Fresh Strawberry Vanilla Cake

This cake makes a statement of its own! And guess what!? I baked it on our backyard BBQ grill! This was my first time making a cake on a BBQ grill, I got this idea from this South African cooking show where they were using the exact BBQ grill that I have. Let me insert a picture of the grill.

For the best results I think the grill should have a lead to trap all the heat. The cakes came out very well, similar to using the oven. You can always use your oven, obviously. :)

My mom has been making this vanilla cake since her food and nutrition high school class where she learnt the recipe. It is always her go-to when we suddenly run out of bread, which is not too often, or when she's craving something sweet or when I am craving something sweet, which is quite often...emphasis on quite. She is always delighted to make this cake for my brother and I. We absolutely love it. I love all her cake recipes, which I'd be so glad to share with you guys.

The cake usually does not last long in the house; she always complains and declares not to ever bake the cake but ends up making it again because she's my mommy & that's just who she is.

One of my favorite looks for a cake is the naked look. I love being able to see the pretty layers, and it’s even easier to put together.

I also like to make the cake fruity by adding berries on top of the whipped cream frosting. I am always totally in love with the look of it. So bright, and beautiful. The reason why I love using whipped cream as frosting is it tones down the sweetness of the actual cake; believe me.

This cake is a perfect dessert to share when you have friends over or when you just want something sweet to delight your taste buds and LAYERS! I know this cake would be the perfect dessert to share.

Also, if you are looking for another cake recipe,you could check out my favorite chocolate cake recipe which is my chocolate sponge cake.

I used ingredients enough to yield 2 large cakes but I divided the mixture to get 3 smaller cakes. Basically, I doubled the ingredients (mixed separately) but made 3 cakes with the batter. If you want just one large cake that's okay as well.

Prep time: 10 minutes (single mixture)

Cook time: 40 minutes (each cake)

10-12 three layer slices

You will need:

CAKE (one large cake) 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1 cup milk 4 eggs 3/4 vegetable oil 2 1/4 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla essence

WHIPPED CREAM & TOPPING 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract Strawberries

Procedure:

Preheat grill/oven 175°C/350°F

Mix the sugar and eggs together for about a minute until slightly thickened.

Gradually add the flour and baking powder then add the milk, oil, and vanilla essence. Mix for 1-2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy. (Make sure you do not over mix).

Repeat the above procedures for another 'large cake'.

Combine all the mixtures to double it.

Divide the doubled mixture into 3 and bake the cakes for 30-40 minutes each.

Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, then remove to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

To make whipped cream, whip heavy whipping cream and vanilla essence until stiff peaks form.

To stack the cake, place the first layer of cake on your cake plate, top cake with a layer of whipped cream and sliced strawberries and do the same for the 2nd and 3rd layer. You’ll use about 2/3 (two thirds) cups of whipped cream per layer.

Refrigerate cake until ready to eat. Best if eaten within 3 days of making. Enjoy!