Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes
I absolutely love making cakes that not only taste fantastic but also have a whimsical charm. The Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake is one of my favorites, thanks to its light texture and delightful flavor. I enjoy the process of layering fresh strawberries with velvety cream, making each slice a dreamy experience. The vibrant colors and sweetness of the strawberries blend perfectly with the rich cream to create a cake that’s perfect for any celebration. It’s a cake that brings sunshine to the table, and I'm excited to share it with you!
Baking the Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake was an adventure that brought back memories of childhood summers spent at strawberry farms. I wanted to capture the essence of that sweetness and joy in this dessert. As I layered fresh strawberries with the cream, I realized the secret lies in using the ripest strawberries, as their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavor.
I took special care to ensure each layer was evenly spread, achieving that perfect balance between the fluffy cake and luscious cream. It's a recipe I cherish and always brings smiles to everyone's faces when served.
Why You'll Love This Cake
- The fresh strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor that elevates every bite.
- The creamy texture is simply irresistible, making it a dessert you can't resist.
- It's a stunning centerpiece for any gathering, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Understanding the Ingredients
The foundation of the Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake lies in its ingredients, particularly the flour and sugar. All-purpose flour provides the cake's structure, while granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps create a light texture. When beating the butter and sugar together, aim for a pale, fluffy mixture; this aeration is crucial for a tender crumb. For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature so it blends smoothly and traps air effectively.
The heavy whipping cream in the cream layer isn't just for taste; its fat content is essential for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture. When whipping the cream, keep it chilled and use a cold bowl to help the cream whip better. Aim for soft peaks—this achieves that perfect balance between stability and tenderness when layered between the cake and strawberries. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, consider adjusting the powdered sugar in the cream.
Mastering the Assembly
Assembly is where the Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake truly shines. Once the cakes are cooled, it's crucial to use a serrated knife to level the tops if they're domed. Leveling helps each layer stack evenly, resulting in a visually pleasing cake. When spreading the whipped cream, use an offset spatula for a smooth application, making it easier to layer the strawberries without sliding the cream around.
Chilling the assembled cake before serving is a step that shouldn’t be skipped. Not only does it help set the cream, but it also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. After about 30 minutes in the fridge, the cake can be much easier to slice. I recommend using a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts, preventing any tearing of the strawberries or cream.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious cake:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Layer
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the milk and vanilla extract.
Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare the Cream Layer
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of whipped cream, followed by sliced strawberries. Repeat with the second layer, finishing with more cream and strawberries on top.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy!
Serve with additional fresh strawberries if desired.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling some balsamic reduction over the strawberries before serving.
Storage Tips
To store leftover Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome to keep it fresh. Ideally, consume the cake within three days for the best texture and flavor. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the individual layers before assembling, as whipped cream doesn't freeze well. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic and then foil, and they can last up to a month in the freezer.
If you decide to freeze, allow the layers to thaw in the refrigerator overnight instead of at room temperature to maintain moisture. Once thawed, you can layer with freshly whipped cream and strawberries for the best flavor and texture upon serving.
Making Variations
While strawberries are delightful, you can easily substitute with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist. Adjust the sugar accordingly depending on the sweetness of your chosen fruit. For a richer flavor, try adding a layer of lemon curd or a drizzle of melted chocolate between the cream and fruit layers.
For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Many blends have starches and flours that mimic the texture of wheat flour, but it's essential to check the blend for proper measurement conversions, as some may require different ratios.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
→ How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Can I prepare the cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day ahead and assemble the cake just before serving.
→ What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?
You can use a non-dairy whipped cream alternative if you're looking for a lighter option.
Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake
I absolutely love making cakes that not only taste fantastic but also have a whimsical charm. The Strawberry Cream Pisces Cake is one of my favorites, thanks to its light texture and delightful flavor. I enjoy the process of layering fresh strawberries with velvety cream, making each slice a dreamy experience. The vibrant colors and sweetness of the strawberries blend perfectly with the rich cream to create a cake that’s perfect for any celebration. It’s a cake that brings sunshine to the table, and I'm excited to share it with you!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Sweet Ending Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Layer
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of whipped cream, followed by sliced strawberries. Repeat with the second layer, finishing with more cream and strawberries on top.
Refrigerate the assembled cake for about 30 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider drizzling some balsamic reduction over the strawberries before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 4g