If you’re a fan of delightful desserts that combine light, spongy cake with luscious whipped cream and fresh, juicy strawberries, then you’ll love this Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe.
This delectable treat is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet, this recipe brings the beloved Olive Garden dessert straight to your kitchen, ensuring that each bite is as memorable as the last.
Ingredients for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Creating a delicious and impressive dessert at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the fluffiness of a white cake with the rich creaminess of homemade whipped cream and the refreshing taste of fresh strawberries.
Follow this easy recipe to bring a touch of Olive Garden’s magic to your kitchen and delight your loved ones with every bite.
Ingredients
To make this delightful cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Required Equipment
Ensure you have the following equipment on hand to prepare the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (at least three)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Serrated knife for slicing strawberries
- Cooling rack
Required Time
The total time to prepare and finish the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is approximately as follows:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 55 minutes
With these ingredients and equipment ready, you’re all set to create a scrumptious Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake that will be the star of any gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Making a dessert as delightful as the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake at home might seem daunting, but with clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll find it’s easier than you think.
This recipe guides you through each stage, from mixing the batter to whipping the cream, ensuring your cake turns out perfect every time. Follow along, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them into thin pieces. Set the sliced strawberries aside for later use.
Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into the greased or lined baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the cake is baking, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
In another bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will take a few minutes but ensure the cream is thick and holds its shape.
Step 7: Combine Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream until they are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, fluffy topping.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. This step is crucial to prevent the cream topping from melting.
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 10: Add the Strawberries
Arrange the sliced strawberries over the cream layer, creating a visually appealing and delicious topping.
Step 11: Chill the Cake
Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill it for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
Tips for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Creating the perfect Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake at home requires not just following the recipe, but also mastering some key techniques and tricks. These tips will help you achieve a cake that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and easy to make. From ingredient selection to presentation, these insights will ensure your cake is a standout dessert on any occasion.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries, high-quality butter, and fresh cream to enhance the flavor and texture of your cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients, especially the eggs, butter, and cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing.
- Proper Whipping of Cream: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn into butter.
- Cake Flour for Lightness: Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour to achieve a lighter and fluffier cake texture.
- Strawberry Preparation: Slice the strawberries thinly and uniformly for an even and attractive layer on top of the cake.
- Chill the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream layer. Additionally, chilling the assembled cake for at least two hours helps the flavors meld and the cream set properly.
- Toothpick Test: To check if the cake is done baking, insert a toothpick into the center. When you pull it out and it’s clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Use a Serrated Knife: When cutting the cake, use a serrated knife for clean and precise slices, ensuring each piece looks perfect.
- Strawberry Extract: For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a small amount of strawberry extract to the whipped cream.
- Decoration: Get creative with the strawberry arrangement on top. Consider making patterns or simply layering them neatly for an appealing presentation.
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Serving Tips for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Serving the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is an opportunity to showcase your baking skills and delight your guests with a beautifully presented dessert. How you serve your cake can enhance its appeal and ensure that every bite is enjoyed to the fullest. Here are some clear, practical tips to help you present and serve your Strawberry Cream Cake in the best possible way.
- Chill Before Serving: Ensure the cake has been chilled in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This helps the cream layer set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Clean Cuts: Use a serrated knife for slicing the cake. Clean the knife with a warm, damp cloth between cuts to maintain clean, sharp edges and prevent the cream from smearing.
- Serve Cold: This cake is best served cold. Keep it in the refrigerator until just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Add a few fresh strawberries on each serving plate for a touch of color and extra flavor. You can also add a mint leaf for a touch of elegance.
- Use a Cake Stand: Present the cake on a cake stand to elevate it and make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. This adds a touch of sophistication and makes it easier to serve.
- Portion Size: Cut the cake into appropriately sized portions. A 9×13 inch cake typically serves 12-15 people, depending on how large or small you cut the pieces.
- Storage: If there are leftovers, store the remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
- Serving Utensils: Use a cake server or a flat spatula to transfer slices from the cake stand to the serving plates without disturbing the layers.
Nutrition in Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe
Understanding the nutritional content of the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe is important for those who are mindful of their dietary intake. This delicious dessert combines rich ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and fresh strawberries, resulting in a treat that is not only delightful but also provides certain nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional components you can expect from a serving of this cake.
- Calories: Each serving of the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size. This makes it a moderate-calorie dessert option.
- Carbohydrates: A single slice typically provides around 40-45 grams of carbohydrates. These come mainly from the cake mix and the powdered sugar in the cream layer.
- Proteins: The cake offers about 4-5 grams of protein per serving, contributed by the eggs, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Fats: One serving contains roughly 20-25 grams of fat. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Sugars: There are approximately 25-30 grams of sugar per slice, primarily from the cake mix and the sweetened cream mixture.
- Dietary Fiber: The fresh strawberries add a small amount of dietary fiber, about 1-2 grams per serving, which aids in digestion.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The strawberries provide essential vitamins such as vitamin C and a small amount of vitamin A. Additionally, there are trace amounts of calcium and iron from the cream cheese and eggs.
- Sodium: Each serving has around 200-250 milligrams of sodium, mainly from the cake mix and added ingredients like butter and cream cheese.
Conclusion
Bringing the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake into your home kitchen allows you to enjoy a beloved dessert with friends and family. This recipe, with its fluffy cake, creamy topping, and fresh strawberries, combines simplicity and elegance, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you can recreate this delicious treat with ease and confidence. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to delight. Happy baking and enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQs
1. What is strawberry cream cake made of?
Strawberry cream cake is made of white cake, a creamy mixture of cream cheese and whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. The cake is layered and topped with the creamy mixture and sliced strawberries.
2. How many calories are in Olive Garden strawberry cream cake?
Each serving of Olive Garden strawberry cream cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.
3. How to garnish a cake with strawberries?
To garnish a cake with strawberries, slice them thinly and arrange them in a pattern on top of the cake, such as a circular fan, or simply place whole strawberries around the edge.
4. How to decorate a cake with strawberries and blueberries?
Decorate a cake with strawberries and blueberries by alternating slices of strawberries and whole blueberries around the top edge. You can also create patterns or designs, such as a flag or heart shape, using both fruits.
Karen Bailey is a copycat recipe expert, mastering the art of recreating famous restaurant dishes in her own kitchen. With a passion for cooking and sharing, she’s become a trusted guide for those craving restaurant flavors at home. Through her blog and social media, Karen simplifies complex recipes, making gourmet meals accessible to all.
