introduction

This cake brings bright red berry taste and soft cake. It feels fun and home made. You can pair it with other red treats like chocolate covered strawberry cupcakes for a full sweet table.

why make this recipe

You make this cake when you want a fresh fruit cake that looks good and tastes sweet. It uses real strawberries and cream. Many guests smile when you serve a fruit cake like this. You can also try a small sweet idea from a strawberry cupcake idea to match the cake.

how to make Strawberry Seismic Cake

This cake makes three round layers. You bake the cake, make a warm berry mix, and whip cream. Then you put the cake together with berries and cream.

Ingredients :

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended)
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the strawberry mix)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh strawberries for top
Strawberry sauce (optional)

You can read a small cake recipe for ideas at a similar cupcake recipe.

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. Fold in the strawberry puree.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assembly: Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a thin layer of whipped cream. Add some cooled strawberry mix and sliced strawberries. Repeat with the next layer. Put the top layer on and cover the cake with the rest of the whipped cream. Add fresh strawberries and drizzle strawberry sauce if you like.

You may find more assembly tips at a related cupcake recipe.

how to serve Strawberry Seismic Cake

Cut the cake with a sharp knife. Serve cold or at room heat. Add a dollop of cream on each slice. You can serve small slices with a cup of tea or coffee and a small chocolate treat from a matching chocolate strawberry idea.

how to store Strawberry Seismic Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an air tight box. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you freeze the cake, wrap each slice well and use within one month.

tips to make Strawberry Seismic Cake

Use room temp eggs for a light cake.
Do not over mix the batter. Mix until just smooth.
Cool the cake well before you add the cream. This keeps the cream firm.
Use fresh berries for best taste.
If the strawberry mix is thin, add a tad more cornstarch and cook a bit more.

variation (if any)

You can add a thin cream cheese layer for a tangy bite. You can swap half the milk with buttermilk for a soft crumb. You can use frozen berries when fresh are not in season.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw them and drain extra water. Then blend for the puree.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the layers one day ahead and keep them wrapped in the fridge. Add cream and berries the next day.

Q: Can I use low fat cream?
A: No. Low fat cream may not whip well. Use heavy cream for best results.

Q: How do I fix a runny berry mix?
A: Warm it and add a little more cornstarch mix. Cook until it thickens.

Conclusion

This cake gives a bright berry taste and soft cake feel that many people will love. For a similar, fun berry cake idea, see Strawberry Cheesecake Cake (Earthquake Cake).

Strawberry Seismic Cake