Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake

Introduction

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as vibrant and delightful as it is tasty, look no further than the Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or any celebration, this cake combines the sweet, fresh flavor of strawberries with a stunning pink hue, making it a show-stopper at any event. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe will guide you through creating a cake that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients

  • For the Cake:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup strawberry puree (about 4-5 fresh strawberries blended)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)
  • Pink food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)
  • For Decoration:
  • Fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually mix in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Fold in the strawberry puree.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  1. Bake the Cake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  1. Prepare the Frosting:
  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in the strawberry puree and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Add pink food coloring if you want a more intense color.
  1. Assemble and Frost the Cake:
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) over the entire cake. Chill for 20 minutes.
  • Apply a final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula or bench scraper. Decorate with fresh strawberries and sprinkles or edible glitter if desired.
  1. Serve and Enjoy:
  • Slice and serve your Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of lemonade.
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Tips for Success

  • Strawberry Puree: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries to make the puree. Simply blend ripe strawberries until smooth.
  • Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
  • Coloring: Use a few drops of pink food coloring to achieve the desired shade of pink. Adjust according to your preference.

Conclusion

The Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake is a charming and delectable treat that will add a touch of magic to any celebration. With its light, fluffy texture and delightful strawberry flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Follow this simple recipe to create a cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning. Enjoy baking and celebrating with this beautiful pink cake!

Serving and Storage Tips for Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake

Serving Tips

  1. Serving Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake at room temperature. If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit out for about 20-30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.
  2. Presentation: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries and optional decorations like sprinkles or edible glitter just before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
  3. Portion Control: Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into even slices. For a neat presentation, wipe the knife between cuts to prevent crumbs from transferring to the next slice.
  4. Pairing Suggestions: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling wine. For a fun twist, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Tips

  1. Short-Term Storage: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and fresh. Avoid storing the cake in a humid environment to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  2. Refrigeration: If the cake will not be consumed within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Place the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods. The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  3. Freezing: To freeze the Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, let it come to room temperature before serving.
  4. Frosting Storage: If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to one week. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its texture.
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Additional Tips:

  • Avoid Over-Frosting: If you’re not serving the cake immediately, keep the frosting and decorations separate until just before serving to maintain the cake’s appearance and flavor.
  • Check for Freshness: Always check the cake for freshness and quality before serving, especially if it has been stored for a longer period.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake remains as delicious and attractive as when it was first baked!

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before blending to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the consistency of the cake batter and frosting. Frozen strawberries are a great option when fresh ones are out of season.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can adjust the amount of sugar in both the cake and frosting. For the cake, reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup. For the frosting, use less powdered sugar and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Keep in mind that reducing sugar might affect the texture and stability of the frosting.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Barbie Pink Strawberry Cake ahead of time. The baked cake layers can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. The fully frosted cake can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

4. What can I use if I don’t have pink food coloring?

If you don’t have pink food coloring, you can omit it and still have a delicious cake. For a natural pink hue, you can add a bit more strawberry puree to the frosting. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the color and flavor. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of beet juice or raspberry juice for a natural coloring option.

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