Are you craving a sweet treat that's both elegant and effortlessly delicious? Look no further! This strawberry and whipped cream cake recipe is the perfect answer for a quick dessert, a special occasion, or simply a delightful pick-me-up. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and the fresh strawberries and creamy whipped topping create a flavor combination that's simply irresistible. This recipe offers a delightful balance of homemade goodness and quick preparation time, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a delicious and healthy dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ cups water
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake comes out easily and prevents sticking.
Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Make the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream might become grainy.
Assemble the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Arrange the sliced strawberries beautifully over the whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.
- If you don't have a 9x13 inch pan, you can use two 8-inch round pans, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of strawberry puree to the whipped cream.
Variations:
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and whipped cream.
- Berry Medley: Substitute or add other berries like raspberries and blueberries along with the strawberries.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Sugar: Approximately 35-45g
This easy cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. The combination of fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and luscious whipped cream creates a truly delightful dessert that's sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal and makes a wonderful homemade treat for any occasion. Enjoy!