Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese frosting. This cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully layered, making it a fantastic treat for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a sweet craving. The homemade strawberry cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible touch, enhancing the cake’s overall decadence. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a stunning and delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake at home.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped or mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• A pinch of salt

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and optional strawberry extract.
5. Mix in the pureed strawberries and sour cream until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. If using, add a few drops of pink food coloring to enhance the color of the batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Gently fold in the finely chopped or mashed strawberries. Be careful not to add too much liquid, or the frosting may become too thin.
5. If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before frosting the cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, covering the sides and top evenly.
4. Use a spatula to create swirls or decorative patterns on the frosting.
5. Optionally, garnish with fresh strawberries on top.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to help set the frosting.
2. Slice and serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Strawberry Lemon Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and increase the lemon juice in the frosting for a tangy variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

COOKING Note:

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
• Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting ensures a smoother consistency.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
• Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Tips:

• For an extra moist cake, brush the layers with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water before frosting.
• If the frosting is too runny, add extra powdered sugar or chill it before applying.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 30 minutes

Total Time:

• 50 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: ~420 per slice
• Protein: ~5g
• Sodium: ~180mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

A: Yes, thaw and drain them before pureeing to prevent excess liquid from making the batter too runny.

Q: How can I make the cake more moist?

A: Adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk can help retain moisture.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to store this cake?

A: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Cheese Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With its moist layers, luscious frosting, and vibrant strawberry flavor, it’s a must-try for any dessert lover. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite!