Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings sunshine to your table, this Strawberry Cake is just the ticket! With its soft and fluffy texture, each slice bursts with the delightful flavor of real strawberries. This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, it’s sure to impress. Just imagine the smiles around the table when everyone gets a taste of this deliciously pink treat!

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple and fun it is to make. You get to puree fresh strawberries and watch as they transform into a beautiful cake. Trust me, once you’ve made this Strawberry Cake, it will become an instant favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberry puree in both the cake and buttercream gives an unbeatable taste that captures summer in every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen with this fun and vibrant cake. It’s a great way to get them excited about baking!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a Tuesday night dessert, this Strawberry Cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the layers ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to serve, which is perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Strawberry Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 ways you can mix things up:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Try Different Berries: Swap out half of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Layer It Up: Instead of two layers, bake three thinner layers for an elegant presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans will ensure that your cake layers come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Puree Your Strawberries

Next, blend your fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. This step is crucial because you’ll be using this puree not only in the cake batter but also in the frosting. Aim for about 2½ cups of puree.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that your cake rises perfectly.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, take some time to cream together your unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process incorporates air into your batter, giving your cake that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Other Ingredients

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by stirring in sour cream and vanilla extract. Each addition adds moisture and flavor—don’t skip this step!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients to maintain balance in your batter. Be careful not to overmix; stopping once everything is just combined keeps your cake tender.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of that beautiful strawberry puree you made earlier. This step not only adds flavor but also gives your cake that gorgeous pink hue.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Make Strawberry Buttercream

In another bowl, beat room temperature butter until smooth before gradually adding powdered sugar one cup at a time along with small amounts of strawberry puree until you reach an ideal frosting consistency. Don’t forget to add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt!

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, level off any domes on top if necessary. Spread strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing the second layer on top. Use remaining buttercream to frost around the sides too!

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Feel free to garnish with fresh strawberries if desired as it adds an extra touch! Slice up your beautiful creation and share it with loved ones—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Enjoy making this wonderful Strawberry Cake—you’ll be glad you did!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Making this Strawberry Cake is a delightful experience, and a few extra tips can help you achieve the best results!

• Use ripe strawberries: The flavor of your cake will shine through if you use fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for berries that are vibrant in color and fragrant for the sweetest taste.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that will rise beautifully in the oven.

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

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the strawberry buttercream. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautifully frosted cake.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you might want to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in your buttercream. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Presenting your Strawberry Cake can make it even more inviting! Here are some ideas to make your creation shine at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a refreshing hint that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Sliced strawberries: Decorate the top with some extra sliced strawberries for an appealing look that highlights the star ingredient of this cake.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A light dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a luscious, dairy-free counterpart that pairs nicely with the sweet notes of strawberry.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits not only adds color but also balances out the richness of the cake.
• Lemonade or iced tea: Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea can elevate your dessert experience, providing a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Strawberry Cake is sure to impress both visually and in flavor. Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can freeze the layers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• If you want to warm up a slice of your Strawberry Cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Enjoy it fresh!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Strawberry Cake:

Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Cake?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before pureeing.

What makes this Strawberry Cake so special?

This Strawberry Cake is special because it’s made with real strawberry puree, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful cake that captures the essence of summer.

How do I make sure my Strawberry Cake stays moist?

To keep your Strawberry Cake moist, avoid overbaking it and store it properly once cooled. Using sour cream in the batter also helps retain moisture.

Can I make this Strawberry Cake vegan?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, use dairy-free butter, and opt for plant-based milk for a delicious vegan version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Strawberry Cake! It’s a true celebration of flavor that brings joy to any gathering or simply brightens your day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!