Description
Create the best Strawberry Valentine’s Cake with our step-by-step recipe. Easy to bake, this cake is perfect for a special occasion and guarantees the best flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240g) fresh strawberry puree (from about 1.5 lbs strawberries)
- Optional: a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring for vibrant color
- For the Strawberry Puree:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120g) reduced strawberry puree (from cake puree batch, see instructions)
- Optional: a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring (for frosting)
- Optional Decorations:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Hull and chop strawberries. Blend until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for cake batter. Take ½ cup of the remaining puree, simmer in a small saucepan until reduced by about one-third and thickened. Let cool completely for frosting.
- Prepare Cake Batter (Dry): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare Cake Batter (Wet): In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the 1 cup un-reduced strawberry puree.
- Combine & Bake: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing on low speed until just combined. Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and the completely cooled, reduced strawberry puree. Beat until light and smooth.
- Assemble Cake: Level cooled cake layers. Place one layer on serving plate, spread with one-third of frosting. Top with second layer. Frost entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings.
- Chill: For best results, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins