This delightful Classic Strawberry Layer Cake combines the lightness of a vanilla or strawberry-flavored sponge with the freshness of strawberries and the creaminess of whipped cream. It's a perfect dessert that's as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp strawberry extract for a stronger strawberry flavor
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- Additional whole strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla or strawberry extract.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it, then a layer of sliced strawberries. Top with the second cake layer and repeat with whipped cream and strawberries. Add whole strawberries on top for garnish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: Room temperature ingredients mix better and create a smoother, more homogenous batter.
- Do Not Over-mix the Batter: Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a denser cake.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and presentation, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
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