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Delicious Lunchbox Cake decorated for Valentine's Day

Lunchbox Cake

A delightful and simple cake that's perfect for Valentine's Day, evoking nostalgia with flavors of fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
  • 1 cup sugar Use brown sugar for deeper flavor.
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Coconut oil works as a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup milk Use almond milk or oat milk for alternatives.
  • 2 large eggs Flax eggs are a viable vegan substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Make sure it’s fresh for best rise.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for authenticity.
  • 1 cup strawberry jam Any berry jam offers similar flavor.
  • 1 cup whipped cream Coconut whipped cream is excellent for vegan options.
  • to taste pieces Fresh strawberries for decoration Any seasonal fruit can be used.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9×9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt (if using unsalted butter).
  4. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
  5. Add in eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk until fully incorporated.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Allow the cake to cool before cutting into squares.
Decoration
  1. Spread strawberry jam on each square and top with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.

Notes

For best results, use fresh ingredients. The cake can be made ahead of time and enjoyed for up to 3 days!