Strawberry Glaze Cake Recipe

Tip: This Strawberry Glaze Cake is a perfect choice for spring and summer occasions, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and fruity flavor. Whether you're hosting a brunch, enjoying a light afternoon snack, or preparing a special dessert for family and friends, this cake is sure to impress. Its light texture and fresh strawberry glaze make it an ideal treat for any casual gathering or festive celebration.

Calories: Each slice of Strawberry Glaze Cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the portion size and thickness of the glaze.

---

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

• ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries blended until smooth)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• ½ cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

---

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature by the time the cake batter is ready.

   • Prepare your cake pan by greasing and lightly flouring a 9-inch round cake pan, or you can line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan once it’s baked.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the butter, making the cake texture lighter.

   • Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures the eggs blend well into the batter and adds moisture to the cake.

   • Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

   • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Continue alternating, ending with the dry ingredients. This helps to create a smooth batter without overmixing it.

   • After all ingredients are incorporated, add the strawberry puree to the batter and mix gently until the batter is smooth and uniform. The strawberry puree will give the cake its lovely pink color and fruity flavor.

3. Bake the Cake:

   • Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.

   • Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You can check if the cake is done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cake cools evenly and doesn't become soggy at the bottom.

4. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:

   • While the cake is cooling, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of strawberry puree with ½ cup of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat.

   • Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved into the puree and the glaze begins to thicken slightly. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, but do not let it boil too vigorously. The glaze should have a syrup-like consistency.

   • Once the glaze has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. This step ensures the glaze will not melt the buttercream when applied to the cake.

5. Glaze the Cake:

   • Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully place it on a serving platter or cake stand.

   • Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to spill gently down the sides. You can use a spoon or a small ladle to control the amount of glaze you pour.

   • Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes. It will firm up slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful, glossy finish on the cake.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the glaze has set, slice the cake into wedges and serve. The light, fluffy texture of the cake combined with the sweet, fruity glaze will make this a memorable treat for any occasion.

---

Energy-Efficient Tip:

To save energy while baking, consider using a convection oven if available. Convection ovens circulate hot air more evenly and reduce cooking time, which helps in reducing both baking time and energy usage. If you don't have a convection oven, you can also try using smaller cake pans, as they will cook faster, saving both time and energy. Additionally, make sure to turn off the oven shortly after the cake is done, allowing the residual heat to cool it down if needed.

---

Health Notes:

• Who would benefit from this dish:
  This Strawberry Glaze Cake is a delightful dessert for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet, fruity treat. It’s especially great for those who love light, fluffy cakes with a refreshing fruit glaze. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, or as a celebratory dessert for family and friends. The cake’s strawberry flavor makes it an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.

• Who should avoid it:
  This cake contains a fair amount of sugar, butter, and flour, making it high in calories and fats. As such, it may not be suitable for people on low-sugar, low-fat, or calorie-conscious diets. It also contains dairy products such as buttermilk and butter, which makes it unsuitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Additionally, if you have a strawberry allergy, this cake should be avoided, as both the cake and glaze contain strawberry puree.