Creating a homemade strawberry cake can be an incredibly rewarding experience. This recipe combines fresh strawberries with a moist, fluffy cake base to deliver a dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or simply as a delightful treat. Whether you’re looking to impress your family at a weekend gathering or want to indulge in a sweet, fruity cake, this recipe will guide you through every step.
Strawberry cake is a timeless classic that brings a burst of freshness and sweetness to any occasion. With its vibrant pink color and delicious strawberry flavor, this cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. It’s made with real strawberries, which enhances the flavor and creates a moist, tender crumb. This cake is perfect for birthdays, springtime celebrations, or as a special treat any day of the week.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients. You don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve bakery-quality results. By following these straightforward steps, you’ll be able to bake a delicious strawberry cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (for added texture)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Optional: mint leaves for decoration
How to Make Perfect Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases easily.
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Wash and hull the strawberries. Blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of strawberry puree for the cake and ¼ cup for the frosting. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a smooth batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Add the strawberry puree to the mixture and mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries. This adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor and texture to the cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with milk if needed; it should be spreadable but not too runny.
Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cooled, level them if necessary to ensure even layers.
- Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and apply a thin crumb coat around the cake. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Apply Final Frosting Layer: After chilling, apply the final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve your delicious strawberry cake. Enjoy the burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite!
About the Main Ingredients
Strawberries: The star of this recipe, strawberries add natural sweetness and a beautiful color to the cake. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice.
Butter: Butter provides moisture and richness to the cake. It’s essential for creating a tender crumb and adds a delicious flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps with the texture. It contributes to the cake’s light and fluffy structure.
Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the ingredients together and adding structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s richness.
Milk: Milk adds moisture to the cake and helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the batter. It also enhances the flavor.
This strawberry cake is a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries in a classic dessert. By following these steps, you’ll create a beautiful and delicious cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy baking and savor every slice of this delightful treat!
