Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake

Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake Recipe

| Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or celebration. The combination of fresh strawberries, vanilla, and almonds creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of this recipe are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional vanilla layer cakes with a twist of adding fresh strawberries and sliced almonds for added texture and flavor. This modern twist on a classic dessert has become a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

4.5 cups unbleached white flour
2.25 cups beet sugar
2 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2.25 cups soy milk or other 'milk'
2 tbsp vanilla extract
0.75 cup light, natural oil
Equivalent of 3 beaten eggs
0.5 pt (237 ml) fresh strawberries
0.33 cup sliced almonds

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare the pans by placing pieces of wax paper on the bottom, tracing and cutting out circle shapes, and lining the pans with the wax paper circles.
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine the remaining ingredients and add them to the flour mixture. Beat for 2 minutes.
Bake for 20–30 minutes (depending on your oven) or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out dry. Be careful not to overcook the cake as it may become dry. Allow it to cool for about ten minutes, then run a table knife around the edges to separate it from the pan. Tap the cakes out of their pans onto a cooling rack, peel off the wax paper, and let them cool completely before frosting.
Wash, trim, and slice the strawberries into heart-shaped pieces. Arrange the slices on the sides and top of the cake in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle the top of the cake with almonds.
Chill the cake thoroughly before serving. Avoid leaving it out for too long as the icing may soften and the cake may start to slide around.

Variations

Substitute the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for added richness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly prepare your cake pans by lining them with wax paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.

- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off the cake.

- Chill the cake thoroughly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and for easier slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served chilled with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly measure your ingredients to ensure the best results.

- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract for a stronger almond flavor.

- Substitute the sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bake the cakes ahead of time and freeze them until ready to assemble and serve.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This cake pairs well with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine for a special occasion celebration.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh strawberries.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and almonds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake is a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. With fresh strawberries, vanilla, and sliced almonds, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret's house. Margaret was known for her exquisite baking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her latest creations.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Margaret suddenly pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her recipe box. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she explained that this cake was a family heirloom, passed down through generations. The combination of fresh strawberries, fragrant vanilla, and crunchy almonds sounded like a dream come true.

Margaret began to walk me through the recipe, sharing anecdotes and tips along the way. She explained how she had learned to make the cake from her grandmother, who was known for her delicious desserts. Each step was carefully laid out, from preparing the fresh strawberries to baking the fluffy vanilla cake layers.

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly whipped up the batter, folding in the chopped almonds and pureed strawberries. The kitchen filled with a sweet, intoxicating aroma that made my mouth water in anticipation. As the cake baked in the oven, Margaret shared stories of her childhood spent baking with her grandmother in the sunny kitchen of their family home.

When the cake emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Margaret set to work assembling it into a beautiful layer cake. She generously spread a fluffy vanilla buttercream between the layers, sandwiching fresh sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. The finished cake was a work of art, with layers of pink and white peeking through the almond-studded frosting.

I couldn't wait to taste a slice of the Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake. Margaret cut a generous piece and plated it with a flourish, topping it with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh strawberries. The first bite was pure heaven – the moist cake melted in my mouth, the sweet strawberries burst with flavor, and the crunchy almonds added a delightful crunch.

As I savored each bite, Margaret recounted more stories of her grandmother and the special moments they had shared in the kitchen. I could feel the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations, culminating in this exquisite cake that I was now enjoying.

After finishing my slice, I was eager to learn how to make the cake myself. Margaret graciously shared the recipe with me, writing it out on a fresh card and adding her own tips and tricks. She encouraged me to make the cake for my own family, creating new memories and traditions to pass down to future generations.

Since that day, the recipe for Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake has become a staple in my own kitchen. I love making it for special occasions and sharing it with loved ones, just like Margaret and her grandmother did before me. Each time I bake the cake, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Margaret's kitchen, filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of fresh strawberries and almonds.

As I bake, I can't help but smile and think of Margaret and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of this timeless recipe that has brought so much joy and connection into my life. I hope that one day, I can pass on the tradition to my own grandchildren, sharing the story of how I learned to make the perfect Strawberry Vanilla Almond Layer Cake from a dear friend on a sunny summer day.