Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dessert, this Strawberry Cake is just the ticket! Bursting with real strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer picnic, or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a busy weeknight. This cake is not only beautiful with its pink hues but also soft and fluffy, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

What makes this Strawberry Cake truly special is the creamy strawberry buttercream that tops it off. It adds an extra layer of fruity sweetness that elevates the whole experience. Trust me; once you serve this cake, it will disappear faster than you can say strawberry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the fresh strawberry flavor, making it a hit at family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake in advance and frost it just before serving, saving you time!
• Versatile Delight: Perfect for spring and summer parties but delicious enough to enjoy year-round.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant pink color and fresh strawberries make this cake visually appealing for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in strawberries. Gather these items to create your delicious Strawberry Cake:

For the Cake

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (to be pureed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1½ cups strawberry puree (from above)

For the Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup strawberry puree (from above)

Variations

This Strawberry Cake recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Lemon Zest: Brighten up the flavors by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to your cake batter for a citrusy twist.
• Swap the Fruit: Try using other berries like blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries for a different fruity cake.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities.
• Layer It Up: Create a layered cake by adding whipped cream between layers for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans ensures that your cakes will release cleanly after baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect shape!

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth. You’ll need about 2½ cups of strawberry puree—this will add luscious flavor both in the cake batter and in your buttercream frosting.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation of your cake and helps it rise beautifully.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into your batter, making your Strawberry Cake soft and airy.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in each egg one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract. Incorporating these wet ingredients enriches the flavor and moisture of your cake.

Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients; mixing just until combined prevents overmixing which can lead to dense cakes.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of your pureed strawberries. This step ensures you get that delightful strawberry goodness throughout each slice of cake.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Letting them cool in pans for about ten minutes allows them to set properly before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Prepare Your Buttercream

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time while alternating with small amounts of strawberry puree until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, if necessary trim off any domes on top of each layer for even stacking. Spread some strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing another layer on top—then cover fully with remaining frosting.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired, slice into generous servings, and enjoy! Each bite will remind you of sunny days filled with sweet memories.

With this Strawberry Cake recipe in hand, you’ll surely impress friends and family alike! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Making the perfect Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only provide the best flavor but also lend a vibrant color to your cake. Look for ripe, juicy strawberries for the most intense taste.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. This step is key in achieving that soft texture we all love.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light and airy texture you want.

• Cool cakes completely: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. If they’re still warm, the buttercream may melt and slide off, ruining your beautiful creation!

• Experiment with flavors: While strawberry is delicious on its own, feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract to give your cake an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberries wonderfully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your Strawberry Cake beautifully can make all the difference when it comes to impressing your guests! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a lovely pop of color and freshness that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Sliced strawberries: Arrange some thin slices of fresh strawberries on top of the cake or around the plate for an inviting look.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light and fluffy topping made from chilled coconut cream adds a luscious contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the fruity flavors of the strawberry cake beautifully, making each bite a delight!
• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of rich cake while enhancing your dessert table’s vibrant look.
• Coffee or herbal tea: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere and balances out the sweetness of the cake.

Now you’re all set to bake and enjoy this lovely Strawberry Cake! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this dessert will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a slice of sweetness throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last for about a week.
• If you’ve added fresh strawberries as a garnish, consume the cake within 2 days for the best flavor.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your Strawberry Cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making this delicious Strawberry Cake!

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.

How do I make sure my Strawberry Cake is fluffy?

To ensure your Strawberry Cake is light and fluffy, make sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Gentle folding will help keep it airy!

What’s the best way to store my Strawberry Cake?

Store your Strawberry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it if you want it to last longer.

How can I make my frosting more flavorful?

If you’d like an extra punch of strawberry flavor in your buttercream, increase the amount of strawberry puree slightly, or add a few drops of strawberry extract!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is truly special—it’s soft, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re celebrating something big or just indulging on a cozy evening at home, I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it with loved ones. Happy baking!