Red Velvet Strawberry Cake: A Decadent Delight

Red velvet cake, with its signature crimson hue and subtle cocoa flavor, is a classic for a reason. But when you pair it with the bright, fresh taste of strawberries, you elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. This Red Velvet Strawberry Cake recipe is the perfect balance of rich and tangy, moist and fluffy, making it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion.

This detailed guide will walk you through each step of creating this stunning cake, from baking the perfect red velvet layers to whipping up a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this show-stopping treat!

Why This Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe Works

* **Moist and Tender Cake:** The combination of buttermilk, oil, and vinegar in the red velvet batter creates a remarkably moist and tender crumb.
* **Perfect Flavor Balance:** The subtle cocoa flavor of the red velvet cake complements the sweetness and tartness of the strawberries beautifully.
* **Creamy and Tangy Frosting:** The cream cheese frosting provides a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the cake, while the strawberry puree adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
* **Visually Stunning:** The vibrant red cake layers, the creamy white frosting, and the fresh strawberry garnish make this cake a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Cake:

* 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant color)
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

* 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
* ½ cup (approximately 120ml) strawberry puree (from about 1 pound of fresh strawberries)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

* 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Equipment You’ll Need

* Three 8-inch round cake pans
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Offset spatula
* Wire rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Alternatively, you can grease the pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. This will ensure that the cakes release easily.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Use an electric mixer for this step to ensure a smooth and uniform mixture. It should be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

Step 6: Add Food Coloring and Vinegar

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring and white vinegar. Add this mixture to the cake batter and mix until evenly colored. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light and airy texture, while also enhancing the red color.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking for doneness around 25 minutes.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

1. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes completely before frosting is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 9: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. Wash and hull about 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. This will give you a smooth and luscious strawberry puree for the frosting. Measure out ½ cup (approximately 120ml) for the frosting.

Step 10: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the frosting to become too thin.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and spread with another layer of frosting.
3. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth and even finish.

Step 12: Decorate the Cake

1. Arrange sliced fresh strawberries on top of the cake for decoration. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.

Step 13: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Strawberry Cake

* **Use Gel Food Coloring:** Gel food coloring provides a more vibrant and intense red color than liquid food coloring. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve the desired shade.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter for the frosting, will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
* **Level the Cake Layers:** Leveling the cake layers with a serrated knife will create a more even and visually appealing cake.
* **Chill the Cake Before Serving:** Chilling the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving will allow the frosting to set and make it easier to slice.
* **Make Ahead:** You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Strawberry Variation:** For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding finely chopped strawberries to the cake batter itself.
* **Cream Cheese Alternatives:** While cream cheese is classic, try experimenting with mascarpone for a richer, slightly sweeter frosting, or a combination of Greek yogurt and cream cheese for a tangier, lighter frosting.
* **Chocolate Curls:** Add dark or white chocolate curls as a garnish for an extra touch of elegance.

Variations and Adaptations

* **Red Velvet Cupcakes with Strawberry Frosting:** Turn this cake into cupcakes by baking the batter in cupcake liners for about 18-20 minutes. Frost with the strawberry cream cheese frosting and decorate with fresh strawberries.
* **Red Velvet Strawberry Trifle:** Create a trifle by layering cubed red velvet cake, strawberry slices, and strawberry cream cheese frosting in a glass bowl. Repeat the layers until the bowl is full.
* **Vegan Red Velvet Strawberry Cake:** Adapt the recipe to be vegan by using plant-based butter, milk, and eggs. There are many vegan red food colorings available as well.
* **Gluten-Free Red Velvet Strawberry Cake:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum.
* **Chocolate Red Velvet Strawberry Cake:** Add 1/2 cup of melted dark chocolate to the cake batter for a richer, more decadent flavor.

Serving Suggestions

* Serve chilled as a dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
* Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Serve with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory treat.

Storage Instructions

* Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

Red Velvet Cake History

The origin of Red Velvet Cake is often debated, but one popular story attributes its creation to the Adams Extract Company in the early 20th century. The company, which specialized in food colorings and extracts, purportedly developed the recipe to promote the use of their red food coloring. However, similar cakes existed before this time, often using beet juice or cocoa to achieve a reddish hue. The cake’s popularity soared in the mid-20th century, particularly in the Southern United States, where it became a staple at celebrations and gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 25-35g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 75-100mg
* Sodium: 250-350mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 35-45g
* Protein: 3-5g

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of the rich, slightly tangy red velvet cake with the fresh, sweet strawberries and creamy cream cheese frosting is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!