If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game, this Strawberry Red Velvet Cake is the perfect choice. Combining the classic richness of red velvet with the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s an ideal treat for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge in something extraordinary.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries
Directions:
- Prepare the Cake Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes don’t stick and come out easily.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients creates the moist, vibrant red velvet base.
- Create the Batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Be sure to fold in the chopped strawberries gently to avoid crushing them, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures that your cakes are baked to perfection.
- Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely is essential before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and free of lumps.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one of the cake layers on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Gently place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake, ensuring an even, smooth finish.
- Decorate the Cake:
- Finish by decorating the cake with fresh strawberries. You can arrange them in a pattern on top or around the base of the cake for a beautiful, eye-catching presentation.
Time and Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per slice
Tips for a Perfect Strawberry Red Velvet Cake:
- Extra Strawberry Flavor: To enhance the strawberry flavor, add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers before frosting. This adds a sweet, fruity burst that complements the red velvet cake perfectly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, particularly the eggs, buttermilk, and butter, are at room temperature before you start. This ensures that the batter mixes evenly and the cake has a consistent texture.
This Strawberry Red Velvet Cake is a delightful and elegant dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.