Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

Are you ready to impress your guests with a delightful and visually stunning dessert? Look no further than this exquisite Red Velvet Strawberry Cake! A true masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of red velvet with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, this cake is a showstopper at any gathering. Picture layers of ruby-hued cake, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries, all finished off with a luscious chocolate ganache. It’s a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds!

I have fond memories of making this Red Velvet Strawberry Cake for my niece’s birthday and watching her eyes light up at the vibrant colors and irresistible toppings. Every bite is a symphony of flavors, with the tender crumb of the cake perfectly complemented by the freshness of the strawberries and the indulgence of the chocolate ganache. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a summer get-together, this cake is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

So, if you’re looking to add a touch of drama and a whole lot of deliciousness to your next special occasion, give this Red Velvet Strawberry Cake a try. With its timeless appeal and modern twist, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Get ready to create unforgettable memories and savor every slice of this delightful cake!

Quick Benefits

• Eye-catching Presentation: The vibrant red color of the cake, coupled with the fresh strawberries and glossy chocolate ganache, makes it a showstopper at any celebration.
• Delightful Combination of Flavors: The tender red velvet cake, fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and rich chocolate create a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Memorable Shared Experiences: This cake has the power to create lasting memories, whether it’s giggles over the color, taste testing for sweetness with loved ones, or becoming a requested treat at family gatherings.
• Versatile for Different Occasions: Easily customizable with different fruits and flavors, making it suitable for various seasons and celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: This cake is a showstopper, combining a vibrant red velvet cake with luscious whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a glossy chocolate ganache that is sure to impress at any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The combination of the rich red velvet cake, fluffy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and decadent chocolate ganache creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
• Memorable Experience: The process of making and enjoying this cake creates lasting memories with loved ones. From picking fresh strawberries to taste-testing for sweetness, every step is an opportunity to bond with family and friends.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe offers variations and substitutions, allowing you to customize the cake based on seasonal availability or personal preferences. You can switch out ingredients like berries or chocolate to suit different occasions or tastes.
• Make-Ahead Option: The cake layers can be baked in advance and assembled just before serving, making it a convenient option for parties and special events. This way, you can always have a delicious dessert ready to impress your guests.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This cake has consistently received rave reviews and requests for the recipe, even from those who claim not to be fans of cake. It is a surefire way to wow your guests and leave them coming back for seconds.
• Nostalgic and Modern Twist: The classic red velvet cake gets a fresh and modern update with the addition of strawberries and cream, adding a burst of freshness and elevating it to a celebratory centerpiece that pays homage to its Southern roots while appealing to contemporary tastes.

Ingredients for Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

Cake

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 quarts fresh strawberries, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring, as needed
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup powdered sugar, to taste
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Ganache

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips

Pro Tips for Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

For a vivid red color in your red velvet cake, use gel or liquid red food coloring and adjust the amount until you achieve the desired hue. This will ensure a striking presentation that wows your guests.

When making the cake, opt for fresh strawberries for the best texture and appearance. However, if fresh strawberries are not available, you can use well-drained frozen berries for the filling. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using.

Remember that vinegar reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise and enhance the tenderness of the crumb. Be sure not to omit this ingredient for a successful and delicious cake. Additionally, store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best freshness due to the whipped cream and strawberries.

How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparation

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, then set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Blend Cocoa Paste

Combine vinegar and unsweetened cocoa powder to make a paste. Mix in the butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine cake flour, salt, and baking soda by sifting them together in a bowl.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the sifted dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter in alternating additions, mixing well after each and scraping the bowl as necessary. Stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring until desired shade is achieved.

Step 7: Bake

Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cakes

Take the cakes out of the oven and let them cool in the pans for 30 minutes. Afterwards, invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberries

Clean and dry strawberries. Remove stems and slice 8-10 berries thinly for filling. Set aside the rest of the whole berries for decoration.

Step 10: Prepare Whipped Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, cornstarch, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, adjusting sugar to taste. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 11: Make Ganache

Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until just below boiling. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 10 minutes. Stir until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Cool before using.

Step 12: Assemble Layers

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the whipped cream evenly, and then arrange sliced strawberries in a single layer over the cream.

Step 13: Finish Assembly

Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the rest of the whipped cream over it, then arrange the remaining whole strawberries in the center to create a decorative dome.

Step 14: Add Ganache and Chill

Pour the cooled ganache over the cake and refrigerate until serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve assembled your beautiful Red Velvet Strawberry Cake, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Gently cover the cake and refrigerate any leftovers. The whipped cream topping will hold up well for one to two days in the fridge. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic, then place them in an airtight container. To serve frozen slices, thaw them in the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.

It’s worth noting that for the most vibrant red color in your cake, use gel or liquid red food coloring until you achieve the desired hue. Fresh strawberries are ideal for both texture and appearance, but if needed, well-drained frozen berries can be used for the filling. Additionally, the combination of vinegar and baking soda in the recipe helps the cake rise and contributes to its tender crumb. Remember that while this cake is best enjoyed fresh due to the whipped cream and strawberries, you can plan ahead by baking the cake layers in advance and assembling them with the cream and strawberries just before serving to ensure a delightful experience for your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for five minutes. This will provide the acidity needed for the recipe. Additionally, if you prefer a nut-free option for the ganache, opt for high-quality dairy dark chocolate instead of using chocolate with nuts. This will ensure a smooth and decadent ganache topping without any nut allergens.

In case you cannot find cake flour, you can create a substitute by measuring out all-purpose flour and then removing two tablespoons per cup. Replace the removed flour with cornstarch to help achieve a tender crumb in the cake. This simple swap will still result in a delicious and moist cake texture. Furthermore, if fresh strawberries are not available, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen berries for the filling, ensuring you still get that burst of fruity flavor in every bite of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and playful twist on serving this Red Velvet Strawberry Cake, consider turning it into individual cake jars. Layer slices of the red velvet cake with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of chocolate ganache in clear mason jars. This not only creates a charming presentation but also allows guests to see the beautiful layers of the cake before digging in.

To elevate the flavors of this cake even further, serve it with a side of tangy raspberry coulis. Simply blend fresh raspberries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle the coulis over each slice of the cake before serving. The bright and tart raspberry sauce complements the sweetness of the strawberries and adds a burst of flavor to each bite, making this dessert a true showstopper at any gathering.

FAQs for Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture and appearance in this cake. However, if you must use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them well and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.

How long can I store this red velvet strawberry cake?

You can store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the cake is best enjoyed fresh due to the whipped cream and strawberries. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and placed in an airtight container.

What’s the purpose of vinegar in this red velvet cake recipe?

Vinegar reacts with the baking soda in the recipe to help the cake rise and enhances the tenderness of the crumb. It is a key ingredient in traditional red velvet cakes.

Can I bake the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Thaw the layers and assemble the cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries shortly before serving for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Red Velvet Strawberry Cake brings as much joy and delight to your loved ones as it has to mine. From the vibrant color to the juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, every bite is a celebration of flavors and memories. Whether it’s a birthday, summer gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different fruits, toppings, or even a different twist on the classic red velvet cake. The possibilities are endless, and the joy of baking and sharing this delicious cake with others is truly priceless. So go ahead, whip up a Red Velvet Strawberry Cake, and savor every moment and every slice of this delightful dessert. Enjoy!