Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
This luscious Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring rich, velvety layers infused with cocoa and topped with a fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making it an irresistible dessert that will impress everyone at your table.
This luscious Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Rich and velvety texture
- Fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting
- Perfect for celebrations
- Irresistible flavor
The Magic of Red Velvet
Red velvet cake is a classic Southern dessert known for its vibrant color and unique flavor profile. The combination of cocoa and vanilla creates a rich taste that is both indulgent and comforting. The deep red color is not only striking but adds a festive touch to any occasion, making it a popular choice for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. By incorporating strawberries into this classic recipe, we've found a delightful way to elevate the flavors even further.
Strawberries complement the rich cocoa-based layers beautifully, adding a fresh sweetness that balances the decadence of the cake. This Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is perfect for both the red velvet lover and those looking to try something new. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, making it the centerpiece of any dessert table.
Perfecting the Frosting
No cake is complete without an exceptional frosting, and this strawberry cream cheese frosting is truly a star ingredient. Made with softened cream cheese and butter, it provides a creamy and rich base. The addition of fresh strawberries enhances the flavor and ensures that every slice you serve is packed with fruity goodness. The balance of sweetness and tanginess is hard to resist, making this frosting ideal for any cake or cupcake.
When applying the frosting, be sure to use a gentle hand to preserve the fluffy and airy texture. This will create a stunning visual appeal that truly complements the red velvet layers beneath. If you're looking to elevate your cake even more, consider garnishing it with whole strawberries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that extra touch.
Tips for Baking Success
For the best results, it is crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even small deviations can affect the outcome of your cake. Use a kitchen scale if possible, and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to ensure an even blend during mixing. Additionally, when baking your cakes, it's important to keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary. A toothpick test is a reliable way to determine if your cakes are perfectly done.
Cooling the cakes completely before frosting is another essential step. This prevents the frosting from melting and allows for a more beautiful finish. If time permits, allow the cooled cakes to sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before frosting. This will help set the layers, making them easier to stack and frost flawlessly.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixtures, mixing until just combined.
Add Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl until bubbling, then fold it into the batter.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Prepare the Frosting
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
Assemble and Frost
Once the cakes have cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Allow the cake to set before slicing. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, celebrating an anniversary, or just want to impress your family at a weekend gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent dessert experience.
Furthermore, consider slicing and serving the cake alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light berry compote. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a refreshing element to balance the cake's richness.
Storage Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover cake, fear not! This Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just ensure it's well covered to keep it from drying out. The flavors may even deepen over time, making each bite as delicious as the first.
For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the cake. Wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy a piece, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Variations on the Recipe
While the original Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat, there are several ways to make it your own. You can experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like orange zest or almond extract to the batter for a unique twist. Additionally, consider swapping out the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity profile.
For those looking for a lighter version, you can substitute some of the ingredients with healthier options, such as using Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese in the frosting or using a sugar substitute in the cake. These modifications can help cater to various dietary preferences while still delivering a delicious dessert.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly before using.
→ How do I store the cake?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake
This luscious Juicy Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Featuring rich, velvety layers infused with cocoa and topped with a fresh strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making it an irresistible dessert that will impress everyone at your table.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12.0
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixtures, mixing until just combined.
Mix the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl until bubbling, then fold it into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
Once the cakes have cooled, frost the top of one layer, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g