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Dreamy Ombre Strawberry Milk Cake with Hidden Jam Center

ombre strawberry milk cake - featured image
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A soft, elegant strawberry milk cake featuring beautiful ombre pink layers and a hidden strawberry jam center, perfect for special occasions and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed slightly (about 100°F / 38°C)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry milk powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional)
  • A few drops pink gel food coloring
  • ¾ cup (approximately 240g) strawberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: a spoonful of lemon juice to brighten the jam flavor
  • For frosting (optional):
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and strawberry milk powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder.
  6. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with warm milk in two parts, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly into 4 bowls. Leave one plain, add increasing drops of pink gel food coloring to the others to create a gradient from light to dark pink. Stir gently.
  8. Layer batter into cake pans starting with the lightest pink, smoothing each layer gently to create the ombre effect. About 4 layers total (2 layers per pan).
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cakes should spring back lightly when pressed.
  10. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks. Once completely cool, slice each cake horizontally to add the hidden jam center.
  11. Spread about ¼ cup (80g) strawberry jam evenly over the bottom half of one layer, then place the top half back. Repeat for the other cake. Stack the two cakes.
  12. Optional: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
  13. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let jam set and layers meld. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use softened butter for best texture. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to keep cake light. Use gel food coloring for vibrant ombre effect. Let cakes cool completely before slicing and adding jam to avoid mess. Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe clean between cuts for neat slices. Jam should not be too runny to prevent leaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cake, ombre cake, hidden jam center, layered cake, easy dessert, strawberry milk cake, birthday cake, special occasion cake

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/dreamy-ombre-strawberry-milk-cake-recipe-with-hidden-jam-center-easy-and-perfect/