Introduction
Indulging in a homemade cake can be a delightful experience, especially when topped with a luscious cream and fresh fruits. This simple yet tasty cake recipe is perfect for gatherings, dessert cravings, or just a sweet treat at home. With fluffy vanilla flavors and a fresh strawberry topping, it’s sure to impress both family and friends. Let’s gather the ingredients and get baking!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon salt
¼ cup salted butter, room temperature
1 egg
6 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups sliced strawberries
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes (plus time for cooling and refrigerating)
Yield
Serves 8 to 10 people
Enjoy this easy-to-make cake with its delightful topping. Perfect for any occasion, it brings a burst of flavor and sweetness that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the room-temperature butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the mixture and add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Mix until all ingredients are just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Pan
Pour the batter into a greased and floured or parchment-lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 9: Release the Cake from Pan
Once cooled, loosen the edges of the cake from the pan and turn it onto a serving platter or cooling rack.
Step 10: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
Step 11: Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
Step 12: Fold Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 13: Spread the Topping
Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Step 14: Arrange Strawberries
Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream layer.
Step 15: Refrigerate
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Cooling Time
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the topping to prevent it from melting.
Whipping Cream
Make sure to whip the cream in a clean bowl to achieve the best volume.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room-temperature butter and cream cheese ensures a smoother consistency in the mixture.
Strawberry Preparation
Wash and slice the strawberries just before arranging them on the cake to keep them fresh.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt evenly to ensure a uniform mixture, which helps the cake to rise properly when baked.
Cutting in Butter
Use a fork to incorporate room-temperature butter into dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique helps to create a tender cake by minimizing gluten formation.
Creating a Well
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients to add wet ingredients. This method allows for better mixing and ensures that the wet ingredients are evenly distributed.
Mixing the Batter
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy, as excessive mixing can lead to a dense texture.
Baking the Cake
Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake has cooked through without overbaking.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before inverting it onto a serving platter. This helps maintain the cake’s shape and prevents it from breaking.
Whipping Cream
Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This technique incorporates air into the cream, making it light and fluffy, ideal for topping.
Mixing Cream Cheese and Sugar
Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth to create a creamy base for your topping. This ensures a sweet and tangy flavor complementing the strawberries.
Folding Techniques
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream, resulting in a light and fluffy topping.
Arranging Toppings
After spreading the cream mixture over the cake, arrange sliced strawberries on top. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the recipe if you prefer a similar flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy whipping cream alternative, though the final texture and flavor may vary.
How do I store the cake after making it?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture on the cake.
What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?
Consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a citrusy or nutty flavor twist.
Conclusion
This delightful strawberry cake, topped with a creamy layer and fresh strawberries, is the perfect treat for any occasion. Its light texture and balanced sweetness will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy every bite of this homemade deliciousness!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mixed Berry Bliss Cake
Swap out strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries on top of your cream layer for a berry medley.
Lemon Cream Cheese Cake
Add lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture and use lemon slices for garnish instead of strawberries for a zesty twist.
Chocolate Hazelnut Delight
Replace the strawberries with finely chopped hazelnuts and drizzle chocolate sauce over the cream topping for a richer flavor.
Peach and Almond Dream Cake
Use sliced peaches in place of strawberries and sprinkle slivered almonds on top for a fruity and nutty combination.
Coconut-Pineapple Layer Cake
Incorporate shredded coconut into the cream topping and top with fresh pineapple slices for a tropical flavor profile.
