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Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Enjoy the delightful Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a moist and tender cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, complemented by a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make dessert uses simple pantry staples and fresh fruit, offering a perfect treat for celebrations or cozy gatherings, with versatile options for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • Fresh Strawberries – 2 cups (1 cup pureed, 1 cup chopped)
  • All-Purpose Flour – 2 ½ cups
  • Sugar – 1 ¾ cups
  • Butter (softened) – ½ cup (1 stick)
  • Eggs – 3 large
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Baking Powder – 2 tsp
  • Baking Soda – ½ tsp
  • Vanilla Extract – 2 tsp

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Cream Cheese (softened) – 8 oz (1 package)
  • Butter (softened) – ¼ cup (half stick)
  • Powdered Sugar – 3 cups
  • Heavy Cream – 3 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull fresh strawberries. Puree half of them to mix into the cake batter for natural strawberry flavor, and chop the remaining strawberries to use as garnish or between layers for texture.
  2. Mix the Cake Batter: Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternate adding vanilla extract and buttermilk with the flour, baking powder, and baking soda mixture. Fold in the strawberry puree gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly into greased round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then whip in heavy cream until the frosting is light, creamy, and spreadable.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top, and add chopped strawberries if desired. Repeat for remaining layers and finish by covering the entire cake with the frosting, smoothing evenly.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • If frosting is too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using.
  • Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Level cake layers with a serrated knife for even stacking.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, fresh strawberries, dessert, baking, gluten-free option, summer cake

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/strawberry-dream-layer-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/