Are you dreaming of a deliciously moist cake, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and layered with a luscious pastry cream? Then look no further! This Strawberry Boston Cream Cake recipe is your answer – a surprisingly easy dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply a delightful weeknight treat, this recipe combines the classic comfort of Boston Cream Pie with the bright freshness of strawberries. Get ready to bake up some delicious memories!
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Pastry Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Making the Strawberry Cake Layers:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Pastry Cream:
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly whisk a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, preventing them from scrambling.
- Combine & Cook: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Stir in Butter & Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
- Cool: Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until completely chilled.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to level them.
- Spread Pastry Cream: Once the pastry cream is chilled, spread a generous layer onto one cake layer.
- Top with Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
- Make & Apply Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk in the cake batter.
- You can substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.
- To make this cake ahead of time, bake the cake layers and pastry cream a day in advance. Assemble the cake just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 60-70g Protein: 5-7g
This Strawberry Boston Cream Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious balance of sweet and tart, moist and creamy. Enjoy every bite! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. This recipe for homemade cooking will surely become a favorite. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a truly delightful dessert.