Description
This stunning three-layer cake utilizes freeze-dried strawberry powder to deliver an intense, authentic fruit flavor without compromising the velvety crumb. Paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, it is a quintessential farmhouse dessert that celebrates the bright essence of sun-ripened berries.
Ingredients
- Freeze-dried strawberries (ground into a fine powder)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Egg whites
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- White vinegar
- Pink gel food coloring (optional)
- Full-fat cream cheese blocks (cold)
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Water
- Fresh strawberry puree
- Fresh sliced strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they form a fine powder; set aside a portion for the frosting.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix the strawberry powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt on low for one minute.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients one tablespoon at a time while mixing on low until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg whites, oil, vanilla, and vinegar until cohesive.
- Slowly pour one-third of the liquid mixture into the mixer; once a paste forms, scrape the bowl and add the remaining liquid and food coloring, beating on medium-low for several minutes until fluffy.
- Divide the batter equally among the pans (approximately 630g per pan) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat butter and cold cream cheese until smooth, then mix in strawberry powder, salt, and powdered sugar, adding heavy cream if needed for consistency.
- Optional: Simmer water and sugar to create a syrup, stir in strawberry puree, and chill.
- Assemble by leveling the cake layers, brushing with syrup, and spreading frosting between each layer and over the exterior; garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
To achieve the best rise and texture, ensure your butter is soft but not greasy before starting the reverse-creaming process. If you find your cream cheese frosting is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before assembly to help it hold its shape. For the most professional look, use a kitchen scale to ensure your cake layers are exactly even before they go into the oven.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American