Print

Fresh Strawberry Basil Naked Cake

fresh strawberry basil naked cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A light and creamy layered naked cake featuring fresh strawberries and fragrant basil, perfect for summer gatherings and casual brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (600g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add flour mixture in three parts alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently on low speed until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and remove parchment. Cool completely.
  8. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  9. In another bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until combined.
  10. Toss sliced strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Let sit 15-20 minutes to macerate.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about 1 ½ cups creamy filling over top, then scatter one-third of strawberry-basil mixture.
  12. Add second cake layer and repeat with filling and fruit. Leave sides unfrosted for naked cake look, smoothing cream slightly.
  13. Refrigerate cake at least 1 hour before serving. Slice with a warm, sharp knife and enjoy within 24 hours.

Notes

Chill cream and beaters before whipping for best volume. Use softened butter (not melted) for tender crumb. Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture to keep light texture. Warm knife under hot water and dry before slicing for clean cuts. Cake layers can be baked up to two days ahead and stored wrapped tightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cake, basil cake, naked cake, summer dessert, creamy layered cake, fresh fruit cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-strawberry-basil-naked-cake-recipe-easy-creamy-layered-dessert-for-summer/