Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that brings the bright, sweet flavor of strawberries to every bite. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special day like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, or just want to indulge in something delicious. The combination of moist cake and luscious icing makes this recipe a standout choice for gatherings and celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The fresh strawberries in the cake offer a burst of flavor, complemented by the creamy strawberry icing.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy family dinner; this cake suits any setting.
• Beautiful Presentation: Its vibrant color and creamy frosting make it visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Feeds a Crowd: With 20 servings, it’s ideal for large gatherings or events.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9×13 inch baking pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your batter is mixed thoroughly and achieves the right consistency without tiring your arms.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to separate ingredients easily and mix them without spilling.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring all ingredients are combined well.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1¼ cups unsalted butter (283 grams, room temperature (2½ sticks))
• 2½ cups granulated sugar (500 grams)
• 5 large eggs (250 grams, room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (14 grams, from ½ lemon)
• 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (6 grams)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
• 3 ounces strawberry-flavored gelatin (85 grams (1 box))
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (6 grams)
• 1¼ cups buttermilk (284 grams (SEE NOTE))
• 1 cup diced fresh strawberries (167 grams)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

• 16 ounces cream cheese (454 grams, room temperature (2 bricks))
• ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, room temperature (1 stick))
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
• ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries (125 grams, mashed)
• 3½ cups powdered sugar (396 grams, plus more if needed)

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, strawberry-flavored gelatin, baking soda, and kosher salt.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries into the batter using a rubber spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing.

Step 8: Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

While cooling:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
2. Add kosher salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, diced fresh strawberries, and mix well.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, spread the strawberry cream cheese icing evenly over the top of your Fresh Strawberry Cake. Slice into squares and serve!

Enjoy this delightful treat that perfectly pairs moist strawberry cake with rich cream cheese icing!

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a quiet night at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

For Special Occasions

• Add Fresh Berries: Top each slice with additional fresh strawberries for a burst of freshness and color.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the flavors beautifully.

Casual Gatherings

• Coffee Pairing: Serve slices alongside freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Fruit Salad Side: A light fruit salad can enhance the dessert’s flavor profile while keeping it refreshing.

Individual Servings

• Mini Cakes: Bake individual mini cakes and frost them with strawberry cream cheese icing for personal servings.
• Cake Pops: Transform leftover cake into cake pops for a fun, bite-sized treat.

Creative Presentation

• Layered Parfaits: Layer pieces of cake and icing in glass jars with whipped cream and strawberries for an attractive dessert display.
• Picnic Treats: Slice and pack portions for picnics, wrapped in parchment paper for easy transport.

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How to Perfect Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

To achieve the best results with your Fresh Strawberry Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for ripe, fresh strawberries to enhance flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cake; too much flour can ruin texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before adding icing to prevent it from melting off.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Pairing side dishes with your Fresh Strawberry Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bold Lemonade: A refreshing drink that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Minty Green Salad: A light salad with fresh mint pairs well, adding a crisp element.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Indulge in this classic treat that complements the main dessert beautifully.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of the cake.
5. Vanilla Yogurt: Serve alongside yogurt for added creaminess and tanginess.
6. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts provide a savory crunch that balances sweetness perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure the right balance of ingredients.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before icing. This prevents the icing from melting off.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store the Fresh Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

• item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
• item Microwave: Heat a slice for about 10-15 seconds, checking to prevent overheating.
• item Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover it, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing that you might find helpful.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.

How do I make my icing thicker?

To thicken your strawberry cream cheese icing, add more powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve slices of Fresh Strawberry Cake chilled or at room temperature with extra fresh strawberries on top for decoration.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add lemon zest or other fruit flavors into both the cake and icing for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for any occasion, you can easily customize it by adding different fruits or flavors. Give this delightful treat a try; your taste buds will thank you!