If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s delectable desserts, you’re in for a treat. The Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake is a beloved favorite, known for its light, fluffy texture and creamy, fruity flavor. This guide will walk you through every step of recreating this delicious dessert at home with an authentic Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe. With the perfect balance of sweetness and a burst of strawberry flavor, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

The Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe is not only a delightful dessert but also a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is the perfect choice. By making it at home, you can enjoy the same great taste without the need to visit the restaurant.

Why Choose the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe?

Before diving into the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe, let’s explore why this cake is such a hit:

1. Flavor: The combination of light, fluffy cake layers with creamy frosting and fresh strawberries creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
2. Texture: The cake’s texture is moist and tender, complemented by the smooth cream and juicy strawberries.
3. Presentation: This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a great choice for special occasions.
4. Homemade Goodness: By making the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dessert.

Ingredients for Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe

To make the Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Oil: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Chill the Cream: Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.

Step 3: Preparing the Strawberry Topping

1. Mix the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the strawberries evenly.
2. Macerate the Strawberries: Let the strawberries sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the strawberries to release their juices.

Step 4: Preparing the Frosting

1. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Chill the Frosting: Refrigerate the whipped cream frosting until ready to use.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

1. Level the Cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes using a serrated knife.
2. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cream filling evenly over the top of the cake layer.
3. Add Strawberries: Spoon half of the macerated strawberries over the cream filling.
4. Top with Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries and cream filling.
5. Frost the Cake: Spread the whipped cream frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
6. Decorate with Strawberries: Arrange the remaining macerated strawberries on top of the cake as a decorative topping.

Step 6: Serving the Cake

1. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of light cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries.

Tips for Perfect Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your cake.
• Proper Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Chill the Cream: Chilling the whipped cream before using it in the filling and frosting will help it hold its shape better.
• Level the Cakes: Leveling the cake layers ensures a stable, even cake that is easier to assemble and frost.

Variations of Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake Recipe

1. Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-flavored cake. Top with chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries.
2. Lemon Strawberry Cream Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter and a few drops of lemon extract to the cream filling for a refreshing lemon twist.
3. Berry Medley Cream Cake: Use a mix of fresh berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, along with strawberries for a colorful and flavorful cake.
4. Almond Strawberry Cream Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top of the frosted cake for a nutty flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

The Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake pairs well with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Tea: Enjoy a slice of cake with a cup of hot tea, such as Earl Grey or green tea, for a relaxing treat.
• Coffee: Pair the cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte for a delightful combination.
• Champagne: Serve the cake with a glass of chilled champagne for a special celebration.
• Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside the cake for an extra indulgent dessert.

External Resources

For more baking tips and recipes, check out these resources:

• King Arthur Baking Company
• The Kitchn
• Allrecipes Dessert Recipes

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its light, fluffy cake layers, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. By making it at home, you can enjoy the same great taste and quality without the need to visit the restaurant.

Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own Olive Garden Strawberry Cream Cake and savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

Happy baking!