Description
Tender sponge layers, velvety whipped cream, and a juicy strawberry filling come together in this elegant Southern dessert. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it’s a make-ahead treat for birthdays, picnics, or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the strawberries:
2 pounds strawberries (fresh and halved)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the cake:
6 tablespoons coarse sugar
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
For the whipped cream:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the strawberries: In a large bowl, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cornstarch. Toss gently and let macerate for at least 15 minutes. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Press 3 tablespoons of coarse sugar into the bottom of each pan for a textured crust.
3. Prepare the cake: In a bowl, cream the butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of coarse sugar over the batter.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the whipped cream: In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the cream cheese, salt, and powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
8. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the whipped cream on top, then layer half the macerated strawberries, pressing down slightly. Add the second layer of cake and spread the remaining whipped cream on top. Cover the strawberries with the second layer of strawberries and gently press to adhere.
9. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set before serving.
Notes
The cake can be prepared up to a day ahead of serving for easier assembly. For easier unmolding, chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Leftover strawberries can be used in a fruit salad for a sweet breakfast or snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg