Name: Strawberries and Cream Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; Extra strawberries for decoration

A soft and fluffy cake topped with fresh strawberries and a rich, creamy frosting – this Strawberries and Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this delightful combination of light cake and creamy frosting with juicy strawberries is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Extra strawberries for decoration

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

For the whipped cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Once the cake has cooled, frost the top with the whipped cream and decorate with fresh sliced strawberries.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, you can swap the butter with a plant-based butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the frosting.

Gluten-Free: To make this cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ingredients of your baking powder and ensure it’s gluten-free.

Flavor Twist: For a fun twist, you could add a bit of lemon zest to the batter or frosting for a citrusy flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: If you prefer the cake slightly warm, you can gently microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. However, it’s just as delicious served cold.

FAQs

How can I make the cake ahead of time?

You can bake the cake up to a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Frost it with the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture on the cake.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped cream if you’re short on time. However, homemade whipped cream adds a richer flavor and is so easy to make!

Can I add other fruits to the cake?

Absolutely! You could add other berries like raspberries or blueberries to the frosting or even inside the cake for extra flavor. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture.

How do I make the cake fluffier?

Make sure to properly cream the butter and sugar, and don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Conclusion

This Strawberries and Cream Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberries come together to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or enjoying a slice for yourself, this cake will surely be a hit every time!

Recipe: