Red Velvet Strawberry Delight: A Decadent Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Red Velvet Strawberry Delight: A Decadent Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavor and elegance with this Red Velvet Strawberry Delight. Featuring moist red velvet cake layers, creamy cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberry topping, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or a simple sweet craving, this recipe will deliver a show-stopping treat!


Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp red gel food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Fresh strawberries
  • Whipped cream (optional)


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier release.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

2. Bake the Cake

  1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy and easy to spread.

4. Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Add the second cake layer and spread frosting over the top and sides, smoothing with an offset spatula.

5. Garnish and Decorate

  1. Top the cake with fresh strawberries, arranging them for a striking presentation.
  2. Add whipped cream dollops around the edges for an extra touch of elegance, if desired.

Why This Recipe Is Special

  • Moist and Tender Layers: The oil and buttermilk ensure a rich, soft cake that melts in your mouth.
  • Luscious Frosting: The cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the slightly tangy, sweet cake.
  • Simple Yet Stunning: The vibrant red cake and fresh strawberry topping create a dessert that looks professional but is easy to make.

Pro Tips for Baking Success

  1. Use Gel Food Coloring: For the best results, use gel food coloring for a bold and vibrant red hue without altering the texture of the batter.
  2. Chill the Cake Layers: Refrigerate the cooled cake layers for 30 minutes before assembling to make frosting easier.
  3. Add Strawberries Fresh: Decorate with strawberries right before serving to keep them juicy and fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost and decorate the cake on the day of serving.

2. How should I store the frosted cake?
Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

3. Can I add a filling between the layers?
Absolutely! Try adding a layer of strawberry jam, fresh strawberry slices, or even chocolate ganache for extra flavor.


Serving Suggestions

Pair this Red Velvet Strawberry Delight with:

  • Hot Coffee or Espresso: Perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.
  • A Glass of Prosecco: Adds a celebratory touch.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: A cool and creamy complement to the rich cake.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Strawberry Delight is the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and beauty. Its moist layers, tangy cream cheese frosting, and fresh strawberry garnish make it a dessert that’s sure to wow your family and friends. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe guarantees success. Bake it today and treat yourself to a slice of heaven!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *