Craving a slice of pure indulgence? Look no further than the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake. This delectable dessert is a culinary masterpiece that has layers of delicate vanilla sponge, dreamy whipped cream frosting, and a generous layer of fresh strawberries.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a symphony of taste that will leave your palate singing with delight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet escape, this cake is sure to make a lasting impression.
And you know what’s the best part? You can recreate this sensational dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, let’s not wait any longer—get ready to start a fun cooking journey and enjoy the delicious Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake.
What Makes Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake So Special?
The Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is a wonderful dessert that many people love for its delicious taste and beautiful look. This cake is made up of layers of soft and fluffy vanilla sponge cake, topped with a creamy and smooth whipped frosting. Inside, there is a layer of fresh, sweet strawberries that add a pop of fruity flavor and natural sweetness which makes this cake a treat for anyone who tries it.
But what makes this cake truly special is not just its taste—it’s the way it makes every occasion unforgettable.
Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is sure to make a lasting impression. Its elegant presentation and exquisite taste make it the star of any gathering and a joy to eat.
Ingredients Needed for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake
Before you start, round up these pantry and fridge staples.
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro Tip: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Local farmers’ market finds make all the difference.
Nutritional Information of This Strawberry Cream Cake
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| – Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 26g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin D | 1.5mcg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 0.8mg |
| Potassium | 190mg |
Please note that these values are just estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
Equipment Needed
Make sure your kitchen is ready for baking action! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula
- Stand-alone blender (for strawberries, if desired)
No offset spatula? No problem—a butter knife will do the trick in spreading the frosting evenly.
Recipe for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake
Okay, so now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to make this delicious Strawberry Cream Cake! Follow these easy steps and get ready to indulge in a slice of perfection.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut 2 rounds of parchment paper that fit snugly into the bottom of your cake pans, then grease them generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another larger bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix again.
Next, add half of the flour mix to the wet ingredients, then add half of the buttermilk. Stir gently until it’s mixed. Repeat with the rest of the flour and buttermilk.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the cake batter evenly into your pans. Use a butter knife or spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.
Pro Tip: To prevent domed cakes, place a sheet of foil or parchment paper over the cakes halfway through the baking time.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries
While the cakes are cooling, prepare your strawberries. In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until strawberries are soft and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
Step 5: Make the Cream Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Take the cakes out of their pans gently and put one layer on a plate. Spread half of the cream frosting on it, then add half of the strawberry mix on top. Do the same with the second cake layer, frosting, and strawberries.
Congratulations 🎊 Your Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is complete and ready to be enjoyed. Slice it up and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
And if you are a cake lover like me, don’t forget to try our other delicious cake desserts like White Lily Crunchy Crust Pound Cake and First Watch Pumpkin Pancakes. These are sure to delight your taste buds and make any occasion memorable.
Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula
- Stand-alone blender (for strawberries, if desired)
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut 2 rounds of parchment paper that fit snugly into the bottom of your cake pans, then grease them generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sponge Cake
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined. In another larger bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat softened butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix again.
- Next, add half of the flour mix to the wet ingredients, then add half of the buttermilk. Stir gently until it’s mixed. Repeat with the rest of the flour and buttermilk.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the cake batter evenly into your pans. Use a butter knife or spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.
- Pro Tip: To prevent domed cakes, place a sheet of foil or parchment paper over the cakes halfway through the baking time.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare your strawberries. In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until strawberries are soft and syrupy. Set aside to cool.
Step 5: Make the Cream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Take the cakes out of their pans gently and put one layer on a plate. Spread half of the cream frosting on it, then add half of the strawberry mix on top. Do the same with the second cake layer, frosting, and strawberries.
Notes
Creative Ways to Serve Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake
Find fun and simple ways to enjoy the tasty Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake. Here are some easy ideas to make your dessert even better:
- Decadent Drizzles: Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over each slice for an extra indulgent touch.
- Berry Bliss: Add some fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to make it even more fruity.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, like toasted almonds or chopped pistachios, on top of the cake for added texture and flavor.
- Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside each slice for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the taste with a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest on top of the cake slices for a burst of refreshing citrus notes.
- Floral Infusion: Garnish with edible flowers like lavender or rose petals to add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral aroma.
Storage Suggestions
Keep your cake fresh and fabulous with these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store your cream cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the cake away from direct sunlight or heat sources as they can cause the icing to melt and affect the overall texture.
- Consume within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, it is recommended to consume the cake within 3-4 days of preparation.
- Freezing Option: If you have extra cake or want to save it for later, you can freeze it. Wrap each slice or the whole cake in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer-safe container. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
Remember, following these storage suggestions will help preserve the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your delicious Cake.
Tips for Making the Perfect Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake
To make sure that your homemade Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake turns out absolutely delicious, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Properly Grease and Flour the Pans: Make sure that your cake pans are thoroughly greased and lightly floured to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.
- Let the Cakes Cool Fully: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before putting the cake together. This will stop the whipped cream from melting and help with neat layering.
- Chill the Whipped Cream and Mixing Bowl: For the whipped cream, chill both the cream and the bowl before whipping. This helps the cream stay firm and soft.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe and juicy strawberries for the best flavor. You can slice them and layer them between the cake layers for added freshness.
- Chill the Cake Before Serving: After putting the cake together, put it in the fridge for a few hours. This helps the flavors mix well and makes it easier to cut.
- Enjoy Within 3-4 Days: To savor the cake at its best, it is recommended to consume it within 3-4 days of preparation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these simple tips will help you make a tasty and pretty strawberry shortcake. Use fresh strawberries, chill the cake before serving, and eat it within 3-4 days to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Remember, you can use frozen strawberries and other creams, but the results might be a bit different. To make the cake gluten-free, just swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Now, enjoy this tasty dessert and treat your taste buds.
FAQ
Can I make this cake early?
Yes, you can. Making the cake ahead of time can make it taste even better. Let the cake cool, then wrap it in plastic or put it in a container with a lid. Add the strawberries and cream just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute regular flour for almond flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour instead of regular flour to make the cake gluten-free and add a nutty flavor. However almond flour is different and might change the cake’s texture. Use the same amount of almond flour as regular flour and add more liquid if needed.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Almond flour or coconut flour are also great options, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original.
How do I know when the cake is done?
You can use the toothpick test to check if your cake is fully baked. Push a clean toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean with no batter on it, the cake is done.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk instead of regular milk. You can also use plant-based spreads, coconut oil, or vegan butter instead of regular butter. These simple changes will keep your cake tasty, moist, and dairy-free.
