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Strawberry Country Cake

Source of Recipe

From "Barefoot Contessa Parties!" by Ina Garten


Recipe Introduction

"This is the most delicious cake when strawberries are in season. The recipe makes two 8-inch cakes. If you are not using the second cake, let it cool completely, wrap in plastic, and freeze for up to 6 months."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), at room temperature
â—¦ 2 cups sugar
â—¦ 4 extra-large eggs at room temperature
â—¦ ¾ cup sour cream at room temperature
â—¦ ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
â—¦ ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
â—¦ ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
â—¦ 2 cups all-purpose flour
â—¦ ¼ cup cornstarch
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the filling for *each* cake:
â—¦ 1 cup heavy whipping cream (½ pint), chilled
â—¦ 3 tablespoons sugar
â—¦ ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
â—¦ 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

Cream the butter and sugar on high speed until light and fluffy in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. On medium speed, add the eggs, one at a time, then the sour cream, zests, and vanilla, scraping down the bowl as needed. Mix well. Sift together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. On low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine just until smooth.

Pour the batter evenly into the pans, smooth the tops with a spatula, and bake in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then remove to wire racks and let cool to room temperature.

To make the filling for *one* cake, whip the cream by hand or in a mixer until firm; add the sugar and vanilla. Slice one of the cakes in half with a long, sharp knife.

Place the bottom slice of the cake on a serving platter, spread with half of the whipped cream, and scatter with sliced strawberries. Cover with the top slice of the cake and spread with the remaining cream. Decorate with strawberries.

Makes two 8-inch cakes
Each cake serves 6 to 8