Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat bursting with fresh fruit flavor, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a sweet slice any time. This cake showcases the sweet, vibrant taste of strawberries, making it a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or cozy afternoons with coffee.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 280
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 200mg
Why Make This Strawberry Cake
There are countless reasons to whip up this Strawberry Cake. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with real strawberries that add both moisture and flavor. The cake’s texture is soft, and its sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible. It’s a versatile dessert that can be served plain, with whipped cream, or even as a base for layered strawberry shortcake. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh strawberries during peak season!
How to Make Strawberry Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan. This ensures that your cake will release easily once it’s baked.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully integrated. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree, mixing until combined.
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Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a dense cake.
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Step 4: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake
Serve your Strawberry Cake fresh out of the oven or after it has completely cooled. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also decorate the top with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of strawberry glaze for an extra touch.
How to Store Strawberry Cake
To store Strawberry Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Always allow cake to thaw in the fridge before serving for the best flavor.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.
- If your butter is too soft, it might lead to a greasy batter. Aim for it to be slightly softened but still cool.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less granulated sugar based on the sweetness of strawberries you’re using.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest into the batter.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Swirl in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate into the batter for a delightful twist.
- Strawberry Lemon Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Vegan Strawberry Cake: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal and use almond or coconut milk in place of whole milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing.
- Why is my cake dense? Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air or lead to gluten formation, resulting in a dense texture. Mix just until combined.
- How do I know when my cake is done? Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.
- What can I do with leftover pieces? Use them for trifle desserts, or layer with yogurt and granola for a sweet breakfast option.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cake is not just easy to make; it’s also a delightful dessert that everyone will love. The bright, fruity flavor of strawberries shines through in each bite, making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just treating yourself, this cake will bring joy to your table. So gather your ingredients and give this stunning cake a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for celebrations or enjoying any time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, alternating with whole milk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; adjust sugar according to sweetness of strawberries.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
