STRAWBERRY BIRTHDAY CAKE: A BURST OF FRUITY CELEBRATION
Strawberry Birthday Cake: A Burst of Fruity Celebration
Contents
Key Info:
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Difficulty: Intermediate
Dietary: Vegetarian
Equipment Needed:
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Blender/food processor
- Cooling rack
Ingredients:
Strawberry Reduction:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- Pinch of salt
Cake Batter:
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 5 egg whites
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup strawberry reduction
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional: Pink food coloring
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
Strawberry Reduction:
- Blend strawberries until smooth.
- Cook puree over medium heat until reduced by half.
- Cool completely before using.
Cake Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and line cake pans with parchment.
- Sift together dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg whites one at a time.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
- Fold in strawberry reduction.
- Divide batter between pans.
Baking:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Test with toothpick for doneness.
- Cool in pans for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to wire rack.
Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in strawberry puree.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
Assembly:
- Level cake layers if needed.
- Place first layer on serving plate.
- Spread frosting between layers.
- Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Pro Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix to keep cake light.
- Reduce strawberry puree for intense flavor.
- Refrigerate cake for best texture.
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 7 days
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Variations:
- Add lemon zest for brightness.
- Use whipped cream instead of frosting.
- Create sheet cake version.
Dietary Notes:
- Contains eggs, dairy, wheat
- Can be adapted for gluten-free diets
This strawberry birthday cake is a showstopper – a perfect blend of fresh fruit flavor and creamy frosting that’ll make any celebration sweeter!