Strawberry Cake Recipe

Strawberry Cake History and Fun Facts

Strawberry cake is a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. It has a rich history and is loved by people all around the world. This cake is often associated with summertime and celebrations, as strawberries are typically in season during the warmer months.

The history of strawberry cake can be traced back to the early 19th century when strawberries were first cultivated in Europe. As their popularity grew, people started experimenting with different ways to incorporate strawberries into their desserts. This led to the creation of various strawberry-based cakes, including the classic strawberry cake we know today.

Strawberry cake became especially popular in the United States during the 1950s. It was often served at birthday parties, weddings, and other special occasions. The combination of the soft, fluffy cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped cream made it a favorite among both children and adults.

Fun fact: The largest strawberry cake ever baked was made in the town of La Trinidad, Philippines, in 2004. It weighed a whopping 21,213.40 pounds and measured 39 feet in diameter. It took over 1,200 people to bake and decorate the cake, which included thousands of fresh strawberries.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for making a delicious strawberry cake using the given information:

Strawberry Cake Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons shortening
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk

For the filling and topping:
- Crushed and sweetened strawberries
- Whipped cream
- Whole berries
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a hot temperature, around 375°F (190°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. This will help get rid of any lumps and ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

3. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help create a flaky texture in the cake.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together until well combined. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.

5. Divide the dough in half. Take one half and lightly pat it out to fit a greased deep layer tin. This will be the bottom layer of the cake.

6. Spread a generous amount of butter over the bottom layer of dough. This will add flavor and richness to the cake.

7. Place the second half of the dough on top of the buttered layer. Pat it out to fit the pan, covering the bottom layer completely. Press down lightly to ensure the layers stick together.

8. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. While the cake is still hot, carefully split it into two layers using a serrated knife. This will create space for the filling and add an extra layer of deliciousness to the cake.

10. Spread the crushed and sweetened strawberries over the bottom layer of the cake. You can adjust the sweetness according to your taste.

11. Generously spread whipped cream over the strawberries, ensuring even coverage.

12. Carefully place the top layer of the cake on top of the whipped cream. Press down lightly to secure the layers.

13. Cover the top of the cake with more whipped cream and arrange whole strawberries on top.

14. Finally, dust the cake with powdered sugar to give it a beautiful finishing touch.

15. Serve the strawberry cake fresh and enjoy!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Strawberry Shortcake: This classic dessert consists of layers of sponge cake or biscuits, topped with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
- Strawberry Trifle: A layered dessert made with sponge cake, custard, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It is typically served in a glass dish, making it visually appealing.
- Strawberry Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake with a strawberry topping. It combines the rich and smooth texture of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of strawberries.
- Strawberry Tarts: Miniature pastries filled with strawberry jam or fresh strawberries, often topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

These are just a few examples of the many strawberry-based desserts you can enjoy. Strawberry cake remains a beloved treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.