Craving a slice of summer on your plate? Look no further than this delectable Strawberry Cake recipe that promises to elevate your taste buds to a whole new level of bliss. Bursting with the fresh, juicy flavor of strawberries, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 box white cake mix (18.25 ounces)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin (3 ounces)
- 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (15 ounces)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the frosting:
- 7 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed (10 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water. Mix until well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Blend in the strawberry puree and extract. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until creamy and smooth.
- Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes have cooled, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting over them generously.
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your cake with fresh strawberries.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this divine creation to your eager guests or treat yourself to a heavenly dessert experience.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
Serving Tips:
- Fresh Strawberry Garnish: Enhance the visual appeal of your strawberry cake by garnishing it with fresh strawberries. Sliced or whole strawberries can be arranged on top of the frosting for an elegant finishing touch.
- Serve Chilled: For a refreshing twist, chill the strawberry cake in the refrigerator before serving. The cool temperature will complement the fruity flavors and make each bite even more enjoyable, especially on warm summer days.
- Accompaniments: Pair slices of strawberry cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. The creamy textures will balance the sweetness of the cake and create a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Afternoon Tea Delight: Host a charming afternoon tea party and serve slices of strawberry cake alongside a selection of teas. The delicate flavors of the cake pair beautifully with floral or fruity tea blends, creating a delightful and sophisticated experience.
- Individual Portions: For a stylish presentation, consider serving individual portions of strawberry cake in decorative cupcake liners or on dessert plates. This allows guests to enjoy their own personal servings without the need for slicing.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life of your strawberry cake, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen strawberry cake can last for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen strawberry cake, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw individual slices at room temperature for quicker thawing.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve strawberry cake fresh within a few days of baking. While it can be stored for longer periods, the flavors and moisture may diminish over time.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Summer Bliss Strawberry Cake remains a delightful treat from the first bite to the last, whether enjoyed immediately or saved for later indulgence.
Variations :
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cake: For a decadent twist, add a layer of melted chocolate ganache between the cake layers before frosting with the strawberry cream cheese frosting. Top the cake with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a stunning presentation.
- Lemon-Strawberry Cake: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the cake batter for a bright and tangy flavor. Substitute lemon extract for the strawberry extract in the frosting for a delightful lemony twist that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Strawberry Shortcake Parfait: Instead of traditional layer cake, turn this recipe into individual strawberry shortcake parfaits. Layer cubes of strawberry cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries in parfait glasses for a stunning and portable dessert option.
- Almond-Strawberry Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries. Top the cake with sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars: Press the cake batter into the bottom of a greased baking dish to create a crust. Spread a layer of strawberry jam over the cake layer, then top with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. Bake until set, then chill before slicing into bars for a delightful twist on classic cheesecake.
- Coconut-Strawberry Cake: Fold shredded coconut into the cake batter for a tropical flair. Use coconut extract instead of strawberry extract in the frosting for a creamy coconut flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the frosting for added texture.
- Strawberry Cupcakes: Transform this recipe into individual cupcakes by dividing the batter evenly among lined muffin tins. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and top each cupcake with a swirl of strawberry cream cheese frosting for a charming and portable dessert option.
- Berry Medley Cake: Mix chopped mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, into the cake batter along with the strawberries for a colorful and flavorful twist. Top the cake with a mixed berry compote or fresh berries for a burst of freshness in every bite.
By experimenting with these variations, you can customize your Strawberry Cake recipe to suit your taste preferences and create a delightful dessert experience that is sure to impress. Whether you prefer classic strawberry flavor or want to try something new, these variations offer endless possibilities for delicious creations.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) :
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones in this recipe? Yes, you can absolutely use fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones. Simply hull and chop fresh strawberries and use them in place of the frozen ones. However, you may need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage.
- Can I use a different flavor of gelatin in the cake batter? Certainly! While this recipe calls for strawberry-flavored gelatin, you can experiment with other flavors such as raspberry, cherry, or even lime for a unique twist on the classic strawberry cake.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking? The cake is done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no crumbs clinging to it. Additionally, the edges of the cake should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Can I omit the cream cheese from the frosting? Yes, you can omit the cream cheese from the frosting if desired. However, keep in mind that cream cheese adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the frosting that complements the sweetness of the cake.
With its moist, fluffy texture and irresistible strawberry flavor, this Summer Bliss Strawberry Cake is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Indulge in the taste of summer with every bite and let this delightful dessert become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So, go ahead, bake up a batch, and savor the sweetness of the season!
