What makes the perfect spring dessert? A moist homemade cake smothered in sweet pink frosting and topped with fresh strawberries is a great starting point. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like strawberry puree and whipped cream to create a stunning family favorite. Save this idea for your next special occasion or weeknight treat.

there is a cake with pink frosting and strawberries on it, cut into slices

Introduction

This delightful dessert is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor, combining the sweetness of cake, the tanginess of pink frosting, and the freshness of strawberries. What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility and ease of preparation, using everyday ingredients that can be found in most households. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant appearance and delicious taste. The best part? It requires minimal effort but yields impressive results, making it perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of moist cake, sweet and slightly tangy pink frosting, and fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. Moreover, the ingredients are easily accessible, making this recipe a practical choice for anyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with, reducing the overall preparation and cooking time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is the contrast between the effort required and the impressive results achieved. With just a few hours of preparation and baking, you can create a stunning dessert that is sure to be the centerpiece of any event.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract for the cake, and powdered sugar, butter, and food coloring for the frosting. Fresh strawberries are used for garnish. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk or substituting some of the granulated sugar with honey for a slightly different flavor profile.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the desired color. Once the cakes are completely cool, you can frost them. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Step 4: Finally, slice the cake and garnish with fresh strawberries. You can arrange the strawberries on top of the cake in a pattern or simply place them on the side of each slice. This step adds a pop of color and freshness to the dessert, making it visually appealing and delicious.

Handy Tips

• When making the cake, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and aeration. For the frosting, start with a small amount of powdered sugar and add more as needed to achieve the right consistency. Also, don’t overmix the batter or the frosting, as this can lead to a dense cake or too-stiff frosting.

Heat Control

For this recipe, the ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (175°C). The timing will depend on the size of your cake pans and your oven’s performance, but as a general guideline, bake for 25-30 minutes for two 9-inch rounds. The cake is done when it’s golden brown, springs back when touched gently, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dessert is primarily soft and moist, thanks to the cake and the frosting. However, the freshness of the strawberries adds a slight crunch and freshness. To achieve the right texture, ensure that your cake is not overbaked, and your frosting is not too stiff. The strawberries should be fresh and sliced just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that your cake layers are even and flat, try using cake strips around your pans during baking. These strips help the cakes bake more evenly and reduce doming. Also, for a smoother frosting, make sure to sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.

Storage Tips

• This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the cake layers separately before frosting and assembling. Reheating is not necessary, but if you prefer your cake at room temperature, you can remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake makes a wonderful gift, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions. Consider packaging individual slices in decorative boxes or bags, tied with a ribbon and garnished with a fresh strawberry. For a more rustic look, you can wrap the entire cake in a large piece of parchment paper, tied with twine, and adorned with a handwritten note or a small bouquet of fresh flowers.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Besides strawberries, consider using other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches. You can also sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, you can use different types of milk or yogurt to change the flavor profile of the cake.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. If the frosting is too stiff, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider what you can substitute it with. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If it’s undercooked, it will be soggy in the center. If it’s overcooked, it will be dry and possibly cracked on the surface.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before assembling and frosting. This is a great way to prepare ahead of time.
• Is it gluten-free? The original recipe is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure that you have enough pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Making a cake with pink frosting and strawberries is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels. With its simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and impressive results, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a stunning dessert. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat, this cake is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.