Strawberry Ombre Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting
A stunning dessert that combines delightful flavors of fresh strawberries with light, airy whipped cream, featuring an ombre effect that transitions from pale pink to deep strawberry hues.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tbsp red food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- 1/4 cup red edible pearls or sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with the whole milk until just combined.
- Fold in the pureed strawberries and add red food coloring if desired.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the frosting into three bowls, mixing freeze-dried strawberry powder into one for a light pink frosting.
Assembly
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, applying a generous layer of plain whipped cream frosting on top.
- Add the second layer, creating an ombre effect with the different shades of frosting.
- Decorate with white chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, and edible pearls or sprinkles.
- Allow to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a more intense strawberry flavor, add fresh strawberry slices in the frosting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individual layers for later enjoyment.