Every spring brings with it a delightful craving for fresh, ripe strawberries. Yet, this yearning often strikes long before these ruby-red gems are truly in season. That’s precisely why this Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake has become a cherished favorite. It delivers the irresistible taste of luscious strawberry filling, reminiscent of a classic jelly donut, allowing you to savor that vibrant flavor without having to wait for the perfect berry season. This recipe offers a sweet escape, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.
While a quality cake mix forms the convenient foundation for our cake layers, the true magic of this dessert lies in its spectacular filling. We’ve developed a rich, fruity strawberry filling that bursts with fresh flavor, taking inspiration from a beloved raspberry sauce recipe but perfected for strawberries. It’s a versatile component that not only elevates this cake but can also be used in various other desserts. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable strawberry filling, the heart and soul of our Jelly Donut Cake.
Crafting the Irresistible Strawberry Filling for Your Cake
The journey to our heavenly strawberry filling begins with frozen strawberries. These are often picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, locking in their flavor, making them an excellent choice when fresh, in-season berries are not available. Start by dicing enough frozen berries to measure approximately 2 cups. Allow them to thaw naturally, or gently speed up the process by microwaving them on a reduced power setting. Once thawed, the next crucial step is to mash them thoroughly. A food processor makes quick work of this, creating a consistent pulp. If you don’t have one, a sturdy fork or even a cocktail muddler can achieve the desired result, yielding a charmingly rustic texture. Unlike some fruit sauces that require meticulous straining for a silky-smooth finish, we embrace the delightful presence of mashed strawberry pulp in this mixture. It gives the filling a rich, jam-like character, only with a much fresher, homemade taste.
Once your strawberries are mashed to perfection, transfer them to a small saucepan. To enhance the berry flavor and achieve that perfect “jelly” consistency, add a touch of strawberry jam to the pan. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and sugar – this mixture will be our thickening agent. Stir this cornstarch-sugar blend thoroughly into the strawberry mixture in the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and begin stirring steadily. Patience is key here; continue stirring until the mixture starts to bubble gently and visibly thickens. Cook, stirring constantly, for an additional minute to ensure the cornstarch is fully activated and the filling reaches its desired richness. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool. As it cools, the filling will continue to set. For best results, transfer the slightly cooled mixture to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate until it is very thick and firm enough to hold its shape within the cake layers. This cooling period is essential to prevent the filling from oozing out when you assemble your cake, ensuring a beautiful and stable dessert.
Baking Your Perfect Strawberry Cake Layers
For the cake layers, we opt for convenience without compromising on flavor. A high-quality strawberry cake mix provides an excellent shortcut, delivering consistently moist and delicious results. Simply follow the package instructions to prepare your batter. For this magnificent Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake, you’ll need to bake two (8-inch) round cake layers. These two rounds will create the perfect foundation and a generous space for our luscious strawberry filling to reside. To elevate your box mix further, consider a few simple tricks: replace water with milk or buttermilk for added richness, swap vegetable oil for melted butter for a more profound flavor, or add an extra egg for a denser, more bakery-like crumb. Ensure your cake pans are well-greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper, to prevent sticking and guarantee easy removal. Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Fully cooled layers are crucial for successful assembly.
Crafting the Creamy Dream: Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting
When it came to choosing the perfect frosting for this Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake, I carefully considered a strawberry-flavored frosting. However, I quickly realized that sometimes, too much of a good thing can diminish its impact! The goal was to complement, not overpower, the vibrant strawberry filling and cake layers. Therefore, I chose a classic cream cheese frosting. Its tangy sweetness and incredibly smooth texture provide a beautiful contrast to the berry notes, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that truly makes this cake shine. This frosting is not just a topping; it’s an integral part of the “jelly donut” experience, adding that familiar creamy element that pairs so well with fruit filling.
Making homemade cream cheese frosting is surprisingly simple and yields a far superior result to store-bought varieties. Start with softened butter and cream cheese – this is key for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Beat them together until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, a cup at a time, beating well after each addition. The amount of powdered sugar can be adjusted to your preferred sweetness and consistency. A splash of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor. If the frosting seems too stiff, add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until you achieve a wonderfully spreadable consistency. This frosting is not only delicious but also remarkably versatile, making it a staple in any baker’s repertoire.
Assembling Your Magnificent Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake
With your cake layers cooled, filling chilled, and frosting ready, it’s time to bring your Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake to life! This is where all your delicious components unite to form a truly spectacular dessert.
- **Prepare Your Base:** Carefully place one of the cooled cake layers onto your serving plate or cake stand. If desired, you can pipe a small border of cream cheese frosting around the outer edge of this layer. This creates a “dam” that will help hold the strawberry filling securely in place.
- **Generously Fill:** Evenly spread the cooled, thickened strawberry filling over the entire top surface of the first cake layer, staying within the frosting dam if you created one. Don’t be shy with the filling; this is what gives the cake its signature “jelly donut” character!
- **Add the Second Layer:** Gently place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry filling, aligning it carefully. Press down lightly to ensure it’s level and secure.
- **Frost with Perfection:** Now, it’s time to frost the entire cake with your creamy cream cheese frosting. Start by applying a thin crumb coat to seal in any loose crumbs, then chill the cake briefly for 10-15 minutes. Once the crumb coat is set, apply a generous layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with an offset spatula or bench scraper for a professional finish.
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your finished cake with a few fresh strawberry slices or whole berries, perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar, or even some thinly sliced almonds. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also hints at the delightful flavors within. This cake, with its bright, fruity center and rich, creamy frosting, is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration.
This exquisite Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake, much like its namesake pastry, finds its perfect partner in a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. The rich, robust notes of coffee beautifully complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the strawberry filling and cream cheese frosting, making for an absolutely divine pairing. For those seeking to elevate their coffee experience even further, I highly recommend exploring this insightful guide comparing various coffee beans to find your ideal blend.
The feedback from loved ones confirms its sheer deliciousness! As “The Carnivore” (a notorious dessert connoisseur) enthusiastically declared, it tastes exactly like a jelly donut. Coming from him, that is indeed high praise and a testament to the cake’s authentic flavor profile. It’s a treat that captures the essence of a classic comfort food in a sophisticated, celebratory cake format.
Storage and Serving Suggestions for Your Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of your Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake. Due to the cream cheese frosting, which contains dairy, refrigeration is highly recommended, especially if you plan to keep the cake for more than a day. At room temperature, the cake will remain delightful for about 24 hours. For longer storage, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake carrier and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting and cake layers are at their optimal texture. You can also freeze individual slices of the cake for an even longer storage solution. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature to serve.
This cake is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. It makes a show-stopping centerpiece for any celebration, from birthday parties to holiday gatherings. Serve it as a classic after-dinner dessert, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for a truly indulgent start to the day. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, adding another layer of texture and richness. For a lighter touch, a side of fresh berries or a sprig of mint can brighten up each serving. Consider plating it on your best dessert dishes to truly highlight its beauty.
Exciting Variations to Explore
While the Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake is magnificent as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with variations. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:
- **Other Fruit Fillings:** Swap out the strawberry for other delicious fruit fillings. Raspberry, blueberry, or cherry fillings would be equally delightful, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining that beloved “jelly donut” essence. You could even combine fruits for a mixed berry experience.
- **Homemade Cake Layers:** If you prefer baking from scratch, a simple vanilla or even a lemon-infused butter cake would serve as an exquisite base, complementing the strawberry filling beautifully. Adjust the sweetness of your filling slightly if your homemade cake is less sweet than a box mix.
- **Different Frostings:** While cream cheese frosting is a classic, consider alternatives like a simple vanilla buttercream for a sweeter profile, or even a white chocolate ganache for a richer, more decadent finish. A lemon zest buttercream would also offer a lovely tangy counterpoint to the strawberries.
- **Mini Cakes or Cupcakes:** Transform this recipe into individual treats by baking the cake batter in cupcake liners or mini cake pans. You can then pipe the strawberry filling into the center of each cupcake after baking and cooling, before frosting. These are perfect for parties and portion control!
- **Garnish Galore:** Beyond fresh strawberries, consider garnishing with chocolate shavings, toasted coconut flakes, a drizzle of balsamic glaze (which pairs wonderfully with strawberries), or edible flowers for an artistic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying your Strawberry Jelly Donut Cake:
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries for the filling?
A: Absolutely! If fresh, ripe strawberries are in season, they will make an even more vibrant filling. Just ensure they are thoroughly mashed as per the recipe. Frozen berries are a fantastic alternative when fresh ones are not at their peak.
Q: Can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the strawberry filling can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This can help break down the baking process and make assembly day easier.
Q: How can I ensure my cake layers are perfectly flat?
A: For flatter cake layers, you can use baking strips around your pans. Alternatively, after baking and cooling, you can gently level the tops of your cakes with a serrated knife to remove any domes, creating a stable surface for stacking.
Q: Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, many box cake mixes now come in gluten-free versions. You would also need to ensure that any jam used is gluten-free, and of course, all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out the sides?
A: The key is to ensure the strawberry filling is very thick and well-chilled before assembly. Creating a ‘dam’ with a piped ring of cream cheese frosting around the edge of the bottom cake layer before adding the filling will also provide an extra barrier.
📖 Recipe: Strawberry Filling
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Strawberry Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced strawberries fresh or frozen, thawed
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- 2 TB cornstarch
- 1 TB sugar
Instructions
- Mash strawberries in a bowl or use a blender/food processor to make about one cup of juice and pulp. Place in a small saucepan with jam and stir together.
- In a small cup, mix the cornstarch and sugar together, then add to the saucepan and mix.
- Begin heating on medium-low, stirring frequently. Bring mixture to a boil, then cook, stirring constantly, for at least one minute to thicken. Remove from heat and set saucepan aside to cool.
- Transfer sauce to a small bowl or jar and refrigerate, covered, until ready to use. Filling will thicken as it cools.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
📖 Recipe: Cream Cheese Frosting
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Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened (1 stick)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-2 teaspoon milk
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.½ cup butter, 8 oz cream cheese
- Begin adding powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Add vanilla in between the sugar additions.4-5 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla
- As frosting begins to get very thick, add milk, one teaspoon at a time, to help loosen it up. Adjust amounts of sugar and milk if needed to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.1-2 teaspoon milk
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
More Delicious Strawberry Dessert Ideas
If you’re a devoted fan of strawberry desserts and can’t get enough of their fresh, sweet flavor, you might be interested in exploring other delightful recipes. Consider trying a Strawberry Shortcake Roll for a lighter, elegant option, or a vibrant Fruit Pizza adorned with an array of fresh berries. These recipes offer different ways to enjoy the versatility of strawberries in dessert form, perfect for any occasion.
psst… For the grammatically inclined, Wikipedia notes that the traditional spelling is ‘doughnut’. But no matter how you spell it, this cake is pure joy!