Vanilla Strawberry Cream Cake (Birthday Cake)
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240 ml) milk
For the cream filling:
2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
8 oz (225 g) mascarpone or cream cheese
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For decoration:
Fresh strawberries (sliced)
White chocolate balls or Raffaello candies
Buttercream or whipped cream for piping
Edible pearls or gold sprinkles
Instructions
1. Make the sponge cake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) square cake pans.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk.
6. Pour into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the cream filling
1. In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone (or cream cheese) with powdered sugar and vanilla.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fluffy.
3. Assemble the cake
1. Slice each cake in half to create 4 layers (optional).
2. Spread cream filling between each layer and some sliced strawberries.
3. Cover the top and sides with cream or buttercream.
4. Decorate
1. Pipe rosettes or swirls on top using a star nozzle.
2. Decorate with sliced strawberries, Raffaello balls, and pearls.
3. Write a birthday message or number using icing or fondant.
