Strawberry Ombre Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
A delightful multi-layer cake with soft, fluffy pink layers and a light whipped cream frosting, perfect for special occasions or everyday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, soft and fluffy
- 2 tsp baking powder, ensuring a light rise
- 1/2 tsp salt, enhancing the flavor
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, for creaminess
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, sweetening the mix
- 4 large eggs, providing structure and moisture
- 2 tsp vanilla extract, adding warmth and depth
- 1 cup whole milk, for tenderness
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed to infuse flavor
- Red food coloring (optional), for a vibrant hue
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, light and airy
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sweetening the frosting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, enhancing the cream
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder, for a beautiful ombre effect
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or crumbles (optional), adding elegance
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration and extra flavor
- Red edible pearls or sprinkles, for that festive touch
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the pureed strawberries, and add red food coloring if desired.
- Pour the batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Frosting
- Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
- Divide frosting into three bowls. Mix freeze-dried strawberry powder into one for a light pink shade, leaving others plain.
Assembly
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Spread a layer of plain frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and use the ombre frosting technique to decorate the cake.
- Sprinkle on white chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, and red pearls or sprinkles.
- Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature. For an extra strawberry flavor, add fresh strawberry slices between layers. Chill frosting if it melts during decoration. Experiment with food coloring for the desired ombre effect. Lemon zest can be added for a citrusy twist.