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This luscious cake brings together the rich flavor of red velvet with the freshness of strawberries and a warm touch of cinnamon. Topped with a smooth strawberry cream cheese icing, it is a perfect dessert for special occasions or a delightful treat to brighten any afternoon. The combination of textures and flavors creates a moist, tender crumb with a fruity, slightly spiced swirl that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
I first made this recipe for a family gathering and the vibrant colors and flavors won everyone over quickly. It has since become a requested dessert whenever strawberries are in season.
Ingredients
- Red velvet cake mix: one box – makes baking easier with reliable flavor and texture
- Vegetable oil: one cup – keeps the cake moist without overpowering other flavors
- Sour cream: one cup – adds richness and tender crumb to the cake
- Large eggs: four – essential for structure and moisture choose fresh free range if possible
- Pureed fresh strawberries: one cup – brings natural sweetness and a fresh fruity note opt for ripe fragrant berries
- Vanilla extract: one teaspoon – enhances all the other flavors subtly
- Brown sugar: packed, half a cup – adds caramel notes and pairs beautifully with cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: one tablespoon – infuses warmth and spice to the swirl
- Cream cheese: softened, eight ounces – key for the luscious icing use full fat for best taste
- Unsalted butter: softened, half a cup – brings creaminess to the frosting without extra saltiness
- Powdered sugar: four cups – provides sweetness and smooth texture to icing
- Strawberry puree (fresh or frozen, blended): quarter cup – intensifies strawberry flavor in the icing
- Vanilla extract for icing: one teaspoon – rounds off the icing with aromatic depth
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven:
- Set your oven to 175 degrees Celsius and prepare a 9 by 13 inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly and dusting lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix The Cake Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, pureed strawberries, and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth with no lumps for an even texture in the final cake.
- Prepare The Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the packed brown sugar with the ground cinnamon, ensuring the spices are evenly incorporated for a consistent swirl flavor.
- Layer The Batter And Swirl:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Add the remaining half of the cake batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on the surface.
- Create The Marbled Effect:
- Using a knife, gently swirl the batter from side to side to create a pretty marbled pattern avoid over mixing so the distinct layers remain visible when baked.
- Bake The Cake:
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool completely in the pan before adding the frosting.
- Make The Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing:
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract to combine evenly.
- Frost The Cake:
- Spread the strawberry cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake. For extra garnish, add fresh strawberry slices or decorative sprinkles on top.
- Slice And Serve:
- Cut into generous pieces and serve this indulgent, fruity dessert to your guests or family.
I love the strawberry puree in the icing because it brings a fresh sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. One of my favorite memories is baking this with my niece who loved swirling the batter and decorating the top with strawberries
Storage Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator it stays fresh for up to five days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature to enjoy its full flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can replace the red velvet cake mix with a homemade red velvet recipe if you prefer a fully scratch version. Greek yogurt can substitute sour cream for a slight tang and moist crumb. If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen berries thawed and pureed work just as well.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of black tea or a mild coffee. For celebrations, add edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra elegance.
Enjoy this vibrant cake with family and friends. It’s a delightful seasonal treat.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients apportent la saveur fruitée au gâteau ?
La purée de fraises fraîches est utilisée dans la pâte et le glaçage pour donner une saveur fruitée naturelle et fraîche.
- → Comment obtenir l'effet marbré dans le gâteau ?
Un mélange de sucre brun et de cannelle est saupoudré entre deux couches de pâte, puis marbré délicatement à l’aide d’un couteau avant cuisson.
- → Quelle texture apporte le glaçage au fromage frais ?
Le glaçage crémeux réalisé avec du fromage frais, du beurre, et de la purée de fraises offre une texture lisse et fondante qui complète la douceur du gâteau.
- → Peut-on préparer ce dessert à l’avance ?
Oui, ce gâteau peut être préparé un jour à l’avance et conservé au réfrigérateur pour que les saveurs se développent davantage.
- → Quelles précautions prendre concernant les allergies ?
Ce gâteau contient des produits laitiers et des œufs. Il est important de vérifier les ingrédients en cas d’allergies.