Strawberry Seismic Cake

The Strawberry Seismic Cake is a delightful explosion of flavor, featuring a moist strawberry-infused cake layered with creamy strawberry frosting and topped with a luscious strawberry sauce. This cake is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup strawberry puree
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries
• Whipped cream

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and strawberry puree. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
3. Bake Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
4. Make Frosting: For the frosting, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
5. Prepare Strawberry Sauce: For the strawberry sauce, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens. Allow to cool.
6. Assemble Cake: Frost and stack the cooled cakes with strawberry frosting in between layers and on the outside. Drizzle with strawberry sauce and garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices

Variations

• Frosting Flavors: Add a touch of lemon zest or vanilla bean paste to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cake Flavors: Incorporate a layer of lemon curd or raspberry sauce between the cake layers for a different fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Serve the cake cold or at room temperature. If desired, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
   Yes, thaw and drain the frozen strawberries before pureeing.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
3. How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans?
   Grease and flour the pans thoroughly, or use parchment paper for easy removal.
4. Can I make mini cakes with this recipe?
   Yes, adjust the baking time as needed for mini cake pans or cupcakes.
5. What if my frosting is too runny?
   If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
6. How do I get a smooth frosting layer?
   Use an offset spatula and smooth out the frosting in long strokes. Chill the cake slightly before applying a final smooth layer.
7. Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?
   Yes, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
8. What is the best way to slice a layered cake?
   Use a hot, serrated knife for clean slices. Dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
9. How long should I let the cake cool before frosting?
   Ensure the cake is completely cool, about 1 hour, before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
10. Can I make the strawberry sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Seismic Cake offers a delightful combination of fresh strawberry flavors with a creamy frosting and sweet sauce. Its vibrant color and rich taste make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness in each bite of this stunning cake!

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