Fresh Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Fresh Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 34 min
Total time: 64 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 400 g fresh strawberries; 200 g butter; 250 g golden caster sugar; 4 Medium eggs; 250 g self-raising flour; 90 g milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 lemon zest; 1 pinch pink food colouring; 150 g Unsalted butter; 400 g icing sugar; 100 g full-fat soft cheese; 10 g freeze-dried strawberry powder

A stunning and moist sponge cake made with a concentrated homemade strawberry reduction for authentic fruit flavor. Topped with a silky strawberry cream cheese frosting, this vibrant cake is the ultimate treat for summer parties and afternoon tea.

Servings10 Portions

Prep Time30 Mins

Cook Time34 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

fresh strawberries
400 g
butter
200 g
golden caster sugar
250 g
Medium eggs
4
self-raising flour
250 g
milk
90 g
vanilla extract
1 tsp
lemon zest
1
pink food colouring
1 pinch
Unsalted butter
150 g
icing sugar
400 g
full-fat soft cheese
100 g
freeze-dried strawberry powder
10 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the strawberry reduction: Hull and puree 225g of the strawberries in a food processor until completely smooth. Transfer the puree to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it has reduced to a thick, concentrated paste. Set aside to cool completely.

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas 4). Grease and line the bases and sides of two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper. Melt 200g of butter and let it cool to room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine the golden caster sugar, 4 medium eggs, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for several minutes until the mixture has doubled in volume and reached a thick, moussey consistency.

In a separate jug, whisk together the cooled melted butter, the strawberry reduction, 75g of milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. If you prefer a more intense pink color, add a few drops of pink food coloring at this stage.

Sift the self-raising flour over the egg mixture. Gently pour the strawberry liquid down the side of the bowl. Using a large metal spoon, carefully fold the ingredients together using a figure-eight motion until no streaks of flour remain. Be gentle to avoid knocking the air out of the batter.