Triple Decker Strawberry Cake
Description
Indulge in a delightful burst of summer flavors with this Triple Decker Strawberry Cake from the March issue of Southern Living. Perfect for strawberry lovers, this cake features three moist layers infused with sweet strawberry goodness. With its luscious strawberry buttercream frosting, this cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but is also incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for any family gathering or special occasion. Double the frosting for an extra indulgent treat, just as we did in the magazine!
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes
Servings: 16
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 package strawberry gelatin
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal of the cakes once baked.
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Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, strawberry gelatin, eggs, sugar, flour, chopped fresh strawberries, milk, strawberry puree, and softened butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on low speed for 1 minute. This initial mix ensures that the ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the batter.
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Blend Thoroughly: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then increase the mixer speed to medium. Continue beating the batter for an additional 2 minutes. Be sure to stop and scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the strawberries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, and the cakes spring back when lightly pressed.
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Cool the Cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire racks. This cooling step is crucial for the cakes to firm up and to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.
Making the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
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Beat the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 20 seconds or until the butter becomes fluffy.
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Add Sugar and Strawberries: Gradually add the powdered sugar and finely chopped strawberries to the butter, mixing on low speed until the frosting becomes creamy and smooth. The key is to beat until the mixture is fully combined and has a spreadable consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
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Frost the Layers: Place one layer of cake on your serving platter or cake stand. Evenly spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Finally, add the third layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
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Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the cake with additional fresh strawberries or decorative touches of your choice.
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Enjoy: Slice and serve this beautifully layered strawberry cake to your family and friends, and savor the sweet, fruity flavors that make it a standout dessert.
This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant pink layers and creamy frosting. Enjoy making and sharing this luscious cake with your loved ones! 🍰🍓
