Description
Silky layers of strawberry delight cake promise pure indulgence with homemade charm. Rich buttercream and fresh strawberries create a dreamy dessert you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
Cake Mix Additional Ingredients (as listed on box packaging)
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
Topping and Crust Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies or golden Oreos, crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare cake pans by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper, ensuring smooth cake removal.
- Create two distinct cake batters following package instructions – one strawberry-flavored and one vanilla – maintaining careful mixing to avoid overmixing.
- Distribute cake batters evenly into separate prepared pans, using gentle spreading techniques to achieve uniform layers.
- Bake cake layers until a testing skewer emerges clean, approximately 25-30 minutes, then allow complete cooling on wire racks to prevent moisture retention.
- Lower oven temperature for the cheesecake component, preparing a springform pan with protective parchment.
- Blend cream cheese mixture meticulously, incorporating eggs individually to prevent lumping and ensuring smooth, silky texture.
- Gently pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan, baking until center is barely set with a slight wobble.
- Cool cheesecake thoroughly at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum four hours to achieve perfect consistency.
- Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and cookies in a food processor, creating a fine, even crumb mixture.
- Incorporate melted butter into crumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform moistening.
- Construct cake by layering strawberry cake first, applying delicate frosting between each component.
- Carefully position cheesecake layer, maintaining structural integrity and smooth surface.
- Complete cake assembly with vanilla layer, covering entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Generously coat cake sides and top with prepared strawberry crunch mixture, pressing gently for optimal adherence.
- Optionally embellish with fresh strawberry garnishes for visual appeal.
- Refrigerate assembled cake for minimum two hours to solidify layers and enhance flavor melding.
- Slice and serve chilled, revealing beautiful layered composition.
Notes
- Advance Preparation Required: This layered cake demands strategic planning, needing at least 6 hours of total chilling and cooling time across different stages.
- Temperature Precision Matters: Use accurate oven temperatures for each baking component to ensure perfect texture and prevent under or overbaking.
- Ingredient Quality Impacts Flavor: Select premium cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and high-quality cake mixes for the most delicious result.
- Crunch Topping Technique: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries and cookies finely to create a consistent, even coating that adheres smoothly to the cake’s surface.
- Handling Delicate Layers: Use a gentle touch when stacking cake and cheesecake layers to maintain structural integrity and prevent cracking.
- Serving Recommendation: Best enjoyed chilled, this dessert serves as an impressive centerpiece for special occasions or summer gatherings.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg