Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both sweet and refreshing, this Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting is a perfect choice. Bursting with strawberry flavor, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Its moist texture and creamy frosting make it ideal for birthdays, summer picnics, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
– ½ cup salted butter, softened
– 1½ cups white granulated sugar
– ¾ cup whole milk
– 3 large eggs
– 1 (3-ounce) packet strawberry Jell-O powder
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 cup diced strawberries
Prep Time
Preparation time for this delicious cake is approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing you to quickly get started on this sweet endeavor.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Bake for 45 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour (includes cooling time)
Yield: This recipe will serve approximately 12-15 slices.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful cake that showcases the sweetness of strawberries in every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric hand mixer until smooth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Milk
Add the eggs and milk to the creamed mixture. Mix until the eggs and milk are well blended with the creamed sugar.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gently whisk in the strawberry Jell-O powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until no pockets of flour or other dry ingredients remain in the cake batter.
Step 5: Pour Cake Batter
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top.
Step 6: Bake Cake
Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on the counter for 45 minutes.
Step 8: Prepare Frosting
Once the cake has cooled, prepare the frosting by using a hand mixer to whisk the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and diced strawberries together on medium-high speed until smooth.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 10: Serve
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1: Ingredient Temperature
Ensure that the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
Note 2: Diced Strawberries
Cut the strawberries into small pieces to ensure they blend well into the frosting.
Note 3: Baking Time
Oven temperatures may vary; check the cake for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
Note 4: Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
1. Creaming Butter and Sugar
The creaming method involves mixing softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a light and tender cake.
2. Whisking Dry Ingredients
Gently whisking the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and Jell-O powder) together helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavors, ensuring a uniform texture in the final cake.
3. Folding in Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined, ensuring there are no dry pockets.
4. Baking the Cake
Bake the cake in a preheated oven for the specified time. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
5. Cooling the Cake
Let the cake cool in the baking pan for the recommended time. This helps stabilize the cake before transferring it to a wire rack or serving plate.
6. Making Frosting
To prepare frosting, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and diced strawberries until smooth. This technique ensures an even distribution of flavor and a creamy texture.
7. Spreading Frosting
Use a spatula to spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Start from the center and work your way out, ensuring a smooth finish.
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter in the cake?
Yes, you can substitute unsalted butter, but you may want to add a pinch of salt to maintain the flavor balance.
What type of strawberries should I use for the frosting?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for the frosting as they provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute another flavor of Jell-O for the cake?
Yes, other flavors of Jell-O can be substituted, but keep in mind that it will change the cake’s flavor profile accordingly.
How can I make the cake more moist?
To enhance the moisture, you can add an additional egg or a bit of vegetable oil to the batter.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
This delightful strawberry cake, complemented by a rich cream cheese frosting, is perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat. The combination of flavors and textures—from the moist cake infused with strawberry goodness to the creamy, fruity frosting—ensures it will be a hit with family and friends.
Variations with Jell-O Cakes
Try using different flavors of Jell-O, such as raspberry or lemon, to create unique cakes that cater to various tastes.
Layered Cake Delight
Consider making a layered version of this cake by baking two or three separate layers and stacking them with frosting in between for a more impressive presentation.
Fruit Toppings
Add a mix of fresh fruits on top, like blueberries or kiwi slices, to enhance the visual appeal and add a refreshing twist.
Cupcake Adaptation
Transform this recipe into cupcakes for individual servings that are easy to decorate and serve at parties.
Chocolate Chip Fusion
Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for a delightful chocolate-strawberry combination.
Nutty Crunch Addition
Mix in chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add a crunchy texture to your cake for added flavor and contrast.
Alternative Frosting Ideas
Experiment with different frostings like vanilla buttercream or whipped cream for a lighter finish that suits your taste.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Use this cake to create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two slices of the cake.
