Farm Fresh Strata
◷ 1 hr 25 min
DessertReader rated
Delicate Strawberry Layer Cake
This light and fluffy cake is perfect for celebrating any special occasion or simply treating yourself. With fresh strawberries layered between tender cake and creamy frosting, every bite feels like a sweet, refreshing delight.
◷1 hrTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Prepare and divide batter
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil using an electric mixer on medium speed for about two minutes until everything’s well combined. Pour a third of the batter into one pan and set it aside. To the remaining batter, stir in half of the strawberry gelatin and 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract, then divide this pink batter between the other two pans.
2
Bake and cool cakes
Bake the cakes for 15 to 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, carefully flip them out onto a wire rack lined with parchment paper to cool completely. While the cakes cool, set aside 9 to 12 whole strawberries for decorating, and chop the rest. Give the chopped berries a little pat with a paper towel to soak up any extra juice.
3
Prepare Strawberry Cream Filling
For the filling, beat the cream cheese with the remaining strawberry gelatin until smooth. Add the last 2 teaspoons of strawberry extract and some powdered sugar, then mix until creamy. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
4
Layer and Frost Cake
To assemble, start with one of the pink layers on your cake plate and spread half the strawberry filling over it. Add the plain cake layer next, top it with the remaining filling, and finish with the second pink layer. Whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick enough to spread, then cover the entire cake with this frosting. For a smooth finish, place a piece of parchment paper on top and run a spatula over it, then peel the paper off.
5
Decorate with Frosting Swirls
Finally, pipe swirls of frosting around the edge of the cake and top each with a whole strawberry for a pretty finishing touch. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Its delicate texture makes it perfect for special occasions or a simple treat. The balance of sweetness and fruitiness keeps it refreshing and not too heavy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh strawberries on the side add a nice touch. It pairs well with a cup of tea or light sparkling wine.
Storage Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to three days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for longer storage.
