Strawberry Drip Cake

Strawberry Drip Cake

Strawberry Drip Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in each moist slice. Bursting with flavor—from the sweet, juicy strawberries to the creamy, dreamy frosting—this cake is perfect for any occasion. It impressively combines the luscious taste of fresh strawberries with a show-stopping presentation, thanks to its alluring strawberry drip topping. This recipe is easy to follow with a step-by-step approach that makes baking this cake a joyful experience. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why you’ll adore making this Strawberry Drip Cake. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. With quick cooking times and an uncomplicated ingredient list, you won’t find yourself spending hours in the kitchen. This cake is a crowd-pleaser that garners compliments from friends and family, and it’s an unmistakable showstopper on any dessert table. It’s not just a dessert, but a nostalgic treat that evokes feelings of joy and celebration, making it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

Creating a Strawberry Drip Cake requires a few key ingredients that come together to create a celebration of flavors and textures:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the cake with structure and a delicate crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of the strawberries.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• 1 cup milk: This enhances the cake’s tenderness and gives it a lovely moistness.
• 3 large eggs: Essential for binding ingredients and providing fluffiness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect, light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors while enhancing sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth to the batter.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Bursting with color and flavor, these enhance the cake’s fruity goodness.
• 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam: Offers a sweet layer of strawberry flavor.
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Adds a delightful crunch and freshness between the layers.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): The base for the fluffy buttercream frosting.
• 3 cups powdered sugar: Provides the sweetness and structure for the frosting.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess to the frosting.
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with vibrant strawberry flavor.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberry drip): Sweetens the drip to perfection.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (for strawberry drip): Gives the drip a silky texture.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process introduces air, creating a wonderfully tender cake. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and provides a uniform rise to the cake.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the diced strawberries, creating bright specks of fruit throughout the batter.

5. Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

6. Layer the Cake: Once the cakes are cool, spread a generous layer of strawberry preserves over the top of one cake layer. Add fresh strawberry slices on top and carefully place the second cake layer on top.

7. Frosting Preparation: To create the frosting, beat the softened butter until it’s nice and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

8. Crumb Coat: Before applying the final frosting layer, frost the entire cake with a thin layer of the strawberry frosting to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting.

9. Make the Strawberry Drip: In a small saucepan, heat the pureed strawberries and granulated sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

10. Drizzle the Drip: Once the strawberry drip is cool enough to handle, pour it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip gracefully down the sides, creating mesmerizing streaks of strawberry.

Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a cohesive batter and a fluffy cake.
• Strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries. Their natural sweetness will enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
• Crumb Coat: Don’t skip the crumb coat! It’s essential for creating a clean and professional finish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve your Strawberry Drip Cake on its own or alongside whipped cream for an indulgent touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing cup of herbal tea. Ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, and picnics, this cake also makes a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of Strawberry Drip Cake contains approximately 350 calories, with moderate amounts of sugar and fat. While desserts are best enjoyed in moderation, this cake offers a delightful balance of flavors. Pairing it with fresh fruits or lighter accompaniments can help balance the indulgence.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Strawberry Drip Cake, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For variations, consider using other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or swap out the strawberry drizzle for a chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Now that you have this delectable Strawberry Drip Cake recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and join in the fun of baking! This cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with flavor, creativity, and joy. As you make it, remember to savor each moment, and don’t forget to share your baking adventure with friends and family. Happy baking!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic. Frost them on the day you plan to serve for the best taste.

2. What can I use instead of strawberry preserves?
You can substitute with raspberry or apricot preserves if you prefer a different flavor.

3. How do I get the perfect strawberry drip?
Allow the strawberry drip to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. It should be warm but not hot to achieve the perfect drizzle.

4. Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Remember to thaw and drain excess liquid.

5. Is this recipe suitable for special dietary needs?
This Strawberry Drip Cake can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free flour blend. Always check the labels of your ingredients for allergens.

Print Recipe

Strawberry Drip Cake

A delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with moist layers, fresh strawberries, and creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Dessert Recipe, Drip Cake, Layer Cake, Strawberry Cake, Summer Dessert

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and delicate crumb.
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar Balances tartness of strawberries.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Adds richness.
• 1 cup milk Enhances tenderness.
• 3 large eggs Binding and fluffiness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds aromatic warmth.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced Enhances fruity goodness.

For the frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Base for frosting.
• 3 cups powdered sugar Provides sweetness.
• 0.25 cups heavy cream Adds creaminess.
• 0.5 cups fresh strawberries, pureed Infuses frosting with flavor.

For the strawberry drip

• 0.25 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the drip.
• 0.25 cups heavy cream Gives the drip texture.

For layering

• 1 cup strawberry preserves or jam Offers a sweet layer of flavor.
• 0.5 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Adds freshness.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mixing the Batter

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk until just combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Baking

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Assembling the Cake

• Spread a layer of strawberry preserves on the top of one cake layer. Add fresh strawberry slices and place the second cake layer on top.
• For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then mix in powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries until smooth.
• Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting on the cake, then chill for 30 minutes.

Final Touches

• Make the strawberry drip by heating pureed strawberries and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Stir in heavy cream until thickened, then let cool.
• Pour the strawberry drip over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Notes

Ensure ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for best results. Use fresh strawberries for flavor.