Description
This strawberry drip cake is a stunning dessert featuring soft vanilla sponge layers, silky strawberry buttercream, and a dreamy pink ganache drip. Topped with fresh strawberries, delicate buttercream roses, and a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Vanilla Sponge Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Pink Ganache Drip:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (180g) white chocolate, chopped
- Pink food coloring (optional)
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries
- Pink buttercream rosettes
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Pink Ganache Drip
- Heat heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour over chopped white chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth, then add pink food coloring if desired. Let it cool slightly before dripping over the cake.
Step 4: Assemble & Decorate
- Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream between each cake layer. Frost the entire cake with a thin coat for a “semi-naked” look.
- Pour the pink ganache drip over the edges and let it set.
- Pipe buttercream rosettes and top with fresh strawberries.
- Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the buttercream.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.