Decorating A Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake
Birthdays are incomplete without cakes, and what better way to celebrate than with a homemade cake decorated with love? I have always enjoyed baking, and decorating cakes is a passion of mine. One of my favorite cakes to decorate is a Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake. The combination of fresh strawberries and cream makes it a perfect summer cake.
Step by Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the butter and mix with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, egg whites, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of whipped cream on top. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining cake layer, whipped cream, and strawberries.
- Decorate the cake with additional strawberries and whipped cream as desired.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Use cake flour for a lighter, fluffier cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake will be tough.
- Let the cakes cool completely before decorating.
- Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers before decorating.
- Add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra flavor.
- Decorate with fresh flowers for an elegant touch.
- Use a piping bag to pipe whipped cream around the edge of the cake.
- Experiment with different frosting techniques, like rosettes or swirls.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream make for a light, refreshing cake.
- The cake is easy to make and decorate, even for beginners.
- The cake can be customized with different frosting techniques and decorations.
Cons:
- The cake can be fragile, so it must be handled carefully when decorating.
- The cake is best eaten the day it is made, so it may not be suitable for large gatherings.
- Decorating the cake can be time-consuming, especially if using intricate frosting techniques.
Personal Review and Suggestion
I have made this cake several times and it is always a hit with friends and family. The fresh strawberries and whipped cream make for a light and refreshing cake, perfect for summer birthdays. I like to experiment with different frosting techniques and decorations, and have found that the cake is very versatile. One suggestion I have is to add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for extra flavor. Overall, I highly recommend this cake for anyone looking for a delicious and easy-to-make birthday cake.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh strawberries are recommended for best flavor, frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Thaw the strawberries completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of frosting. Cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting would both be delicious options.
Q: Can I make the cake in advance?
A: Yes, the cake layers can be made in advance and stored in the freezer until ready to use. Thaw the layers completely before decorating.