A delightful layered cake with a light and fluffy texture, whipped cream, and fresh fruit garnishes.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
For the Whipped Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Assembly:
Fresh strawberries, sliced
6-8 vanilla cookies (such as Golden Oreos)
Extra whipped cream for decorating
Optional: Additional strawberries for garnish
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square or round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Whipped Cream Filling:
Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Assembling the Cake:
Slice the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it into small squares or rectangles, as shown in the image.
Layer the Filling: Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe or spread a layer of whipped cream between each cake slice. You can layer it with an additional slice of cake for added height.
Decorate the Top: Top each square with a slice of fresh strawberry, a vanilla cookie, and a swirl of whipped cream. Optionally, you can garnish with a whole strawberry or mint leaves.
Serve:
Serve the cake slices chilled for the best experience. This cake makes a perfect treat for parties or as a light dessert.
Tips:
You can also add a layer of strawberry jam or fresh fruit preserves between the whipped cream and cake layers for added flavor.
For a more decadent version, drizzle chocolate syrup or strawberry glaze on top.
If you prefer a firmer cake texture, you can substitute the whipped cream with a layer of buttercream frosting.
Enjoy this light, fresh, and delicious layered cake!