Oh, let me tell you, there’s just something magical about baking a Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing! The sweet, juicy burst of fresh strawberries mixed into a fluffy cake creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. And then there’s that creamy icing—smooth, rich, and oh-so-decadent, it perfectly complements the cake’s light texture. I remember the first time I made this cake; the smell wafting through my kitchen was heavenly! It’s a delightful dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night at home. Trust me, each bite feels like a warm hug, and your taste buds will thank you for this delicious treat!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, and I promise, it’s worth it! Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (for icing)
Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; they really make this cake shine! And don’t forget to let your cream cheese soften—it’s key for achieving that dreamy, smooth icing! Now, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful journey of making this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing! Follow my steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous cake that’s bursting with flavor. Ready? Let’s do this!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is critical because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab your cake pans and grease them well—trust me, you don’t want your beautiful cake to stick! I like to line the bottoms with parchment paper too, just for that extra insurance.
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s super important to get that air in there! Now, stir in the vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries. You’ll want to really mix this until it’s all combined and looks like a lovely pink concoction!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour. Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients (dry-wet-dry), mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix; you want that cake to be tender and fluffy!
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center of the cakes—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. When they’re done, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential; icing a warm cake is a big no-no!
Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While your cakes are cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese icing! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the 2 tablespoons of milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. The room temperature cream cheese makes a world of difference here, so don’t skip that step!
Assemble and Serve
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble! Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of icing on top, and then gently place the second layer on top. Finish by icing the top and sides of the cake. If you’re feeling fancy, you can decorate with fresh strawberries on top or even some mint leaves for a pop of color. Slice it up, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s super easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers!
The flavor is simply divine—sweet, fresh strawberries in every bite!
Perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or just because!
The cream cheese icing adds a rich, creamy contrast that’s just heavenly.
It’s a crowd-pleaser; everyone loves a slice of strawberry cake!
Refreshing and light, it feels like a little slice of summer on your plate!
You can easily customize it with extra strawberries or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture.
It looks stunning on any dessert table, so it’s fantastic for impressing guests!
Tips for Success
When it comes to baking the perfect Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, a few simple tips can take your cake from good to absolutely amazing! Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key for a smooth batter and creamy icing! Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. They incorporate better and create that lovely fluffy texture we’re after.
Fresh Strawberries are a Must: I can’t stress this enough! Fresh strawberries not only provide the best flavor but also a lovely texture. Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy and can affect the cake’s consistency.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that! You want it light and airy.
Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes—patience is key!
Cool Completely: Let your cakes cool completely before icing. If you rush this step, the icing can melt right off, and nobody wants a puddle of icing on their plate!
Customize Your Icing: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or vanilla extract to your icing for a little extra zing. It can elevate the flavor even more!
Have Fun with Decorations: Get creative with your presentation! Fresh strawberries on top or even a sprinkle of edible flowers can make your cake look extra special without much effort.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a strawberry cake that’s not just good, but absolutely unforgettable!
Nutritional Information
When indulging in a slice of this delightful Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 slice):
Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 4g
This cake is a delightful little indulgence, and knowing these numbers can help you enjoy it even more. It’s all about balance, right? So slice up a piece, savor every bite, and enjoy the sweetness of life!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are absolutely ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This will help maintain the right consistency in your cake. Keep in mind, though, that fresh strawberries provide a brighter flavor and a lovely texture that frozen ones can’t quite match. So, if you can, go for the fresh ones!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long! If you need to, you can layer parchment paper between slices to prevent them from sticking together. Just remember, the cake might dry out a bit after a couple of days, so enjoy it while it’s still soft and delicious!
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you want to switch things up or you’re not a fan of cream cheese, there are a couple of great alternatives! Mascarpone cheese is an excellent choice for a similar creamy texture but with a sweeter flavor. You could also use Greek yogurt for a lighter icing—just be sure to add a little more powdered sugar to balance the tanginess. Another option is a vegan cream cheese or buttercream if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative. Get creative and find what works best for your taste!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this stunning Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Icing, let’s talk about how to elevate your serving experience! This cake is so versatile, and there are plenty of delightful pairings that can take it to the next level.
Fresh Berries: Serve slices with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The burst of fruitiness complements the cake’s flavors beautifully!
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side adds an airy richness that pairs perfectly with the dense cake.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade balances the sweetness of the cake and makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert experience, serve a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside your cake. The cold creaminess is just heavenly!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of each slice for an extra touch of indulgence. It’s a simple way to elevate the dessert visually and flavor-wise!
Mint Leaves: Garnish each slice with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor. It’s like a little garden on your plate!
Cheese Platter: For a unique twist, consider a cheese platter with creamy cheeses like brie and tangy goat cheese to contrast the sweetness of the cake.
These serving suggestions can turn your Strawberry Cake into a delightful centerpiece for any gathering, making each moment a bit more special. So get creative, enjoy, and share the love with your friends and family!
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