Introduction
Indulge your passion for baking with a stunning Strawberry Drip Cake, the ultimate showstopper for any celebration. This cake is not just a treat for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Layers of moist cake, luscious strawberry frosting, and a decadent white chocolate drip come together to create a harmonious dessert that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a family gathering, or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress and make lasting memories.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Cake:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- For the Frosting:
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- For the White Chocolate Drip:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries
- Sprinkles
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 slices
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in ½ cup of strawberry puree.
5. Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
6. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, the remaining strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
7. Level the cooled cakes if needed, then stack them, spreading the strawberry frosting between each layer.
8. To make the white chocolate drip, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before carefully pouring over the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
9. Decorate with fresh strawberries and sprinkles for a festive touch!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in ½ cup of strawberry puree.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, the remaining strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Level the cooled cakes if needed, then stack them, spreading the strawberry frosting between each layer.
Step 8: Prepare the White Chocolate Drip
To make the white chocolate drip, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before carefully pouring over the frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Step 9: Decorate the Cake
Decorate with fresh strawberries and sprinkles for a festive touch!
Notes
Note 1:
Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.
Note 2:
Check the cake doneness using a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center.
Note 3:
If the white chocolate drip is too thick, you can add a little more cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Note 4:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Cake Pans
Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking. You can also use parchment paper for an extra layer of protection.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake a light texture.
Incorporating Ingredients
When mixing dry and wet ingredients, alternate adding them to the butter mixture. This helps to maintain the emulsion and ensures a smooth batter.
Testing Cake Doneness
Use a toothpick to test if the cakes are done. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are finished baking.
Making Strawberry Frosting
When preparing the frosting, be sure to gradually mix in the powdered sugar to avoid a sugar cloud and achieve a smooth consistency.
Creating White Chocolate Drip
Melt the white chocolate chips with heavy cream until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring to achieve a controlled drip effect.
Decorating the Cake
Use fresh strawberries and sprinkles to add color and texture. Position the strawberries strategically for an eye-catching presentation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free.
Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature.
What can I use instead of white chocolate for the drip?
You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, adjusting the heavy cream to maintain a pourable consistency.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Drip Cake is not only visually stunning but also delicious. With these techniques and tips, you’ll be able to create a fabulous dessert that delights everyone at your next celebration!
