strawberry layer cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
For the Whipped Cream Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layers:
- 2-3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Crumb Coating:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or cookies
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Whipped Cream Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Chill the whipped cream until ready to assemble the cake.
3. Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash, hull, and slice fresh strawberries. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, slice each cake horizontally into two even layers, giving you four layers in total.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of whipped cream filling on top.
- Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries over the whipped cream.
- Repeat this process with the second and third layers, alternating between whipped cream and strawberry slices.
- Top the cake with the final cake layer.
5. Apply Crumb Coating:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers (or cookies) with melted butter.
- Gently press the crumb mixture around the sides of the cake to create a crumbly coating.
6. Decorate and Serve:
- Top the cake with additional whipped cream swirls, using a piping bag if desired.
- Decorate the top with whole and sliced strawberries, arranging them in a visually appealing way.
- Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh, creamy, and fruity flavors of this stunning strawberry layer cake!
This recipe yields a showstopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. The combination of soft cake, airy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries makes it the perfect treat for any occasion.