As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, especially when it comes to baking. That’s why I adore this Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting recipe! It’s not just a treat for the little ones; it’s a delightful dessert that brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Imagine the joy of serving a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious, all while knowing it’s made with love. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
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Strawberry cake cream cheese whipped cream frosting delights babies!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful strawberry cake topped with cream cheese whipped cream frosting that is perfect for babies and young children.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the two layers and on top of the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberries are ripe for the best flavor.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a healthier option, reduce the sugar in the cake and frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, baby-friendly dessert
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting
This Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is a game-changer for busy families. It’s quick to whip up, taking just about an hour from start to finish. The taste? Oh, it’s a burst of fresh strawberries in every bite, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch that feels special, turning any day into a celebration!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
- Sugar: Sweetness is key! It balances the tartness of the strawberries and enhances flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture, making your cake tender.
- Eggs: They act as a binding agent, helping the cake rise and giving it a lovely texture.
- Milk: This adds moisture and helps create a soft crumb in your cake.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth.
- Fresh strawberries: Pureed strawberries bring a burst of fruity flavor and natural sweetness to the cake.
- Cream cheese: This is the star of the frosting, providing a creamy, tangy base that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks, it lightens the frosting and adds a luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Fresh strawberries for garnish: These not only add a pop of color but also enhance the strawberry flavor.
For those looking to make adjustments, consider using whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or substituting coconut cream for a dairy-free option. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them well. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to make sure the cakes slide out easily later. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a cake that sticks!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making your cake tender. It should take about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush it; the fluffier, the better!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor
Now, it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Next, stir in the vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries. The aroma will be heavenly! This mixture adds moisture and flavor, making your cake irresistible. Just imagine the sweet strawberry scent wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder, ensuring your cake rises beautifully. It’s a simple yet essential part of the process. Once combined, set it aside for the next step.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry ingredients, then add some milk, and repeat until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter without lumps. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even bake. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The anticipation will be worth it!
Step 7: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial; frosting a warm cake can lead to a melty mess. Patience is key here, my friends!
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, let’s whip up that luscious frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. This creates a light, fluffy frosting that’s simply divine!
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble! Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh strawberries. Your Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is now ready to shine!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it prevents the frosting from melting.
- For a lighter cake, sift the flour before measuring.
- Experiment with different fruits for the frosting, like blueberries or raspberries.
- Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the cake fresh and moist.
Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans (or use one 9×13-inch pan for a single layer).
- Mixing bowls (a large one for the batter and a medium one for the frosting).
- Electric mixer (a whisk works too, but it’ll take longer).
- Spatula for spreading frosting.
- Wire racks for cooling the cakes.
Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a zesty twist that complements the strawberries.
- Incorporate chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Try using coconut cream in the frosting for a tropical flair.
- For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar substitute in both the cake and frosting.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit salad for a refreshing side.
- Drizzle with a homemade strawberry sauce for extra sweetness.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Present on a beautiful cake stand to impress your guests!
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FAQs about Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Frost it on the day you plan to serve for the best results.
Is this cake suitable for babies?
Yes! This cake is baby-friendly, especially if you reduce the sugar. The fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness, making it a delightful treat for little ones.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It will still give you that creamy texture without the dairy!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Strawberry Cake Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting is more than just baking; it’s about making memories. The joy on your little one’s face as they take their first bite is priceless. This cake is a celebration of flavors, bringing together the sweetness of strawberries and the creaminess of frosting in perfect harmony. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a Tuesday, this cake adds a touch of magic to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some sweet moments together!