Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2½ cups all purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup milk (preferably whole or 2%, room temperature)
Frosting Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened to cool room temperature)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chilled heavy whipping cream
Topping
- 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries (just under 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Make Cake Batter: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined. Add the sour cream and continue mixing until incorporated. Gradually add half of the flour mixture and beat just until combined. Slowly pour in the milk while mixing, followed by the rest of the flour mixture. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed and avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a 9x13 inch metal baking pan thoroughly. Pour the cake batter into the pan and spread it evenly. Gently tap or drop the pan on the countertop a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If needed, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on a rack.
- Make Frosting: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until smooth. While mixing, slowly add the chilled heavy whipping cream down the side of the bowl. Stop occasionally to scrape the sides and bottom. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread the cream cheese whipped cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake base. If serving immediately, gently stir the sliced fresh strawberries with strawberry jam and spoon the mixture over the frosted cake. For later serving, refrigerate the frosted cake and add the strawberry topping shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to help create a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
- If not serving right away, add the strawberry topping just before serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness in the topping.
- Sifting the powdered sugar before adding to the frosting can help prevent lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
