distribute batter evenly across prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Validate doneness with a toothpick test. Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Prepare strawberry maceration by combining sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Allow mixture to develop flavor for minimum 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to distribute ingredients.
- Develop a luxurious frosting by smoothing cream cheese, then gradually integrating powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. In a separate vessel, whip heavy cream to stiff peak consistency. Delicately fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until achieving a smooth, airy texture.
- Construct the cake by positioning first layer on serving plate. Apply thin strawberry jelly layer, top with macerated strawberries, and spread generous frosting. Repeat layering process with second cake layer. Crown with final layer, frost entire cake exterior, and optionally garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more even cake crumb.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- Macerate strawberries in advance to intensify their natural sweetness and create a juicier filling.
- Line cake pans with parchment paper for easier removal and prevent sticking.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color in the cake and decoration.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg