Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a taste of summer to your table, this Strawberry Cake is just the thing! It’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor in every bite. This cake holds a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a sunny picnic, a family gathering, or simply a sweet treat after dinner. Trust me, once you take a slice of this pretty pink cake topped with creamy strawberry buttercream, you’ll understand why it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is friendly for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
• Family Favorite: The delicious strawberry flavor is sure to please everyone at the table, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cakes ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant color and beautiful layers make this cake an eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this lovely 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 Strawberry Cake recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Add Some Zest: For a refreshing twist, try adding the zest of a lemon or orange to the batter!
• Change Up the Frosting: If you prefer a different flavor, consider using whipped cream or vanilla buttercream instead.
• Mix in Other Fruits: For a fruity medley, fold in some blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version!

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 cakes come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth. This step is crucial as you’ll use this vibrant puree both in the cake batter and for the buttercream. You should end up with about 2½ cups of strawberry puree—so delicious!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This combination helps create a light and fluffy texture in your cake. Setting this mixture aside allows you to focus on combining your wet ingredients next.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air into your batter, which will help create that wonderful fluffy texture we all love.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Other Wet Ingredients

Beat in each egg one at a time. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor to your cake!

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from earlier while alternating with room-temperature milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This technique ensures everything combines evenly without overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Pureed Strawberries

Gently fold in 1½ cups of strawberry puree into your batter. This is where all those delightful strawberry flavors come from—don’t rush this step; folding carefully helps maintain that airy texture!

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Letting them cool for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks allows them to set properly.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream

In another large bowl, beat room-temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time while alternating with small amounts of strawberry puree—this makes for creamy frosting! Don’t forget to beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, trim any domes off the top of your cakes if necessary. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing the second layer on top. Use more frosting to cover the top and sides beautifully.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve

For an extra touch, garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Now slice up your stunning Strawberry Cake and get ready for smiles all around! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Creating the perfect Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cake turns out as fabulous as it sounds.

• Choose ripe strawberries – Selecting ripe, sweet strawberries will enhance the flavor of both the cake and the buttercream, ensuring every bite is bursting with strawberry goodness.
• Use room temperature ingredients – Let your eggs, butter, and milk sit out for a bit before baking. Room temperature ingredients combine more easily, leading to a fluffier texture in your cake.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps maintain that light and airy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Cool cakes completely before frosting – If you frost warm or even slightly warm cakes, your buttercream may melt and slide off. Patience is key for that picture-perfect finish!
• Experiment with flavor variations – While this recipe is all about strawberries, feel free to add a hint of lemon zest or a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your Strawberry Cake can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate your presentation and make it even more inviting.

Garnishes

To add a touch of elegance and color to your Strawberry Cake, consider these simple garnishes:

• Fresh mint leaves – A sprig of mint adds a pop of green and a refreshing aroma that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
• Additional sliced strawberries – Arrange thin slices on top or around the cake to create an eye-catching display that emphasizes the star ingredient.
• Whipped coconut cream – Light and fluffy coconut cream on the side gives an indulgent yet dairy-free option that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Strawberry Cake with delightful side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the moist cake and enhances its strawberry flavor.
• Fruit salad – A fresh fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like blueberries, kiwis, or melons not only looks vibrant but also balances out the sweetness of the cake with refreshing bites.
• Lemon sorbet – This tangy treat offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake while cleansing the palate between bites.
• Tea or coffee – Serve with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for an afternoon delight! The warmth complements the cold strawberry cake perfectly.

Now you’re all set to impress friends and family with this stunning Strawberry Cake. Enjoy baking and sharing every delicious slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it later, making it a wonderful option for gatherings or just a sweet treat during the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake, where it will last about a week.
• To keep the buttercream fresh, cover the cake with plastic wrap if you’re storing it in the fridge.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For buttercream, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for about 2 months.
• When ready to use, thaw layers at room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating

• If your cake is refrigerated, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature.
• If frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature.

FAQs

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

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Cake?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before puréeing.

How can I make this Strawberry Cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of this Strawberry Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

What makes this Strawberry Cake so special?

This Strawberry Cake is special because it’s packed with real strawberry flavor from fresh purée, making every bite taste like summer. The fluffy texture paired with creamy strawberry buttercream is simply irresistible!

Can I customize the frosting on my Strawberry Cake?

Absolutely! While strawberry buttercream is delicious, feel free to experiment with other flavors or even layer some whipped coconut cream between the cake layers for a light alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Strawberry Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and sunshine on your plate. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake brings joy and sweetness to any moment. Happy baking!