Strawberry Almond Cream Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk
For the Almond Cream Filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
- ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) sliced almonds, lightly toasted
For the Strawberry Topping
- 2½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Garnish
- Extra whipped cream (optional)
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Fresh whole strawberries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the cake. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the batter. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Bake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the strawberries. Toss the sliced strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let them stand for 15–20 minutes to release their juices.
- Make the almond cream. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and almond extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Fold in the toasted sliced almonds.
- Assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the almond cream filling evenly over the top, then add half of the strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Finish. Top with the remaining strawberries, garnish with extra whipped cream if desired, sprinkle with toasted almonds, and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Tips
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor.
- For extra almond flavor, brush the cake layers lightly with almond syrup before assembling.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (plus cooling)
Servings: 10–12
