Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the almond milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, spread a third of the frosting on top of the first layer. Arrange the strawberry slices evenly over the frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting all over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the cake with additional strawberry slices or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve Mama Seward’s Strawberry Cake With
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a steaming mug of coffee or tea for a sweet and adults treat.
Salty Snacks: Pretzels or nuts provide a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Fresh Fruit Salad: For a balanced meal, serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit salad.
Top Tips for Perfecting Mama Seward’s Strawberry Cake
Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
** level your Cake:** For a neat finish, level your cake layers before stacking them.
Chill the Cake: For a firmer frosting, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, serve the cake at room temperature. If it becomes too firm, simply microwave for a few seconds or let it sit out for a while.
Final Thoughts
Mama Seward’s Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the joy of baking and sharing. With its moist, flavorful layers and tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a birthday party, or just for a cozy night in, this cake is a guaranteed hit.