Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake
Highlighted under: Celebration Food Recipes
I absolutely adore making this Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake for my friends each year. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the fabulous friendships in our lives. The fluffy whipped cream layers combined with the moist cake create a delightful texture that everyone loves. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it a great option when I’m short on time yet want to impress my friends. Trust me; this cake will steal the show at any gathering!
When I first created the Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake, I wanted something that would capture the essence of friendship. The cake is light yet indulgent, perfect for sharing but even more perfect for treating yourself. I love making this cake for my closest pals, and I've noticed that the laughter it brings is just as sweet as the dessert itself.
To achieve the perfect whipped cream texture, I found that using heavy cream really makes a difference. It holds its shape wonderfully when layered between the cake. Plus, I added a hint of vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor, which my friends can't get enough of!
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Incredibly fluffy and light with every bite.
- Rich vanilla flavor balanced perfectly with fresh cream.
- Perfectly sweet, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Selecting quality ingredients for your Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake is vital for achieving the best flavor and texture. For instance, using fresh, high-quality butter can enhance the cake's richness and contribute to its fluffiness. I prefer using European-style butter as it contains a higher fat content, which leads to a more tender crumb. When it comes to vanilla extract, opt for pure vanilla instead of imitation. The depth of flavor from pure vanilla significantly elevates the cake and complements the whipped cream perfectly.
The heavy cream you choose for the whipped cream layer also plays a crucial role in the final texture of the cake. Always use heavy cream, as lighter versions like half-and-half won’t whip up properly to form those luscious soft peaks. If you want to reduce calories, consider substituting one-half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, which can provide a tangy flavor without compromising the creaminess of the whipped topping.
Tips for Baking Success
When mixing your cake batter, be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the desired airy texture. Mix just until combined and any flour streaks have disappeared. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure your oven is preheated adequately. An oven thermometer can be an excellent tool to confirm your oven's accuracy and eliminate any chance of underbaking or overbaking.
For an extra touch of sophistication, you might consider flavoring the whipped cream with a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. Just be cautious, as almond extract is potent; a teaspoon will do. This little adjustment can elevate the classic whipped cream and add complexity to your dessert without overwhelming the cake's original flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- Mint leaves
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Make the Whipped Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer, top with fresh berries, then place the other layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
Garnish and Serve
Decorate the cake with additional berries and mint leaves. Slice and serve your Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake to your fabulous friends!
Enjoy Your Cake!
Pro Tips
- For best results, chill your mixing bowls and beaters before whipping the cream. This will help achieve the desired fluffiness much faster.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to streamline the process for a gathering, you can bake the cake up to a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This can actually improve the texture as the flavors meld. Just remember to let the layers come to room temperature before assembling for the best results.
You can also prepare the whipped cream a few hours ahead of time. Simply whip it up and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Keep in mind that if the whipped cream sits too long, it may soften, so it's best to assemble the cake relatively close to serving time to keep everything fluffy.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe is versatile and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. If you're expecting a big crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake them in two separate layers. Just ensure you adjust the baking time slightly, as thicker cakes might require an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven. Always check for doneness with a toothpick in the center.
On the other hand, if you're looking to make a smaller version, you can halve the ingredient amounts and use smaller cake pans. Baking times may decrease significantly, so check at the lower end of the range to avoid overbaking. These adjustments allow you to cater the cake size to your needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cream for the whipped topping?
You can use light cream, but it may not hold its shape as well as heavy cream.
→ How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the whipped cream cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unassembled layers for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can try using flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce; about 1/4 cup of either can replace one egg.
Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake
I absolutely adore making this Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake for my friends each year. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the fabulous friendships in our lives. The fluffy whipped cream layers combined with the moist cake create a delightful texture that everyone loves. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it a great option when I’m short on time yet want to impress my friends. Trust me; this cake will steal the show at any gathering!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Celebration Food Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
- Mint leaves
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until soft peaks form.
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer, top with fresh berries, then place the other layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
Decorate the cake with additional berries and mint leaves. Slice and serve your Galentine's Whipped Cream Cake to your fabulous friends!
Extra Tips
- For best results, chill your mixing bowls and beaters before whipping the cream. This will help achieve the desired fluffiness much faster.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g