Indulge in a slice of summer with our delightful Strawberry Cake with Mascarpone Buttercream! This luscious dessert combines the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries with a rich and creamy mascarpone frosting, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special birthday, hosting a garden party, or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning masterpiece that not only looks good but tastes heavenly. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the pureed fresh strawberries gently into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the mascarpone buttercream. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of mascarpone buttercream on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted first layer. Use the remaining mascarpone buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth finish.
- For decoration, you can top the cake with fresh strawberries or any other desired toppings. Slice and serve your delicious Strawberry Cake with Mascarpone Buttercream!
Tips
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, fresh strawberries. Puree them just before mixing into the batter to retain their vibrant taste and color.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle!
- Cool Completely: Ensure that your cake layers are completely cool before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and sliding off.
- Chill the Buttercream: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the mascarpone buttercream for a few minutes before spreading it on the cake. This will help it hold its shape better.
- Decorate with Style: Get creative with your decorations! Fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or even a sprinkle of edible flowers can add a beautiful touch to your cake.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a hint of lemon zest to the batter or buttercream for a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
