Christmas Strawberry Cream Cake: A Festive and Delicious Holiday Delight

This Christmas Strawberry Cream Cake is a beautiful and festive dessert that will be the highlight of your holiday table. The soft, buttery cake is topped with a generous layer of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a touch of green foliage, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat that everyone will love. With its light texture and sweet flavor, it’s perfect for celebrating Christmas with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh strawberries (for topping)
• Green foliage (for decoration)
• Whipped cream (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter is smooth.
4. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and green foliage for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 8 slices.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version of this cake.
• Different Fruits: Instead of strawberries, you can top the cake with other festive fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even pomegranate seeds.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for extra holiday flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream may soften slightly, but the cake will remain fresh.
• Freezing: This cake can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it without the whipped cream and fresh toppings. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before decorating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just decorate it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries before serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Fresh strawberries are ideal for decoration, but if using frozen strawberries, ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I add frosting instead of whipped cream?
   Yes, you can replace the whipped cream with frosting if you prefer a sweeter topping. Cream cheese frosting or buttercream would be great options.
4. What can I use if I don’t have a cake pan?
   You can use a round pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish. Just make sure to grease and flour it to prevent sticking.
5. Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Almond flour can be used in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version, but the texture will be different. You may need to adjust the quantity and the addition of other ingredients like binding agents.
6. How do I keep the cake from sinking in the middle?
   Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and avoid overmixing the batter, which can cause the cake to sink. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
7. How do I make my cake more moist?
   You can add a little more milk or use a cake mix with added moisture. Additionally, making sure the cake is not overbaked will keep it moist.
8. Can I decorate the cake with other edible flowers?
   Yes, you can decorate with edible flowers such as pansies or violets for an elegant look.
9. Can I use a different milk for the cake?
   Yes, you can substitute any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk or oat milk, for a dairy-free version.
10. How do I make the whipped cream?
    To make fresh whipped cream, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract until soft peaks form. You can also use a store-bought version for convenience.

Conclusion

This Christmas Strawberry Cream Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of light cake, rich whipped cream, and fresh strawberries makes for a treat that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re celebrating with family or hosting a festive get-together, this cake is sure to be a hit and add a sweet touch to your Christmas celebrations.

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