Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of summer and brings a smile to everyone’s face, this Strawberry Cake is just the thing! It’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with the delightful flavor of real strawberries. This cake isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to treat your family or for those casual gatherings with friends. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my home!

The best part about this Strawberry Cake is how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a gorgeous cake that looks as good as it tastes. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fresh Flavor: Each bite is loaded with real strawberry goodness that will transport you straight to berry paradise.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat. It’s sure to be the star of any gathering!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just because, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge—it’s just as tasty the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! They are simple and wholesome, making this cake not only delicious but also easy to whip up.

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 Strawberry 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Lemon Zest: Brighten up your cake by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Mix in Other Berries: Feel free to swap or add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for extra flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Try Different Frosting: If buttercream isn’t your style, use whipped coconut cream for a lighter topping.

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 come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth. This will give you about 2½ cups of strawberry puree, which you’ll use both in the cake batter and in the frosting. Fresh puree enhances the flavor of your cake tremendously!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed before adding it to your wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process helps incorporate air into your batter, giving your cake that wonderful fluffy texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Beat in each egg one at a time. Then stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture creates richness in flavor while keeping your cake moist.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until there are no more streaks of flour.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of pureed strawberries into your batter. This allows those fruity flavors to shine throughout every slice!

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. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Buttercream

In another large bowl, beat room-temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time along with small amounts of strawberry puree until creamy. Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt—this frosting is dreamy!

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, trim any domed tops off the cakes if necessary. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before gently placing the second layer on top. Use remaining buttercream to frost over top and sides.

Step 11: Serve Up Some Happiness!

If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries on top before slicing into this stunning Strawberry Cake! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Baking a perfect Strawberry Cake is easier than it sounds, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only provide the best flavor but also add moisture to the cake. Frozen strawberries can alter the texture and taste, so stick with the fresh ones when possible.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and leads to a lighter and fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for that light and airy texture we all crave.

• Cool cakes completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures your final product looks as good as it tastes.

• Experiment with flavors: While this recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to play around with add-ins! A hint of lemon zest or a touch of almond extract can elevate the strawberry flavor beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Presenting your Strawberry Cake beautifully can make all the difference in how it’s enjoyed. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Sliced strawberries: Place some fresh strawberry slices on top or around the cake for an elegant touch that emphasizes its fruity flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free alternative, serve alongside whipped coconut cream for an extra layer of indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing with any cake, vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that balances out the flavors beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness, making it a perfect companion to your rich Strawberry Cake.
• Lemon sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the sweetness of the cake, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Coffee or tea: Serving your cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying dessert after dinner.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, it’s time to bake your delicious Strawberry Cake! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making it a great option for gatherings or simply indulging yourself throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you prefer, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap to avoid drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

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

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful Strawberry Cake!

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cake?

Yes! If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before pureeing.

What makes this Strawberry Cake so special?

This Strawberry Cake is special because it’s made with fresh strawberry purée, which gives it an incredibly authentic flavor. The fluffy texture paired with creamy strawberry buttercream makes it a delightful treat!

How do I achieve the best texture for my Strawberry Cake?

To achieve the best texture, be sure not to over-mix your batter once you’ve added the flour. Mixing just until combined will help keep your cake light and airy.

Can I customize this Strawberry Cake recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add layers of whipped cream or other fruits between the cake layers. You can also experiment with different flavors of buttercream if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Strawberry Cake as I am! Its charm lies in its soft texture and vibrant strawberry flavor that brings joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family gathering, this cake is bound to impress. Enjoy every step of the baking process and feel free to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!