Moist Strawberry Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of our Moist Strawberry Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting Recipe, where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines the richness of velvet cake with the freshness of strawberries and the creaminess of a specially crafted frosting. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a truly decadent treat.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the moist strawberry-infused cake and the creamy frosting creates a delightful harmony that will leave everyone wanting more.
• The ease of preparation makes this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Despite its simplicity, the end result is incredibly impressive. The cake’s vibrant color and the frosting’s smooth texture make for a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 cup strawberry puree
• For the frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter – In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined. Stir in strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
3. Step 3: Bake the Cakes – Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Frosting – Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Beat in vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Cake – Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with sliced strawberries.

Handy Tips

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix the cake batter for a lighter and fluffier texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter or the frosting, as this can lead to a dense cake and a too-stiff frosting.
• For a more intense strawberry flavor, use high-quality strawberry puree or make your own by blending fresh strawberries with a little sugar.

Heat Control

When baking the cakes, it’s crucial to maintain the correct oven temperature (350°F or 175°C) to ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry cakes, so keep an eye on them after the 25-minute mark.

Crunch Factor

This cake is designed to be moist and tender, with a smooth and creamy frosting. To maintain this texture, avoid overbaking the cakes and make sure the frosting is beaten until it’s light and fluffy. If you prefer a crunch, you could add some chopped nuts or strawberry seeds to the batter or the frosting.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure your cakes are perfectly level, bake them for a few minutes more if one seems to be rising more than the other, or use cake levelers.
• For a professional finish, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and make it easier to slice.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the layers separately before frosting and assembling the cake.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake makes a wonderful gift, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration. Consider decorating the cake with fresh flowers or writing a message on top with chocolate or frosting. The cake can be placed in a beautiful cake box or on a decorative plate, wrapped with a ribbon or a gift bag, and accompanied by a card or a small gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different extracts like almond or lemon to the cake batter for a unique twist.
• Use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the cake.
• Experiment with various fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, for a change in flavor and color.

Troubleshooting

• If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together.
• If the frosting is too stiff, you can soften it by beating in a little more cream cheese or butter. If it’s too runny, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up.
• For cakes that are not baking evenly, check your oven temperature and consider rotating the cakes halfway through the baking time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before assembling and frosting for up to 2 months.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours as a substitute.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Making the Moist Strawberry Velvet Cake with Creamy Frosting is a journey of discovery, from the initial mix of ingredients to the final presentation. It’s a recipe that encourages creativity and experimentation, whether you’re adding your favorite nuts, trying out different flavors, or simply enjoying the process of baking. So, don’t hesitate to share your creations, adapt the recipe to your tastes, and most importantly, have fun with it. Happy baking!