There's something magical about a perfectly crafted Strawberries and Cream Cake that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This classic dessert combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with rich, velvety cream layers that create a symphony of flavors your family will absolutely love. Whether you're planning a birthday celebration, Mother's Day gathering, or simply craving a delightful treat, this Strawberries and Cream Cake delivers exceptional results every single time.
What makes this particular Strawberries and Cream Cake so special is its perfect balance of light, fluffy sponge cake paired with fresh seasonal berries and homemade whipped cream. The combination creates a dessert that's both elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend baking adventures with the kids.
Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
The beauty of a traditional Strawberries and Cream Cake lies in its timeless appeal and versatility that has made it a beloved dessert for generations. This recipe takes the classic approach and adds modern techniques that ensure your Strawberries and Cream Cake achieves bakery-quality results in your own kitchen. The secret lies in using room temperature ingredients, proper mixing techniques, and the perfect ratio of strawberries to cream that creates layers of pure indulgence.
Unlike many complicated cake recipes, this Strawberries and Cream Cake focuses on highlighting the natural sweetness of fresh berries while maintaining a light, airy texture that doesn't overwhelm your palate. The vanilla sponge base provides the perfect foundation, allowing the strawberries and whipped cream to shine as the true stars of this show-stopping dessert. Each layer complements the others, creating a harmonious blend that makes this Strawberries and Cream Cake absolutely irresistible.
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Ingredients
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk, room temperature
For the Strawberry Filling
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
For the Whipped Cream
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Mascarpone cheese, softened
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and flour.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Filling
- Combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Let mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow juices to develop naturally.
- Gently toss strawberries to coat evenly with the sweet syrup that forms.
- Reserve some perfect strawberry slices for final decoration and garnish.
Step 3: Make Perfect Whipped Cream
- Chill mixing bowl and beaters in freezer for 15 minutes before starting.
- Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in vanilla and mascarpone.
- Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause the cream to become grainy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece
- Place first cake layer on serving plate and spread half the strawberry mixture evenly.
- Add generous layer of whipped cream, then place second cake layer on top.
- Spread remaining whipped cream over top and sides of entire cake smoothly.
- Arrange reserved strawberry slices decoratively on top for beautiful presentation.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Strawberries and Cream Cake requires attention to detail and a few professional techniques that make all the difference.
- Temperature Control: Always use room temperature ingredients for your cake batter, as this ensures proper mixing and creates a tender, even crumb. Cold eggs and milk can cause the batter to curdle, resulting in a dense texture rather than the light, fluffy consistency you want.
- Strawberry Preparation: Choose strawberries that are ripe but still firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during assembly. Slice them evenly, about ¼ inch thick, and always hull them properly by removing the green tops and white core underneath.
- Whipping Cream Success: The key to stable whipped cream is starting with very cold cream and chilled equipment. Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form; overbeaten cream will separate and become grainy, ruining the smooth texture you're aiming for.
- Assembly Timing: Assemble your cake no more than 4 hours before serving to prevent the cream from making the cake layers soggy. If you need to prepare ahead, keep components separate until the last moment.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Transform your basic recipe into exciting variations that cater to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if not included in your blend. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free butter alternatives. Coconut cream whips beautifully when chilled overnight and provides rich flavor that complements strawberries perfectly.
- Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to your flour mixture and reduce flour by the same amount for a chocolate strawberries and cream variation. The combination of chocolate and strawberries creates an elegant, sophisticated flavor profile.
- Mixed Berry Delight: Replace half the strawberries with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful mixed berry version that adds complexity and visual appeal to your dessert.
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes creating your Strawberries and Cream Cake much easier and ensures professional results every time.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for properly creaming butter and sugar, and for whipping cream to perfect peaks
- Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: Invest in quality aluminum pans for even heat distribution and easy release
- Wire Cooling Racks: Allow proper air circulation around cooling cakes to prevent soggy bottoms
- Offset Spatula: Makes spreading frosting and cream smooth and even across cake surfaces
- Large Mixing Bowls: Stainless steel bowls chill quickly for whipped cream success
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage techniques ensure your Strawberries and Cream Cake maintains its quality and freshness for maximum enjoyment.
- Short-Term Storage: Keep assembled cake refrigerated and covered loosely with plastic wrap for up to 2 days. The cream will stay stable, but the cake is best enjoyed within 24 hours of assembly for optimal texture.
- Component Preparation: Bake cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped at room temperature. Prepare strawberry filling the morning of serving, and whip cream just before assembly for best results.
- Freezing Guidelines: Unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw completely at room temperature before assembling with fresh components.
- Serving Temperature: Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to brighten and cream to soften slightly for the perfect eating consistency.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The most important secret to an exceptional Strawberries and Cream Cake lies in macerating your strawberries properly with just the right amount of sugar and a splash of fresh lemon juice. This technique, passed down through generations, draws out the natural juices while intensifying the berry flavor, creating a syrup that soaks into the cake layers and amplifies every bite. The lemon juice not only prevents oxidation but also brightens the strawberry flavor, making your Strawberries and Cream Cake taste like pure sunshine.
Another game-changing tip involves adding a small amount of mascarpone cheese to your whipped cream, which provides incredible stability and richness without being overly heavy. This Italian touch transforms ordinary whipped cream into a luxurious, restaurant-quality topping that holds its shape beautifully and adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweet strawberries.
FAQ
What are the ingredients for strawberries and cream?
The classic Strawberries and Cream Cake requires fresh strawberries, heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and often mascarpone cheese for stability. The cake base typically includes flour, eggs, butter, sugar, and baking powder for the perfect foundation.
What's the difference between strawberry shortcake and strawberry cream cake?
While both feature strawberries and cream, strawberry shortcake uses biscuit-like bases that are more crumbly, whereas a Strawberries and Cream Cake features a tender sponge cake with layered assembly and more structured presentation.
What type of cream is used in strawberries and cream?
Heavy whipping cream (35% fat content) works best for Strawberries and Cream Cake, often enhanced with mascarpone cheese for stability. Some recipes use chantilly cream or stabilized whipped cream for longer-lasting results.
What are the ingredients for a strawberry cake?
A basic Strawberries and Cream Cake includes vanilla sponge cake made with flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder, plus fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and flavorings like vanilla extract and lemon juice for the perfect balance.
Perfect Pairings: More Strawberry Delights
Now that you've mastered this incredible Strawberries and Cream Cake, why not explore other strawberry desserts that will complete your repertoire? These complementary recipes use similar techniques and ingredients, making them perfect additions to your baking collection.
Strawberry Tiramisu takes the classic Italian dessert and gives it a fresh, fruity twist that's perfect for summer entertaining. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies combine rich chocolate with fresh berries for an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with your new cake skills. Both recipes showcase strawberries in completely different ways while maintaining the elegant presentation and incredible flavors that make your Strawberries and Cream Cake such a showstopper.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe
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Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
For the Strawberry Filling
- 2 lbs strawberries hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream chilled
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then alternate dry mix with milk.
- Divide batter into pans and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Toss strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch; let sit.
- Beat chilled cream, add sugar and vanilla, then fold in mascarpone.
- Layer cake, strawberries, and cream; repeat, then decorate with sliced berries.
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