Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer, this Strawberry Cake is just what you need! With its soft and fluffy texture, this cake is bursting with real strawberry flavor in every bite. It’s become a beloved recipe in my home, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight treat or a centerpiece for family gatherings. Trust me, this pretty pink cake feels like sunshine on a plate and is sure to bring smiles all around.

Baking this Strawberry Cake isn’t just about making a sweet treat; it’s about creating memories. The aroma of fresh strawberries fills your kitchen, and the creamy strawberry buttercream on top makes it irresistible. Once you serve it up, you’ll see how quickly it disappears—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Strawberry Cake is simple enough that even beginner bakers can whip it up without stress.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves strawberries! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy dessert at home, this cake fits right in.
• Make Ahead Option: Bake the cake in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve. It stays delicious!
• Fresh Flavor: Using real strawberry purée means every slice is packed with vibrant fruitiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to create this 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 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to get creative while still keeping that delightful strawberry flavor front and center. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor even more.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds add a lovely crunch and rich taste to your cake.
• Swap the Frosting: Try cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy twist.
• Layer with Whipped Cream: Instead of frosting between layers, use whipped cream with fresh strawberries for a lighter option.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth. You’ll need about 2½ cups of strawberry puree for both the batter and frosting. This step is crucial because it infuses your cake with that irresistible fruity flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Setting this aside allows the leavening agents to combine well so they can help your cake rise perfectly.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process adds air into the mixture which helps create that lovely fluffy texture we all adore in cakes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time until well incorporated. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. These ingredients contribute moisture and flavor, making your cake tender.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients to ensure everything blends smoothly without overworking the batter.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of the pureed strawberries into your batter. This step not only adds flavor but also gives your cake that beautiful pink hue.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Letting them cool properly prevents them from being soggy when frosted.

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In another large bowl, beat room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time alongside small amounts of strawberry puree until you reach your desired consistency. Don’t forget to mix in vanilla extract and salt!

Step 10: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled, level off any domes on top of your cakes if needed. Spread some strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing the second layer on top—then frost generously over both layers.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve!

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired for an extra touch of sweetness! Slice into pieces and serve this delightful Strawberry Cake—it’s sure to be enjoyed by everyone!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Creating the perfect Strawberry Cake is all about attention to detail and a dash of love. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out as delightful as you envision!

• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh strawberries not only enhance the flavor but also give your cake a vibrant color. Frozen strawberries can alter the texture and moisture content of your cake.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter that rises beautifully in the oven.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

• Allow cakes to cool completely: Before frosting, let your cakes cool entirely on a wire rack. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Presenting your Strawberry Cake beautifully will make it even more enticing! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Sliced strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberry slices on top for an eye-catching decoration that showcases the main ingredient.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: Light and fluffy, this dairy-free option adds creaminess without overpowering the strawberry flavor. Just whip coconut cream with a bit of sweetener until fluffy.

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely with the richness of the cake.

• Lemonade: Serve with homemade lemonade for a refreshing drink option that cuts through the sweetness while enhancing those fruity notes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Strawberry Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors over several days. Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you need it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• For best taste, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

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 in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake slightly warm, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• For a more even warmth, cover with foil and heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this Strawberry Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Cake?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and well-drained before pureeing them. This will help maintain the right consistency of your batter.

How can I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or zest when mixing in the strawberry puree. It brightens up the sweetness beautifully!

What can I substitute for sour cream in this Strawberry Cake?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as an excellent alternative to sour cream. Both will provide moisture and tanginess.

How do I know when my Strawberry Cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.

Can I decorate my Strawberry Cake with other fruits?

Certainly! Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries make great decorations and add a colorful touch. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is truly special—its fluffy texture and vibrant flavor bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, I hope you find as much delight in making this cake as I do. Enjoy every bite of sunshine on your plate, and don’t forget to share your experience with loved ones. Happy baking!