🍓🍰 Strawberry Velvet Cake: A Decadent Dessert Dream 🍓🍰
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Strawberry Velvet Cake, a perfect combination of rich cocoa undertones and vibrant strawberry sweetness. Topped with a creamy frosting and garnished with fresh strawberries, this cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 🥄
- 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
- 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 🧈
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 cup boiling water 💧
- 2 cups strawberries, pureed 🍓
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam 🍓
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 4 cups powdered sugar 🍚
- 1/4 cup heavy cream 🥛
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- Pink food coloring (optional) 🌸
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish 🍓
- Edible gold and pink sprinkles, for garnish ✨
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2️⃣ Mix the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until smooth.
- Slowly mix in the boiling water until the batter is thin and smooth.
- Fold in the pureed strawberries and strawberry jam until fully combined.
3️⃣ Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4️⃣ Make the Frosting:
- Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until fluffy.
- Add pink food coloring for a beautiful pastel hue.
5️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
6️⃣ Garnish:
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, edible sprinkles, and gold accents for an elegant finish.
✨ Tips for Success:
- Use fresh strawberries: Freshly pureed strawberries bring out the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- Level layers: Use a serrated knife to trim the cake layers for a professional, even look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes! Thaw and drain the strawberries before pureeing to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
- Mistake 1: Cake layers are dense.
Solution: Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. - Mistake 2: Frosting is too thin.
Solution: Add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting, or chill it for 10 minutes. - Mistake 3: Uneven baking.
Solution: Rotate the cake pans halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.
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