Luscious Strawberry Layer Cake
This delightful cake combines fluffy layers with fresh strawberries and creamy frosting for a sweet treat everyone will love. Perfect for celebrations or a simple indulgence, it’s sure to brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients
Crunchy Potato Curlicues
Instructions
Step 1
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil with an electric mixer on medium for about two minutes until smooth. Pour a third of the batter into one pan. To the remaining batter, stir in half of the strawberry gelatin and 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract, then divide this pink batter evenly between the other two pans.
Step 2
Pop the pans in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, carefully flip the cakes onto a wire rack lined with parchment and let them cool completely.
Step 3
While the cakes cool, set aside 9 to 12 whole strawberries for decorating. Chop up the rest and pat them dry with a paper towel. For the filling, beat the cream cheese with the remaining strawberry gelatin, add the last 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract and some powdered sugar, and mix until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
Step 4
To assemble, place one of the pink cake layers on your serving plate and spread half the strawberry filling over it. Add the plain cake layer next, cover with the remaining filling, and top with the second pink layer. For the frosting, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until it’s thick enough to spread. Coat the top and sides of the cake with the frosting.
Step 5
To get a smooth finish on top, lay a piece of parchment over the cake and gently run a spatula across it before peeling the paper off. Finally, pipe some frosting swirls around the edges and tuck the reserved whole strawberries on top for a pretty finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a perfect balance of sweet and fresh flavors. The layers are moist and fluffy, while the strawberries add a bright, juicy touch. It’s a delightful treat for any celebration or just a special dessert to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnish with extra sliced strawberries for a beautiful presentation. It pairs well with a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling wine.
Storage Tips
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw before serving.