There’s something magical about a slice of Strawberry Cake that can instantly transport you to sun-drenched picnics and laughter-filled birthday parties. With its vibrant pink hue, fluffy texture, and a flavor profile that’s both sweet and slightly tart, this dessert is like a warm hug on a plate. Picture biting into that soft cake layered with luscious strawberry frosting while the aroma of fresh strawberries wafts through the air—pure bliss!
Growing up, my grandmother made the best Strawberry Cake for every family gathering, and it quickly became the centerpiece of our celebrations. The thrill of watching her mix up the batter with a sprinkle of love always had us eagerly awaiting dessert time. Now, I find myself recreating those same joyful moments in my kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply indulging your sweet tooth on an ordinary Tuesday, this Strawberry Cake is sure to impress!
Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cake
- This incredible Strawberry Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Strawberry Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for cake-making; it provides structure while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crumb texture in your cake.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the cake its rise and airy texture; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; trust me, it makes a difference!
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing; butter gives richness and flavor to your cake.
- Eggs: They add moisture and help bind everything together; don’t skip these little wonders!
- Milk: Whole milk works wonders here, keeping the cake moist and adding richness to each bite.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for flavor-packed frosting or as a garnish; they’re star players in this recipe!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Strawberry Cake:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease two round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray to ensure an easy release later.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This dry mixture is essential for creating that perfect crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar while continuing to mix until light and fluffy—this step is key to achieving that dreamy texture!
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Milk
Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture. Once blended well, slowly pour in milk while mixing until everything is just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold in the dry mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon until no flour streaks remain—remember: gentle folding keeps it light!
Step 6: Bake Away!
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Once baked, let them cool before adding frosting or decorating as desired! Transfer to plates and serve with extra strawberries on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Now you have everything you need to whip up this delightful Strawberry Cake! With its irresistible flavor profile and stunning appearance, it’ll be the highlight of any gathering. Happy baking!
You Must Know About Strawberry Cake
- This showstopping Strawberry Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate Strawberry Cake, start by baking the cake layers first while preparing the strawberry filling. Once cooled, whip up the frosting as the finishing touch. This sequence ensures everything is ready for assembly without any stress.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to customize your Strawberry Cake by swapping strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of vanilla extract to elevate those flavors further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, let it come to room temperature before enjoying again, as flavor intensifies when served fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Strawberry Cake
- This professional-quality Strawberry Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
The first time I made this Strawberry Cake, my friends devoured it in minutes! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rockstar—who knew strawberries could create such joy?
FAQs
What is Strawberry Cake?
Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert made primarily from fresh strawberries, flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. This light and fluffy cake often features a vibrant pink hue, thanks to pureed strawberries incorporated into the batter. It’s typically layered with strawberry-flavored frosting or whipped cream to enhance its fruity flavor. This cake is popular for birthday celebrations, summer gatherings, and even weddings due to its beautiful appearance and refreshing taste. Many variations exist, including those that use vanilla or almond extracts for added depth.
How do I store Strawberry Cake?
To keep your Strawberry Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume it within a couple of days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which helps maintain its moisture and flavor. If you have leftover slices, wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge. You can also freeze Strawberry Cake for up to three months. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries when making Strawberry Cake. However, it’s essential to thaw and drain excess moisture before incorporating them into your batter. Frozen strawberries may not provide the same intensity of flavor as fresh ones but are a convenient alternative when fresh fruit isn’t available. They can still yield a delicious cake; just be mindful of adjusting sugar levels based on sweetness.
Is Strawberry Cake suitable for special diets?
Strawberry Cake can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For gluten-free options, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Vegan versions can replace eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives like applesauce or almond milk. Always check ingredient labels to ensure compliance with dietary restrictions. By customizing recipes, everyone can enjoy a slice of this delicious dessert without compromising their health goals.
Conclusion
In summary, Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the freshness of strawberries with fluffy cake layers and creamy frosting. Storing it properly ensures you enjoy its vibrant taste over time. Whether using fresh or frozen strawberries, this cake can easily accommodate different diets by making simple adjustments to ingredients. The versatility and appealing flavor make Strawberry Cake a perfect choice for any celebration or casual gathering!
Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 slices 1x
Description
Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, combining fresh strawberries with fluffy cake layers and creamy frosting. This showstopping treat is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, making it a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. With its vibrant pink hue and irresistible flavor, every slice promises a blissful experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (mashed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in milk until just combined.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no flour streaks remain.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with strawberry icing or serving with fresh strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
