Strawberry Drip Cake
Strawberry Drip Cake is an enchanting dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of cake and frosting, creating a visually stunning treat that tempts your taste buds. This delightful cake is not only a showstopper for special occasions but is also perfect for everyday celebrations. With its luscious strawberry flavor and beautiful white chocolate drip, this Recipe will surely become a favorite for your family and friends. The following Step-by-Step guide will help you craft this masterpiece with ease and joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Drip Cake shines for many reasons, making it an excellent choice for baking enthusiasts and casual bakers alike. First, the preparation is relatively simple, allowing you to whip up a stunning cake without spending the entire day in the kitchen. Family-friendly and inviting, it provides an excellent opportunity for the kids to help and learn about baking, making lasting memories.
The ingredients used are minimal yet flavorful, showcasing strawberries as the star of the show. Whether for a birthday bash or a cozy family gathering, this cake will elevate any occasion. You’ll love the versatility, as you can experiment with different toppings or variations while still enjoying the core flavor that makes this cake truly special.
Ingredients for Strawberry Drip Cake
Let’s dive into the ingredients that will bring your Strawberry Drip Cake to life. These components blend beautifully to create a heavenly dessert that will impress.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Soft and fluffy, providing the perfect base.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensuring your cake rises beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that elevates every bite.
- 4 large eggs: For structure and richness in flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk: Contributes to a moist cake texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree: Provides a burst of fresh strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creamy texture for the frosting.
- 6 cups powdered sugar: The key to a fluffy and sweet frosting.
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (for frosting): Intensifying the strawberry flavor in the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for drip): Adds a decadent touch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for drip): Creates a luscious texture for the ganache.
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration): A fruity garnish that complements the cake.
- Sprinkles (for decoration): Adds a fun and festive touch.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how you create your stunning Strawberry Drip Cake, step by step:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release after baking.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 4-5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to incorporate the rich flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree gently.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks to avoid sogginess.
For the frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Level the cakes if necessary, then stack them with the frosting in between each layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake generously with the strawberry frosting to create a delicious coating.
For the drip: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly—this will help it thicken.
Pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides for a dreamy drip effect.
Decorate with fresh strawberries and colorful sprinkles, adding a delightful finishing touch.
Tips & Tricks
To make your Strawberry Drip Cake even more phenomenal, consider these Chef’s secrets:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
Leveling the Cakes: If your cakes domed during baking, use a serrated knife to level them before frosting for a neat and professional look.
Thin the Ganache: If the ganache is too thick after cooling, simply add a touch more warm cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Strawberry Variations: Explore using different fruit purees or flavors in the frosting for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Present your Strawberry Drip Cake as the centerpiece of your dessert table. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side and a fresh strawberry garnish for that extra flair. For beverages, pair this cake with a refreshing glass of iced lemon tea or a rich cup of hot chocolate to balance any sweetness.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in Strawberry Drip Cake, it’s important to enjoy responsibly. Each slice delivers mouthwatering sweetness, but be mindful of portion sizes. Depending on your serving size, a slice contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Protein: 5g
This cake is certainly an indulgence, but with fresh strawberries as part of the recipe, you’re also reaping some nutritional benefits from fruit!
Storing Tips & Variations for Strawberry Drip Cake
To keep your Strawberry Drip Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If extending its life, refrigerate it for up to a week. For freezing, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can stay for 2-3 months.
Thinking about variations? Try different fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, or adjust the frosting by using cream cheese for added tanginess.
Conclusion for Strawberry Drip Cake
There’s no better time than now to try your hand at this Strawberry Drip Cake. With its visual appeal and mouthwatering flavors, it’s sure to mesmerize everyone who gets a slice. Feel free to gather your ingredients and start baking; your taste buds will thank you for this delightful adventure!
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature until you are ready to frost and assemble.
2. How do I make strawberry puree?
Simply blend fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. Strain it if you want a seedless puree.
3. Can I substitute the white chocolate in the drip?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
4. What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
For a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
5. Can I use frozen strawberries in the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess water before pureeing for the best results!
Embark on your baking journey with this Strawberry Drip Cake, and enjoy the delightful journey of flavors and creativity!
Strawberry Drip Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2.5 cups 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Soft and fluffy, providing the perfect base.
- 2.5 teaspoons 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 2 cups 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetness that elevates every bite.
- 4 large 4 large eggs For structure and richness in flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup whole milk Contributes to a moist cake texture.
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup strawberry puree Provides a burst of fresh strawberry flavor throughout the cake.
For the Frosting
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened Creamy texture for the frosting.
- 6 cups 6 cups powdered sugar The key to a fluffy and sweet frosting.
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup strawberry puree (for frosting) Intensifying the strawberry flavor in the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) Enhances the overall taste.
For the Drip
- 1 cup 1 cup white chocolate chips Adds a decadent touch.
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup heavy cream Creates a luscious texture for the ganache.
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries A fruity garnish that complements the cake.
- Sprinkles Adds a fun and festive touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Fold in the strawberry puree.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks.
Frosting
- Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Level the cakes if necessary, then stack them with frosting in between each layer and frost the top and sides.
Drip
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat until smooth, stirring in 30-second intervals.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour over the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Decoration
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and colorful sprinkles before serving.