In case you needed an easy, yummy cake filling.....I have one! I just love that you can change the entire taste of a cake with a million different filling flavors. Now, I am a sucker for fruit fillings. Maybe that is why I am so infatuated with pies. My latest one is strawberry filling. It in not too sweet and is just what a vanilla cake needs. The recipe I use can be found here. All I usually have to get at the store are the strawberries. The other two ingredients (yes only two other ingredients!!!) are always in my house.
The frozen strawberries I get, come in a 16 oz bag. That will make 1 1/2 batches of filling according to the recipe. I find it easier to cut up the strawberries when they are frozen. If they thaw too much, they get a little mushy. That does't work well with a knife. Once you've cut them into small pieces, all you have to do is put all the ingredients in a pan and stir.
I won't lie to you, every time I start this recipe, I have one moment of panic. As soon as the strawberries start to heat up, the mixture is thin like water. Then, of course, I question if it will thicken up. It will also turn a pink color, not the red color you want. Again, no need to panic, it is all a part of the process.
All you need to do is continue to stir it and it will come out delicious and a beautiful, thick red filling. I promise. In one instant, it goes from runny and pink to thick and red. It is amazing how fast it happens. It is like magic!
Look at that gorgeousness!!!!! It's a pan full of strawberry happiness. (You can take a moment for a happy dance if you need .) The last thing I suggest is put it in a glass bowl and put it in the fridge. You need to let it cool before using it in your cake. Now, you just spent about three minutes to make something absolutely yummy. If only decorating the cake was this easy. :) ENJOY!!!!!