Name: Strawberry Mascarpone Cake
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ cup light sour cream (can substitute with non-fat Greek Yogurt); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ cups milk (nonfat); 2 cups strawberries (pureed); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon flour (sifted); 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream; 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (cold)

Introduction to Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Why Strawberry Mascarpone Cake is a Must-Try

If you're searching for a decadent dessert that embodies the essence of summer, look no further than Strawberry Mascarpone Cake. This delightful cake is not just a visual treat with its beautiful layers of vibrant strawberries, but also a celebration of flavors that will elevate any gathering.

Imagine slicing through three airy layers of moist vanilla cake, each embracing a luscious filling made from freshly pureed strawberries. Topped with a creamy, silky mascarpone whipped cream frosting, this cake is an irresistible combination of rich and refreshing flavors. It's perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet indulgence on a sunny afternoon.

But why stop there? Strawberry Mascarpone Cake is also customizable! You can easily adapt the filling with other fruits or mix in unique flavors to suit your palate. Plus, this cake is relatively simple to make, offering both baking enthusiasts and novice cooks a chance to impress.

Want to get even more inspiration? Check out seasonal fruit guides or local farmer's markets for the freshest strawberries available! The harmony of flavors in this cake certainly makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys delightful desserts.

Ingredients for Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Essential Ingredients for the Cake

To get your strawberry mascarpone cake off to a great start, you'll need just a few key ingredients to create those delicious, moist cake layers. Gather the following:

Granulated sugar
Vegetable oil
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
Light sour cream
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Milk (nonfat works best)

Ingredients for the Strawberry Filling

The filling is where the magic happens! This fruity layer adds a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the cake. You’ll require:

Fresh strawberries, pureed (make sure they're ripe for the best flavor)
Lemon juice to brighten it up
Granulated sugar to sweeten the mixture
A bit of flour for that perfect texture

Ingredients for the Frosting

Now for the crowning glory—the silky frosting that ties everything together. For this delightful layer, make sure you have:

Heavy whipping cream for a luscious texture
Powdered sugar for sweetness and stability
Vanilla extract for that comforting hint of flavor
Mascarpone cheese, which is the star of this frosting, adding creaminess and richness

This combination of ingredients will help you create a layered cake that not only looks stunning but tastes divine! For more tips on selecting fresh produce, check out resources from Food Network.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Gather and Prepare All Ingredients

Before you dive into baking your strawberry mascarpone cake, start by gathering all the essential ingredients. You’ll need:

For the Cake: granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.
For the Filling: strawberries, lemon juice, granulated sugar, and flour.
For the Frosting: heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mascarpone cheese.

Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and grease—your future layers will be so much easier to remove!

Making the Vanilla Cake Layers

In a large mixing bowl, start by beating together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Aim for about 2 minutes until the mix is light and fluffy. Next, blend in the sour cream before incorporating the dry ingredients and milk in two parts each, just until combined. Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans—around 1 ⅔ cups per pan—and bake for 20-23 minutes, rotating halfway through. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While your cake layers are cooling, chop and puree your strawberries using a food processor. In a saucepan, combine your pureed strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and flour, cooking over medium-high heat until boiling. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens. Allow this mixture to cool completely—perhaps a little time in the fridge will help speed things up!

Whip Up the Mascarpone Frosting

For the dreamy frosting that will bring your strawberry mascarpone cake together, start by chilling your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Combine the mascarpone and heavy cream, slowly mixing on a lower speed. Once combined, increase the speed until soft peaks form. Finally, fold in powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks appear—this will give you that perfect, spreadable texture.

Assemble the Cake with Layers

It’s time to assemble! Level the tops of your cooled cake layers with a cake leveler. Place the first layer on a cake board with a dollop of frosting underneath to hold it steady. Pipe a border of frosting around the edge, then fill it with half of your cooled strawberry mixture. Add a layer of frosting on top, and repeat this process with your second layer. Finally, place the last cake layer on top.

Finalizing the Decoration

Use any leftover frosting to create a crumb coat—this seals in any crumbs and prepares your cake for a smooth finish. After a brief chill, apply the final layer of frosting around the sides and top of the cake. For the finishing touches, pipe decorative florets on top and garnish with fresh strawberries. Your strawberry mascarpone cake is now ready for its star moment—enjoy the praises as you serve it up!

For additional tips on cake making and decoration techniques, you might consider checking out resources like Cake International or Wilton's baking guide. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Variations on Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Different Fruit Fillings

While the classic strawberry mascarpone cake is beloved, why not experiment with different fruit fillings? Try vibrant raspberries for a tart contrast, blueberries for a sweet and juicy twist, or even peaches for a delightful summer flair. Just puree the fruit of your choice and adjust the sugar level to maintain balance. For a tropical vibe, consider mixing in mango or passion fruit!

Alternative Frosting Ideas

Switching up your frosting can give your strawberry mascarpone cake a whole new identity. A simple cream cheese frosting offers a tangy counterpart to the sweetness of the cake. For a lighter option, consider whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free substitute. Or, why not try a citrus-infused frosting with lemon or lime zest for a refreshing burst? Each variation opens up a new world of flavors and makes your cake uniquely yours!

Feel free to get creative! For more inspiration on fruit cakes, check out these options from Food Network.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

When making your strawberry mascarpone cake, ensure each layer bakes evenly by rotating them halfway through. This prevents a lopsided cake! Another common mistake is using warm mascarpone; chilled cheese ensures a stable frosting, so place it in the fridge beforehand. Don't skip the dam of frosting around the filling; it prevents the strawberry purée from running out, maintaining that perfect layer effect every time.

Making ahead and storage tips

Plan to impress your guests! You can prepare the cake layers and filling in advance. Simply refrigerate any leftover filling in an airtight container. When it’s time to assemble the strawberry mascarpone cake, whip up the frosting fresh for the best flavor and texture. For optimal freshness, store it in a cake carrier in the refrigerator, adding fresh strawberries just before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert up to two days after you've made it, and watch it disappear!

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Perfect pairings for dessert

To elevate your strawberry mascarpone cake, consider pairing it with fresh mint or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sophisticated twist. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a delightful creaminess, balancing the cake’s sweetness perfectly. For beverages, opt for a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling lemon soda to cleanse the palate between bites.

Ideal occasions to serve this cake

This delicious strawberry mascarpone cake is ideal for a variety of celebrations! Whether it’s a summer birthday bash, a patio get-together, or a cozy brunch with friends, this cake will impress. It’s also a delightful treat for a wedding shower or a Mother’s Day celebration, bringing a touch of elegance to any occasion. Sharing a slice is simply a must!

Time Breakdown for Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Preparation Time

The preparation for this delightful Strawberry Mascarpone Cake takes about 70 minutes. This includes gathering and measuring your ingredients, mixing your batter, and preparing your fillings.

Baking Time

Once prepped, the baking process is quick at just 20 minutes. You'll be amazed at how swiftly the layers come together in the oven!

Total Time

In total, this gorgeous cake will take you 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weekend project that yields a stunning dessert worth sharing!

With careful planning, you can create this summertime classic in no time. For tips on the best tools to use, check out this guide. Speaking of tools, don’t forget your essential mixing equipment to streamline the process!

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Calories per slice

One delightful slice of strawberry mascarpone cake contains approximately 716 calories, making it an indulgent treat for special occasions.

Sugar content

Each serving has about 53.3 grams of sugar. While it’s rich in sweetness, enjoy it in moderation to balance your overall dietary intake.

Key nutrients

This cake offers essential nutrients, including protein (9.4g) for added satisfaction and richness from healthy fats (42.6g), particularly from mascarpone. For a healthy lifestyle, consider pairing this dessert with fresh fruit or a cup of tea to complement the flavors!

For more detailed nutritional information about cakes and desserts, you can explore USDA FoodData Central.

FAQs about Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Absolutely! While the strawberry mascarpone cake is delicious as is, you can make a few tweaks. If you’re out of sour cream, try using non-fat Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar in the filling. Just remember that dramatic changes might alter the texture or moisture of the cake.

How do I ensure my cake layers are even?

Getting those layers just right is all about precision. Use a kitchen scale to measure your batter. Divide the batter evenly — around 1 ⅔ cups per pan — and make sure to level the tops with a spatula before baking. Finally, rotate your pans halfway through for even heat distribution.

What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

After enjoying your delicious strawberry mascarpone cake, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake fresh for up to 3-4 days! Alternatively, you can freeze portions of the cake for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion on Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Creating a strawberry mascarpone cake at home is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results. With layers of moist vanilla cake combined with fresh strawberry filling and airy mascarpone frosting, every bite is pure bliss. Impress your friends and family with this delightful summer dessert that celebrates seasonal berries.