Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare this delightful cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it feels light and fluffy. Eggs come next, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and strawberry puree. Mix in the sour cream and milk until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. If you’d like that extra pink hue, add the food coloring here. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick and it comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency. Don’t forget to add food coloring if you’re aiming for that lovely pink finish!

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Once your cakes have fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of icing on top before layering the second cake on top. Frost the top and sides with the remaining icing. Feel free to get creative with the decorations—fresh strawberries, edible glitter, or colorful sprinkles work beautifully!

Step 4: Serve

For best results, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the icing to set. Then, slice, serve, and watch everyone delight in each bite of this stunning creation!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This gorgeous cake is versatile! Serve it at a birthday party or a bridal shower for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a refreshing strawberry lemonade or a chilled rosé for a delightful summer gathering. For brunch, consider adding fresh fruits on the side. Feel free to decorate with more strawberries or even whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep any leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you need to make it ahead of time, the cake layers can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing. To serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the assembly instructions.

Helpful Cooking Tips

To enhance the strawberry flavor further, use fresh strawberries for the puree.
Don’t skip the sour cream; it adds moisture and richness to the cake.
For a fun twist, consider adding vanilla or almond extract to the frosting for an aromatic touch.

Creative Twists

Looking to switch things up? Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a richer flavor contrast! You could also incorporate other fruit purees, like raspberry or blueberry, for a mixed berry cake. Or for a boozy twist, a touch of liqueur in the icing is delightful.

Common Questions

What is the prep time for this cake?
Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, with an additional baking time of 25-30 minutes.