Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake: An Incredible 7-Layer Recipe

Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake is a delightful summer treat that will make your taste buds sing with joy. This cake is a celebration of seasonal strawberries combined with fluffy cream and delicate layers. Each bite reveals a soft sponge cake layered generously with creamy filling and fresh strawberries, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a birthday celebration, or simply enjoying some time with friends, this cake is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Imagine serving this beautiful cake surrounded by your loved ones on a warm summer afternoon. The vibrant red of strawberries against the white cream evokes feelings of joy and happiness. Not only is the presentation stunning, but the flavors come together in a delightful harmony that makes each slice more enticing than the last. In this guide, we will explore the reasons why you’ll love this recipe, the necessary preparation and cooking times, a detailed list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and ideas on how to serve this amazing cake correctly.

So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the incredible world of Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparing Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the time you can expect:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes

This timeline may vary based on your kitchen efficiency and experience, but this framework should help you organize your baking session effectively.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Mix in Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Divide Batter: Pour equal portions of the batter into the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
11. Layer the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of whipped cream on top of one cake layer, followed by a generous amount of sliced strawberries.
12. Add Second Layer: Place the second layer on top, then spread the whipped cream over the entire cake and garnish with remaining strawberries and mint leaves.
13. Chill: For best results, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.

How to Serve

When it comes to serving Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake, presentation and accompaniment are key to making it memorable:

1. Use a Cake Stand: Elevate the cake on a beautiful cake stand for an elegant look.
2. Accompaniments: Pair slices with additional strawberries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair.
3. Slice Size: Serve generous yet manageable slices to encourage guests to go for seconds.
4. Beverage Pairing: Consider serving this delightful cake with refreshing iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of sparkling wine for a classy touch.
5. Personal Touch: Include personalized notes or small decorations to make each serving feel special and customized.

By thoughtfully serving your Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake, you’ll create an experience that guests will remember long after the last slice has been enjoyed. This delightful summer treat promises joy, laughter, and an abundance of sweet memories.

Additional Tips

• Use Ripe Strawberries: Select ripe and juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Look for bright red berries with fresh green tops.
• Whip Cream Slowly: When whipping the cream, start at a lower speed to avoid splattering, then increase the speed as it begins to thicken.
• Chill Tools: For an even fluffier whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
• Keep Layers Even: Use a kitchen scale to measure your batter for equally sized layers, ensuring a beautiful, balanced cake.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations of the Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake:

1. Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or lime to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
2. Chocolate Layer: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter to create a chocolate-strawberry cake.
3. Alternate Fruits: Replace strawberries with seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for a different taste.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of whipped cream, use cream cheese frosting for a creamy and tangy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, to preserve its freshness for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This will keep them fresh for up to 2 months. Allow the slices to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Special Equipment

To create the perfect Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake, you will need the following tools:

• Mixing bowls: A set of varying sizes, including a large bowl for the cake batter.
• Electric mixer: Essential for whipping the cream and blending the batter.
• Cake pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans for baking.
• Offset spatula: Useful for spreading whipped cream and leveling layers.
• Wire cooling racks: To cool the cake layers evenly after baking.

Conclusion

Homemade Strawberry Cream Cake is indeed a delightful summer treat that captures the essence of the season. Its light sponge, luscious whipped cream, and fresh strawberries come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave an impression on any gathering. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless variations, this cake is perfect for any skill level. Share it with friends and family, and make beautiful memories around the table. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!