The moment you take a bite of strawberry cake, you’re greeted with a burst of sweet, juicy strawberries nestled in a fluffy, moist cake. The aroma wafts through the air like a summer garden in full bloom, instantly transporting you to sun-drenched picnics and joyful celebrations. It’s not just dessert; it’s a slice of happiness served on a plate.
I remember the first time I made strawberry cake for my best friend’s birthday. As I pulled it from the oven, the sweet scent filled my home, and I couldn’t wait to see her face when she tasted it. It was an occasion worth celebrating, and this delightful cake became the star of the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This strawberry cake is incredibly easy to make and perfect for all skill levels
- Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering
- You can enjoy it as a light dessert or elevate it with whipped cream for special occasions
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with various fruits!
I’ll never forget how my friends’ eyes lit up when they had their first taste of this strawberry delight.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Strawberries: Look for bright red berries that are firm to the touch; they should smell sweet and fragrant.
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Cake Flour: Using cake flour gives your cake that light and airy texture everyone loves; it’s worth the extra trip to the store.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up with sugar; adjust based on your sweetness preference—don’t be shy!
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Baking Powder: A must-have for helping your cake rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor; it’s crucial for that moist crumb.
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Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature to help with mixing; they act as a binder in our batter.
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Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation for that warm, aromatic flavor profile.
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Milk: Whole milk works best here, contributing moisture and richness to our cake.
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Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making a smooth frosting that will add sweetness without being overly sugary.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly with butter or cooking spray. Dust them with flour to prevent sticking later.
Mash Those Berries!: Take about a cup of fresh strawberries and mash them gently in a bowl. Aim for small chunks so they burst in your mouth while enjoying the cake. You can use a fork or potato masher—whichever makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar.
Mix Dry Ingredients.: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout your batter—no one wants unevenly baked cake!
Beat Butter and Sugar.: In your mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look pale yellow and creamy; that’s when you know you’ve nailed it!
Add Eggs & Vanilla.: Crack those eggs right into your buttery concoction one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding another. Then pour in your vanilla extract—it’s like pouring magic into your batter!
Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures.: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients; this helps maintain that tender crumb we all adore.
Add Strawberries & Bake.: Gently fold in your mashed strawberries until just combined—be careful not to over-mix! Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. When done, let them cool completely before frosting.
Now you’re ready to assemble and frost your delightful creation! Just imagine slicing into that gorgeous strawberry layer cake—your friends will be begging for seconds!
You Must Know
- Strawberry cake is a delightful treat that combines sweetness with a hint of tartness
- The aroma of fresh strawberries and vanilla wafting through your kitchen will make everyone eager to dig in
- This cake is perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying a sweet craving
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while prepping your cake batter. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ingredients for a smooth blend. This method ensures even baking and fluffy texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese or whipped cream, to find your favorite flavor combination.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, refrigerate and gently reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Choosing ripe strawberries is key; they should be bright red and fragrant for maximum flavor
- Always measure flour accurately to avoid a dense cake texture, and remember to let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results
The first time I made strawberry cake, my friends devoured it in minutes! Their smiles and compliments made me realize this dessert was destined to become a crowd favorite.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry cake?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
How can I make this strawberry cake gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free blend for delicious results.
What’s the best way to decorate the strawberry cake?
Use fresh strawberries and whipped cream on top for an elegant presentation.
Indulgent Strawberry Cake
Experience the joy of a luscious strawberry cake that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a moist, fluffy cake. Perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this delightful dessert is sure to impress your friends and family. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, it’s not just a treat; it’s a moment of happiness served on a plate!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (mashed)
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mash strawberries in a bowl until chunky.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in mashed strawberries.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before frosting with powdered sugar mixed with a little milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
