Pink Swirl Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Mousse Cake

A sweet treat that will melt your heart!

*INGREDIENTS LIST*

  • 1 1/4 cups butter, softened
  • 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 7 egg whites, at room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups cake flour
  • 2 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Strawberry Mousse
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • Strawberry Frosting
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
  • Garnishes
  • Halved fresh strawberries, edible flowers

  • STEP ONE ~ Preparations

    * Preheat oven to 350°.
    * Beat 1 1/4 cups softened butter and 2 1/4 cups
    granulated sugar at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until fluffy.

    * Gradually add egg whites, one-third at a time,
    beating well after each addition.

  • STEP TWO ~ Mixing

    * Sift together cake flour and baking powder;
    gradually add to butter mixture alternately with 1 cup of water, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

    * Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
    * Pour batter into 4 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.

  • STEP THREE ~ Stirring

    * Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes
    or until a wooden pick inserted in the center
    comes out clean.

    * Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove from pans to the wire racks, and cool completely for about 30 minutes.

  • STEP FOUR ~ Additives

    * Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup water; let stand for
    5 minutes.
    * Process 2 cups sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a blender until smooth.
    * Transfer strawberry mixture to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat.
    * Add gelatin to strawberry mixture, stirring until gelatin dissolves.
    * Cover and chill until consistency of unbeaten egg whites, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes.

  • STEP FIVE ~ Beating

    * Beat cream at low speed until foamy; increase speed to medium-high, and beat until soft peaks form.

    * Fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture until well blended.

    * Cover and chill 30 minutes or just until mixture
    is thick

  • STEP SIX ~ Layering

    * Spread about 1 cup Strawberry Mousse between each cake layer, leaving a 1/4-inch border around edges; cover and chill 3 hours or until mousse is set.

  • STEP SEVEN ~ Frosting

    * Beat 3/4 cup softened butter at medium speed 20 seconds or until fluffy.

    * Gradually add powdered sugar and 3/4 cup finely chopped strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy.

    * Spread frosting on top and sides of cake

  • STEP EIGHT ~ Finished!

    * Strawberry-sweetened frosting surrounds the outside of the cake while creamy strawberry mousse divides the layers.

    * This beautiful cake is ideal for brunch, baby showers, or any springtime celebration.