Aug 31 2026
RestaurantsTOUS les JOURS Bakery Café - Ann ArborPinkfong Strawberry Dream World #2 Recipe

Pinkfong Strawberry Dream World #2 Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves10

Make Pinkfong Strawberry Dream World #2 Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Strawberry Cake Layers

Method

Strawberry Cake Layers

  1. 1

    Prepare oven and pans

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper; lightly flour the sides.

  2. 2

    Dry ingredients

    In a medium bowl whisk together 1.75 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Cream butter and sugar

    In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add eggs and vanilla

    Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, beating 20–30 seconds after each addition until incorporated. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

  5. 5

    Alternate dry and wet

    With mixer on low, add one-third of the dry mixture, then half of 3/4 cup whole milk, then another third of dry, then the remaining milk, then the last dry. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

  6. 6

    Add strawberry flavor and color

    Fold in 3/4 cup strawberry puree and up to 1/2 tsp pink gel food coloring to achieve a bright pink hue. Scrape bowl and gently combine so batter is uniform.

  7. 7

    Bake

    Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.

  8. 8

    Cool

    Allow cakes to cool in pans 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges, invert onto wire racks, remove parchment and cool completely before assembling (about 1 hour).

Strawberry Buttercream

  1. 9

    Prepare reduced strawberry puree

    In a small saucepan, simmer 1/4 cup pureed strawberries over medium-low heat until reduced by about half (2–3 minutes) to concentrate flavor. Cool to room temperature. Optionally press through a fine mesh to remove seeds.

  2. 10

    Beat butter

    In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with paddle or whisk, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. 11

    Incorporate sugar

    With mixer on low, gradually add 3.5 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until lighter in color, about 1–2 minutes.

  4. 12

    Add strawberry reduction and adjust texture

    Add the cooled 1/4 cup reduced strawberry puree, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp fine salt. Beat on medium until smooth. If the frosting is too stiff, add an extra teaspoon of cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time.

  5. 13

    Color (optional)

    Add up to 1/4 tsp pink gel food coloring for a brighter shade and beat until evenly colored.

Strawberry Glaze & Filling

  1. 14

    Prepare sliced strawberries

    Toss 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries with 1 tsp lemon juice. If you want a thicker filling glaze, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water to make a slurry and set aside.

  2. 15

    Heat jam and fruit

    In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup strawberry jam and the tossed sliced strawberries over low heat. Stir until jam melts and forms a syrup, about 2–3 minutes. If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in and simmer 30 seconds until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Assembly & Decoration

  1. 16

    Level cakes

    If cake domes have formed, level the tops of the two cake layers with a serrated knife or cake leveler so they stack evenly.

  2. 17

    Fill

    Place one cake layer, cut side up, on a serving plate or turntable. Spread a thin layer (about 1/3 cup) of strawberry buttercream, then spoon 3–4 tbsp of the cooled strawberry jam-and-slice mixture over the buttercream, leaving a 1/2-inch margin at the edge to prevent overflow. Smooth gently.

  3. 18

    Top and crumb coat

    Place the second cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream (about 1/2 cup) over the top and sides to trap crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator 20–30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

  4. 19

    Final frosting

    Remove cake from fridge and apply the remaining buttercream evenly over top and sides. Use an offset spatula to create soft waves or keep smooth for a dreamy look. Reserve 1/4 cup buttercream for piping decorations if desired.

  5. 20

    Glaze drip (optional)

    If you like a glossy top, spoon a few tablespoons of the cooled jam-and-strawberry mixture into the center and gently spread it, allowing a small amount to run toward the edges for a subtle drip.

  6. 21

    Decorate

    Arrange 8 whole small strawberries around the top edge or create a central cluster. Pipe rosettes or stars with the reserved buttercream. Sprinkle 2 tbsp pink/white sprinkles and 1 tsp edible glitter over the top for a magical Pinkfong Dream World effect.

  7. 22

    Chill then serve

    Chill cake 10–20 minutes to set decorations. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before serving for best texture. Slice and serve.

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