Life has been good.
We are adjusting to many changes...like having grandma's and grandpa's and cousins and dear friends over to visit the new baby.
Eddie is wonderful by the way. Much loved and adored!
But there is only one new baby, and with lots of people visiting it is always good to have something for the rest of the folks to do.
Like.... eat. I like stuffing my guests with as much food as possible. Forces them to not look at the layers of dust on my cupboards or the crayon scribbles masterpieces on my once white walls.
Hence, I decided to make a quick and easy dessert for everyone to enjoy. And since we happened to have about five pounds of strawberries on hand, a strawberry shortcake seemed like the perfect choice.
With a twist of course!
(This frosting technique is so easy to do... tutorial here!
Now... although I had the desire to bake for everyone, I just did not have the energy. (still recovering from surgery) So this is definitely the semi homemade version.
Ingredients:
Box white cake.
Box red velvet cake.
Whipped cream from the grocery store.
Fresh strawberries.
I still had to chop strawberries. That counts as slaving away in the kitchen right???
As much as I love the look of whole, ripe, plump juicy strawberries on a shortcake, I just have found it easier to cut them up.
Its easier to assemble and easier to cut into and easier to eat.
Did I mention I was going with an easy concept on this dessert???
I made a four layer cake. Two layers of red velvet and two layers of white cake. I started with the red velvet, added a fluffy layer of whipped cream, then a bunch of diced strawberries.
Repeat. Except with the white cake. Then the red velvet. Then the white. Then accidentally shove a huge spoonful of whipped cream in your mouth and call it a day.
As you can tell by the first picture, I just wasn't satisfied with this, so I added whipped cream to the outside too.
Then I cut into it.
And tried to take a picture. Except people kept making these irrational demands and actually requesting to eat a piece.
So this is all I have left.
Or should I say, had left.
Gotta tell ya, this is one delicious cake. I loved the dense rich and chocolaty taste of the red velvet paired with the light whipped cream, the airy white cake, and fresh berries.
I loved the ease of decorating a cake with whipped cream.
I loved everything about it.
I have made it three times in the last week. And I can imagine I will be making it lots more this summer!
And she's back in full force! You never cease to amaze me. Seriously stunning.
Posted by: Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:52 PM
Ge-Org-Geous and drool-i-li-cious
Posted by: Jennifer (Savor) | Apr 11, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Looks amazing like all of your other things...hope you are adjusting to life with 4. I think after 2 you can handle anything.
Posted by: Tahna | Apr 11, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Oh my gosh...YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Alicia | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:13 PM
I have a quick question- when you say store bought whipped cream- do you mean Cool whip style topping?? Thanks! I can't wait to make this!!
Posted by: Marci J | Apr 11, 2011 at 09:23 PM
I have had strawberries on the brain this last week as well. I stuck with my usual shortcake and trifles but I will have to add this to my strawberry to do list. It looks high power yummy.
Posted by: Lisa | Apr 12, 2011 at 05:41 AM
Yup, totally healthy. I am inspired by your productivity in the kitchen. I made two key-lime pies Sunday...and may or may not have eaten key-lime pie for every meal on Monday. Like I told my husband...If you didn't see it...you can't prove it. Now, I'm kinda sick of key-lime...this cake looks like a suitable alternative. *grin* Congrats on baby Eddie!! Right now I'm working on fighting my desire to try and make raspberry tarts...but, I did make baklava recently. Gosh...no WONDER I haven't lost a pound recently. Huh.
Posted by: Nelsonturf.wordpress.com | Apr 12, 2011 at 08:36 AM
You were featured over at Today's Top 20 -- Hooray!
Amanda
www.todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amanda | Apr 12, 2011 at 09:00 AM
Oh my goodness this is gorgeous! Please share how you make that icing look so amazing! Thanks :)
Posted by: carrie | Apr 12, 2011 at 12:01 PM
So you are making us new moms look bad.... I had #5 on April 1 and I have only turned on the oven once for cauliflower. I'm glad my family doesn't know about the amazing things you are making right after giving birth. They might expect more from me. Actually I think they should start making this stuff for me.
Posted by: Valerie | Apr 12, 2011 at 12:52 PM
This is the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. in. my. life.
Bravo, and hat's off!
All the best,
Ashley
Posted by: Ashley | Apr 12, 2011 at 01:36 PM
Amazingly Beautiful!
Posted by: Amy Sledge Johnson | Apr 12, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Do you use cool whip or whipped cream? I prefer whip cream, but I imagine it wouldn't last long on a cake - you would have to serve it immediately.
Posted by: Rachel | Apr 12, 2011 at 02:31 PM
Hi. I'm in love with your blog. Just thought you should know. It makes me want to go into the kitchen and frost something.
:)
Posted by: Rachel | Apr 12, 2011 at 03:39 PM
cake looks colourful delicious
Posted by: torviewtoronto | Apr 12, 2011 at 04:03 PM
This is gorgeous!! You must be superwoman to be making stuff this amazing look right after giving birth! Congratulations!
Posted by: Allison | Apr 12, 2011 at 04:18 PM
This is incredibly gorgeous. What an awesome idea! I cannot wait to try this with our local berries! YUM!!
Posted by: The Café Sucré Farine | Apr 12, 2011 at 08:14 PM
mmmm I'm loving everything about this cake too and I haven't even had a bite...but soon!
Posted by: paula hennig | Apr 12, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Amanda, how do u come up with all these great ideas???That looks so easy and sooo yummy!!!Luv it....
Posted by: Rebecca Lira | Apr 12, 2011 at 08:47 PM
I can't bake well, but I am definitely trying this!
Posted by: Shannon Marie | Apr 12, 2011 at 09:55 PM
gorgeous cake!!! she just had a baby..how can she do it??:)
Posted by: Luisellabella | Apr 13, 2011 at 12:24 AM
eddie, eh? so...does that mean you're solidly on team cullen? :)
this is a really clever cake, amanda, and tasty to boot. you're a star, and that's final.
Posted by: grace | Apr 13, 2011 at 01:35 AM
Good Morning. A friend showed me this site, since she knows I Love anything to do with baking!!! I work in accounting and HATE it! But, I LOVE LOVE LOVE to bake!!! Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to open my own business!!! When I have a bad day in work, I would come home and bake happiness into my family's life!!
Posted by: Patty Tomlinson | Apr 13, 2011 at 05:00 AM
oooooooo- I am SO going to make this for Easter! THANKS
Posted by: nicole | Apr 13, 2011 at 05:56 AM
a little late to the party but…congratulations on the birth of your child! wishing you & your family the very best of times, laughter & joy!
this cake is just beautiful & i look forward to the tutorial!!
Posted by: linda | Apr 13, 2011 at 06:15 AM
It looks so pretty! GREAT job.
Posted by: trish | Apr 13, 2011 at 07:51 AM
I happen to have strawberries and whipped cream at home right now! I just need to pick up some cake mixes and then I can try this soon!
Posted by: Cassie | Apr 13, 2011 at 07:56 AM
Oh this is beautiful!! LOVE! I`d love to be one of your guests :D Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby!
Posted by: Arudhi@aboxofkitchen | Apr 13, 2011 at 09:00 AM
That is gorgeous!! And I can practically taste it. No way am I ever going to be able to frost it that way, tutorial or not.
Posted by: Barbara | Apr 13, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Oh my goodness... My hubby's two favorite cakes are strawberry cake and red velvet cake. I'm not sure he can even comprehend how much he would LOVE this. Might have to surprise him with a cake :)
Posted by: Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction | Apr 13, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Love this cake!! My daughter Adelyn just turned one and I made your beautiful Rose Cake and your Rose cupcake toppers!! I think they turned out great! I'd love for you to stop by my blog and check them out. www.jaredjenandandon.blogspot.com I came across your Rose cake about 2 months ago when researching and trying to figure out what to make for her party. And a week or so before her party I saw it on the Pioneer Woman's website!! :)) So fun! Thank you so much for posting tutorials and making it so easy for us to make beautiful things. I would have never thought of it!!!
Posted by: Jen Mirabile | Apr 13, 2011 at 07:35 PM
please...can i get this on my birthday! please!! :p
Posted by: Azue Abdul | Apr 13, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Hi there! I think this treat is darling and was hoping that you might add it to my Easter and Spring Linking Party to share with my readers. If you are interested, you can go here http://bakedbyjoanna.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-linking-party.html to enter. Thanks!
Posted by: Joanna | Apr 14, 2011 at 03:43 AM
Beautiful and it does look easy! Beautiful, easy and yummy -- Yay!! :)
Posted by: Mary | Apr 14, 2011 at 11:15 AM
This is beautiful and a must make for me being the Southern girl I am. :-)
Posted by: Tamara | Apr 14, 2011 at 08:00 PM
That looks amazing. I must try it out, and eat it!
Posted by: Jeannie | Apr 14, 2011 at 08:47 PM
This looks so good, thanks for sharing and wow, I am so impressed with you for the effort and thoughtfulness.
Posted by: Stacy @ CreatingSweetSmiles.blogspot.com | Apr 14, 2011 at 09:28 PM
I'm so in love with this cake! Can you please, pretty please, post that frosting tutorial soon? This cake needs to be on our Easter table.
Posted by: PacNWgirl | Apr 15, 2011 at 11:21 AM
What a beautiful cake and UGH!!!! I can't make it tomorrow because Passover begins for me and my family. But after the 25th I will be able to and even though it will be one day after my husbands official birthday - We will be having this cake!!! I will try to wait for the tutorial too!!
Posted by: Belinda | Apr 17, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Can't wait to see the frosting technique!
Posted by: Jess | Apr 19, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I have been reading your blog for a while now Amanda. I finally decided to leave some comments because I wanted to congratulate you with your baby boy Eddie! Congratulations!! Thank you for keeping up with the blog and sharing all your creative ideas---this cake is the first time I am making the next time I pick up my butter!
Posted by: Jessica | Apr 20, 2011 at 05:28 AM
This looks amazing!
What is the frosting technique called?
Posted by: staci | Apr 20, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! What a beautiful flavor combination, too.
Posted by: Robyn | Add a Pinch | Apr 20, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I love it! I have a quick question for you regarding the styling...is that red a wall you have in your house? or is it a painted substrate? I am in an area where there are no food stylers so I am trying to learn to do as much as possible on my own.
Thank you!
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy Grant | Apr 20, 2011 at 11:25 AM
I get all worn out thinking of all the cakes you make. I'm cake ADD. Seriously. So I just plan to oogle all of your hard work. And smile the whole time I'm looking at it. *sigh*
Posted by: kellypea | Apr 21, 2011 at 07:56 PM
This looks sooooo amazing, Amanda!! The icing 'polishing-off' idea is really great. Thank you for all your sharing - and inspiring :)
Posted by: Loriensblueberrycake.blogspot.com | Apr 23, 2011 at 11:42 AM
I come onto your site almost everyday looking for new posts but I've never commented! I love all of your deserts! They all look so toothsome! Haha Keep up the great work!!
Posted by: Kim | Apr 25, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Made it for my mum as a birthday cake and everyone loved it! Thanks for sharing! I had to bought a whole box of strawberries and made it only three-layered but it was huge!
Posted by: Eva | Apr 25, 2011 at 05:14 PM
That is simply beautiful! And now it makes me want some, of course. If you want easier, my mom uses her egg slicer to slice strawberries.
Posted by: Mrs. Mordecai | May 10, 2011 at 03:25 PM
My goodness woman - this is beautiful!
Posted by: Michelle | May 10, 2011 at 05:38 PM