Gay'S Favorite Strawberry Cake
A delightful layered strawberry cake with fluffy meringue, crunchy walnuts, and fresh strawberries, perfect for celebrations and gatherings that love a sweet, nutty, and fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, butter, and egg yolks; add milk, flour, baking powder, almond extract, and vanilla. Mix with electric mixer.
- Grease and flour two 7-inch cake pans.
- Whip egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
- Divide batter into the prepared cake pans.
- Cover the batter with whipped egg whites to form peaks.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over both layers.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until a tester comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes on a rack.
- Place the first layer with meringue on the serving plate.
- Put frozen strawberries and their juice in the center with whipped cream.
- Add the second cake layer with meringue facing up.
- Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the batter. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla can be used instead. Consider adding a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. To enhance the strawberry flavor, you can incorporate some chopped strawberries into the batter or use a strawberry puree as a filling.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for summer gatherings and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, for a vibrant presentation. It also makes a delightful centerpiece for birthday celebrations or picnics, adding a homemade touch to your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, keep the layers separate if possible. For best results, let it come to room temperature before serving. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gay'S Favorite Strawberry Cake contains roughly 445 calories, with 7g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. This will help keep your cake from becoming soggy. The juice can be drizzled on top for added flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds would work well as substitutes. For a nut-free version, consider using granola or crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To make this cake more festive, try adding colorful sprinkles on top of the whipped cream or layering in some colorful fruit between the cake layers. A drizzle of chocolate ganache can also add a rich touch, making it a showstopper for celebrations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).