### How to Make a Delicious Carry Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
Creating a stunning carry cake with strawberries and whipped cream is not only delightful but also impresses guests at any event. Follow these detailed steps to make your carry cake a hit!
#### Ingredients Needed:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 8-10 strawberries)
- 2 cups heavy cream for whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
#### Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag and tip (optional)
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Preparing the Cake Base:
1. **Preheat Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Cream Butter and Eggs:** In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to incorporate air.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. **Bake:** Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread evenly with a spatula or palette knife. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm to touch.
#### Preparing Strawberries:
1. **Slice Strawberries:** While the cake is cooling on a rack, slice your strawberries into thin rounds.
2. **Prepare Whipped Cream:** In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks are reached.
#### Assembling the Cake:
1. **Cooling and Slicing:** Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into 1-inch thick rounds.
2. **Layering:** Take one slice of cake, spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top, then arrange sliced strawberries over it. Repeat this process with additional layers until you run out of cake or filling.
#### Final Touches:
1. **Decorating:** You can pipe more whipped cream around the edges of each layer for an extra decorative touch.
2. **Presentation:** Cover any exposed sides and tops with a thin layer of whipped cream, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
### Tips & Variations:
- For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour or almond flour as your base.
- Experiment with different flavor combinations such as adding lemon zest to the cake batter or incorporating chocolate shavings into the whipped cream.
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Carry cake recipe
- Strawberry cake with whipped cream
- Layered cake making
- Fresh strawberry cake
With these detailed steps, you can create a beautiful carry cake that is both visually appealing and delicious. Enjoy your baking!