Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to picnics. This cake features layers of moist strawberry-flavored cake, complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting. Its vibrant color and fresh strawberry taste make it a standout dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this cake quickly, even if you’re short on time.
• Visually Stunning: The bright pink layers and creamy frosting make this cake as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, this cake fits in anywhere.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite fruits or decorations to personalize the cake!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, you will need some essential tools. These will help streamline the preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch)
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Allow for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter with minimal effort, ensuring even mixing.
• Cake pans: Ensure uniform baking and shape for each layer of your cake.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (or strawberry puree)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 box strawberry-flavored vegan gelatin (3 oz, like Jell-O)
• Optional: 3–4 drops red food coloring for a more vibrant pink

For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix and strawberry vegan gelatin powder.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, sour cream, mashed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
4. If desired, add food coloring to intensify the pink color.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops.

Step 2: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla extract and gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and creamy.
3. Pour in cold heavy whipping cream and whip until fluffy with peaks forming (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overwhip.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level each cooled cake layer with a serrated knife if necessary.
2. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake board and spread a layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second layer on top of the first and repeat with frosting in between layers.
4. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with remaining frosting. Smooth out or create swirls as desired.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries if serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any celebration. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve slices of the cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a colorful and fruity touch.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side to create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Drizzled with Fruit Sauce

• Enhance the presentation by drizzling strawberry or raspberry sauce over the cake slices for an extra burst of flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with an additional dollop of whipped cream to complement the frosting and add a lightness to every bite.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cake pieces on a beautiful platter with other desserts, such as cookies or brownies, for a stunning dessert table display.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

To ensure your Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries give the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture in your batter.

• Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a fluffy one.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure that your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

• Chill Your Tools: For the whipped cream cheese frosting, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for optimal whipping results.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness, making it an ideal companion.

2. Mango Sorbet: This light and refreshing sorbet complements the sweetness of the cake without overwhelming it.

3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These rich treats provide an indulgent pairing that matches beautifully with strawberry flavors.

4. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea offer a perfect balance to rich desserts like this cake.

5. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes make for a delightful contrast in flavors while keeping dessert options varied.

6. Nutty Granola Parfaits: Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit in small glasses for a crunchy and creamy treat that pairs wonderfully with cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can result in a dense cake. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and smooth for a light cake.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the rise of your cake. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not Leveling the Cake Layers: Uneven layers can make frosting difficult. Use a serrated knife to level off any domed tops before stacking.
• Skipping Taste Testing the Frosting: Not tasting your frosting can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar or cream as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for longer storage.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost the cake one day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving.

What can I use instead of vegan gelatin?

You can use fruit pectin or agar-agar as alternatives that are plant-based and work well in this recipe.

How do I customize my Strawberry Cake?

Feel free to add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or experiment with different flavor extracts in your frosting!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free flour blends that are suitable for baking cakes.

How do I make my frosting fluffier?

Ensure your heavy cream is cold and whip it until it holds stiff peaks; this will add lightness to your frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it easily by adding different fruits or adjusting flavors, making it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration. Try making this delightful cake today!