Pretty Pink Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The Pretty Pink Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that brings a pop of color and flavor to any occasion. This cake features a soft and fluffy texture, enhanced by the sweetness of strawberries. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
Why Make This Recipe
This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The pink hue from the freeze-dried strawberries makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table. Plus, the creamy and tangy cream cheese frosting adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will surely impress your family and friends.
How to Make Pretty Pink Cake
Making the Pretty Pink Cake is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful cake ready to enjoy in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Adjust the consistency with milk as needed.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top. Decorate as desired.
How to Serve Pretty Pink Cake
Serve your Pretty Pink Cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add fresh strawberries or edible flowers on top for extra decoration!
How to Store Pretty Pink Cake
To store your Pretty Pink Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Tips to Make Pretty Pink Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps to create a smoother batter.
- Use a toothpick to test the cakes for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
- Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed strawberries based on how fruity you want the cake to be.
Variation
You can make this cake even more special by adding a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers or using different flavored extracts, like almond or lemon, for a twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried ones?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will add more moisture to the batter. You may need to adjust the flour to compensate.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to frost and serve.
3. Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and for dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Enjoy making and sharing your Pretty Pink Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!
