Description
This Strawberry Snack Cake features a moist and tender crumb infused with sweet freeze-dried strawberries, topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting blended with strawberry powder. Perfect for a delightful afternoon treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Cake
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups cake flour (all-purpose can be used)
- ½ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ heaping cup freeze dried strawberries (crushed into small pieces)
Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ½ cup freeze dried strawberries (blended into powder)
- 1¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray and line an 8 or 9 inch round or square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Then add the eggs and vanilla bean paste or extract, beating again for another 2 minutes to fully incorporate.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In three parts, alternate adding the dry ingredients (combined cake flour, baking powder, and salt) with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.
- Add Strawberries to Batter: Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into small pieces and fold them gently into the cake batter, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter into the lined baking pan and bake for 27-32 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese and salted butter until smooth. Add the vanilla bean paste or extract, powdered sugar, and strawberry powder, then beat again until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese strawberry frosting evenly over the top. For presentation and added texture, sprinkle extra crushed freeze-dried or diced fresh strawberries on top of the frosted cake.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing and texture.
- You can substitute cake flour with all-purpose flour if cake flour is unavailable.
- Freeze-dried strawberries can be found in most supermarkets or specialty stores; crushing them releases their concentrated flavor.
- The cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
