Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Two 8-inch square cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Checkerboard cake insert (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch square cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter in half. In one half, stir in the strawberry puree and a few drops of red food coloring (if desired) until well combined. Add the strawberry extract (if using) for extra flavor.
6. Pour the vanilla batter into one of the prepared pans, and the strawberry batter into the other. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. If using a checkerboard cake insert, place it in the center of one of the pans and fill the outer ring with the opposite color batter. Repeat with the other pan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes. Then, cut each cake into 2-inch wide strips.
11. Arrange the strips in a checkerboard pattern, alternating between the vanilla and strawberry strips. Use a little bit of frosting to help them stick together.
12. Frost the cake with your favorite frosting and decorate as desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with any other milk of your choice.
- Strawberry puree can be substituted with any other fruit puree.
- Strawberry extract can be substituted with vanilla extract or any other extract of your choice.
Variations:
- Use different fruit purees to create different checkerboard cake flavors.
- Add chocolate chips or sprinkles to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use different frosting flavors or colors to decorate the cake.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
- Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before frosting to make it easier to work with.
- Use a piping bag to decorate the cake with frosting.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant look.
- Top the cake with fresh strawberries or other fruit.
- Use edible flowers to decorate the cake.
Garnishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Edible flowers
- Powdered sugar
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a little more milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try reducing the amount of fruit puree used.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean and sanitized utensils and equipment when preparing the cake.
- Store the cake in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
The checkerboard cake is a classic dessert that has been around for decades. It is believed to have originated in Germany and was popularized in the United States during the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
The strawberry-vanilla checkerboard cake is a sweet and fruity dessert that combines the flavors of vanilla and strawberry.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat for a special occasion.
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Taste: Sweet, Fruity, Creamy, Vanilla, Strawberry