Introduction
There are desserts that impress with flavor, some with elegance, and then there’s Strawberry Champagne Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Frosting — a recipe that does both flawlessly. This cake is a showstopper for romantic celebrations, weddings, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want to bring sparkle and sweetness to the table.
The cake layers are soft, airy, and infused with champagne, giving them a delicate effervescence that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of strawberries. The whipped mascarpone frosting is rich yet light, creamy yet refined, offering the perfect balance without overwhelming the cake. Fresh strawberries between the layers and on top complete the masterpiece with bursts of freshness.
It’s a dessert that feels luxurious and festive, but still approachable enough for home bakers.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it’s not just a cake — it’s an experience of indulgence and celebration. The champagne brings sophistication and lightness, while strawberries add brightness and romance. Mascarpone frosting is one of my favorite alternatives to buttercream because it has a luxurious creaminess without being overly sweet.
What truly makes this recipe special for me is the way it feels like a celebration in every bite. You don’t just eat this cake; you savor it with joy, laughter, and champagne toasts.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Perfect for Celebrations: Weddings, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or milestone birthdays.
- Unique Flavor Profile: Champagne’s subtle fizz, strawberries’ natural sweetness, and mascarpone’s creaminess make it unforgettable.
- Visually Stunning: Pale pink cake layers, fluffy white frosting, and fresh strawberry garnish.
- Balanced Sweetness: Not overly sugary; elegant and refined in taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s fancy enough to wow guests but comforting enough for everyone to enjoy.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–28 minutes
- Assembly & Frosting: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: ~420 per slice
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American (with European-inspired sophistication)
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) champagne (or sparkling wine, chilled)
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 g) fresh strawberries, puréed
For the Whipped Mascarpone Frosting
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries (halved or sliced)
- Optional: edible gold flakes or mint leaves for elegance
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk champagne, milk, and strawberry purée until blended.
Step 5: Make the Batter
- Alternately add dry ingredients and champagne mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
Step 6: Bake
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Whipped Mascarpone Frosting
- Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until smooth and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread frosting evenly and add sliced strawberries if desired.
- Top with second cake layer.
- Frost the outside and top with fresh strawberries and optional edible gold flakes.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Preheat oven and prepare pans.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg whites and vanilla.
- Mix champagne, milk, and strawberry purée.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures alternately.
- Bake layers and cool completely.
- Whip mascarpone frosting.
- Assemble and decorate.
How to Serve
- Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Pair with glasses of champagne or sparkling rosé for a true celebration dessert.
- Slice with a sharp knife for neat servings.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for the purée and garnish; frozen can make the cake too watery.
- Chill mascarpone and cream — cold ingredients whip best.
- Don’t overbake; champagne cakes are best when moist and tender.
- For clean frosting edges, crumb-coat the cake first (thin layer of frosting, chill, then finish with a smooth layer).
Variations
- Cupcakes: Make champagne-strawberry cupcakes with mascarpone frosting (bake 18–20 minutes).
- Filling Twist: Add a layer of strawberry jam or champagne-infused pastry cream between layers.
- Chocolate Variation: Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache before frosting.
- Rosé Cake: Use sparkling rosé instead of champagne for a pink hue and fruity flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Freezing and Storage
- Room Temperature: Frosted cake lasts up to 1 day if covered.
- Refrigeration: Store for 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost.
- Frosting: Best made fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for 1 day.
Special Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Wire cooling racks
Conclusion
The Strawberry Champagne Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Frosting is the epitome of celebration desserts — elegant, festive, and bursting with flavor. With its delicate champagne-kissed layers, luscious mascarpone frosting, and the freshness of strawberries, this cake is the ultimate centerpiece for any special event.
Whether you’re toasting to love, friendship, or milestones, this cake adds sparkle to the occasion and joy to every bite. A must-try recipe for bakers who want something both sophisticated and heartwarming.
Strawberry Champagne Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Frosting
Description
There are desserts that impress with flavor, some with elegance, and then there’s Strawberry Champagne Cake with Whipped Mascarpone Frosting — a recipe that does both flawlessly.
Ingredients
For the Cake
For the Whipped Mascarpone Frosting
For Garnish
Instructions
-
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
-
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
-
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk champagne, milk, and strawberry purée until blended.
-
Step 5: Make the Batter: Alternately add dry ingredients and champagne mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
-
Step 6: Bake: Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
-
Step 7: Prepare Whipped Mascarpone Frosting: Beat mascarpone cheese until smooth. In another bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until smooth and fluffy.
-
Step 8: Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly and add sliced strawberries if desired. Top with second cake layer. Frost the outside and top with fresh strawberries and optional edible gold flakes.
