Strawberry Drip Cake

Strawberry Drip Cake

Strawberry Drip Cake is a stunning dessert that captivates not only the eyes but also the palate. Imagine layers of moist, fluffy cake infused with the essence of fresh strawberries, enveloped in a creamy strawberry frosting. The elegance doesn’t stop there—it’s topped with a mesmerizing white chocolate drip, sprinkled with vibrant fresh strawberries and rainbow sprinkles. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a masterpiece deserving a place at your table for any celebration, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.

Crafting this Strawberry Drip Cake may seem daunting, but fear not! This recipe breaks it down into simple, step-by-step directions that will have you baking like a pro in no time. Each bite of this cake promises to transport you to a strawberry field on a sunny day, making it worth every second spent in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Drip Cake is not just visually appealing; it also has many benefits that make it a fantastic choice for any occasion. First and foremost, the ingredient list is straightforward, making prep easy and manageable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring everyone can get involved in the fun of baking together.

Additionally, this delightful dessert doesn’t demand hours to prepare. With a baking time of just 25-30 minutes, you can create a show-stopper cake without dedicating your entire day to the task. The combination of simple ingredients and step-by-step directions makes it accessible, fostering a sense of accomplishment with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Strawberry Drip Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure.
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: The sweetener that complements the strawberries.
• 4 large eggs: Provides stability and richness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Contributes to a tender cake crumb.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree: The star ingredient, delivering that fresh strawberry flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• 6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth to the frosting.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzle): Melts down beautifully for our drip.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for drizzle): Helps create a velvety consistency for the ganache.
• Fresh strawberries (for decoration): Brightens the cake and adds freshness.
• Sprinkles (for decoration): Adds a fun, festive touch.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing and flouring three 8-inch round cake pans. This will help prevent the cakes from sticking.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients, combining the dry components and setting the stage for the perfect cake.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mix is light and fluffy. This step takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to ensure even mixing. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree, lending that bright strawberry flavor to your batter.

5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely in the pans before transferring to a wire rack.

6. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

7. Level the cakes if necessary, then stack them up, spreading a generous layer of strawberry frosting between each layer and around the sides of the cake.

8. For the drip, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using it for the ganache.

9. Pour the white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip artfully down the sides. The effect should be both luscious and dramatic.

10. Finish by decorating the top with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of fun sprinkles, creating a visual treat that complements the flavor.

Tips & Tricks

To enhance your Strawberry Drip Cake experience, consider a few chef’s secrets. Use fresh strawberries that are ripe and bursting with flavor for both the puree and garnishing. If you want a bit more depth to your frosting, try adding a touch of lemon zest; it beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

For an even more decadent flavor, consider incorporating a hint of almond extract into the frosting. If you’re short on time, pre-made strawberry puree can work in a pinch. Remember to monitor your white chocolate ganache closely; it should be pourable but not too runny. A seamless pour ensures a clean drip that looks professionally done.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

The Strawberry Drip Cake is stunning on its own but can be elevated further with some creative touches. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Pair it with a glass of refreshing lemonade or iced tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the cake’s fruity notes.

For special occasions, consider presenting the cake on a bright, tiered cake stand, surrounded by additional strawberries or even edible flowers for an exquisite touch. The visual impact will surely wow your guests long before they even take a bite!

Nutritional Information

While indulging in a slice of Strawberry Drip Cake is a sweet escape, it is essential to understand its nutritional content. Typically, a generous slice can contain approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the size and frosting used. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, especially when considering the richness brought by butter and sugar.

The cake also offers a small amount of protein thanks to the eggs and a modest dose of vitamins from the strawberries. While this dessert is undeniably indulgent, it can also serve as a celebratory treat—perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or whenever happiness calls for a slice of sweetness.

Storing Tips & Variations for Strawberry Drip Cake

If you find yourself with leftover Strawberry Drip Cake—though that may be a rarity—you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, cut the cake into slices and freeze it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to three months. It’s a fantastic way to preserve those delicious flavors for another day!

For a healthier version, swap some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, and reduce the sugar slightly. You can also explore swapping the butter for coconut oil and using a low-fat yogurt for a lighter cake base. Feel free to experiment with different fruit purees, such as raspberry or blueberry, to create a variation of this delightful cake.

Conclusion for Strawberry Drip Cake

Strawberry Drip Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that evokes joy and celebration with every slice. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly impress. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients, follow the easy step-by-step directions, and bring a scrumptious Strawberry Drip Cake to life today!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Yes! Frozen strawberries are a great option. Just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.

2. How can I ensure my cake layers are even?
Using a kitchen scale to measure your batter can help ensure equal distribution among your cake pans.

3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them flat in the freezer. Just frost them when you are ready to serve.

4. Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the ganache?
While heavy cream provides a rich consistency, you can use milk for a lighter version. However, the texture will be slightly different.

5. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the cake’s structure.

Print Recipe

Strawberry Drip Cake

A stunning dessert with layers of moist, fluffy cake infused with fresh strawberries, creamy strawberry frosting, and topped with white chocolate drip and vibrant decorations.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Celebration, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: birthday cake, dessert, Drip Cake, Party Cake, Strawberry Cake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 600kcal

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The foundation of our cake, providing structure.
• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
• 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor balance.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds richness and moisture.
• 2 cups granulated sugar The sweetener that complements the strawberries.
• 4 large eggs Provides stability and richness.
• 1 cup whole milk Contributes to a tender cake crumb.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.
• 0.5 cup strawberry puree The star ingredient, delivering fresh strawberry flavor.

For the frosting

• 1.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Creates a smooth and creamy frosting.
• 6 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 0.5 cup strawberry puree Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds depth to the frosting.

For the chocolate drip

• 1 cup white chocolate chips Melts down beautifully for our drip.
• 0.5 cup heavy cream Helps create a velvety consistency for the ganache.

For decoration

• Fresh strawberries Fresh strawberries Brightens the cake and adds freshness.
• Sprinkles Sprinkles Adds a fun, festive touch.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Mixing

• In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with whole milk, starting and finishing with dry ingredients. Fold in strawberry puree.

Baking

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before transferring to a wire rack.

Frosting

• Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
• Level the cakes if necessary, then stack them, spreading a layer of strawberry frosting between each layer and around the sides.

Dripping

• Combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly before using.
• Pour white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Decorating

• Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and sprinkles.

Notes

Use ripe, fresh strawberries for best flavor. Consider adding lemon zest to the frosting for depth. You can use milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter ganache.