Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its tender crumb and vibrant strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting creates a sensory experience that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your homemade strawberry cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups puréed fresh strawberries
Tips for Using Fresh Strawberries
For the best flavor, always opt for fresh strawberries. If you must use frozen strawberries, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and drained before puréeing. Fresh ingredients will elevate the overall taste of your cake, creating a burst of sweetness in every slice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step helps create a tender cake texture.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with additional flavor.
Alternating Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients and milk in three alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Folding in Strawberry Purée
Carefully fold in the strawberry purée using a spatula, being gentle to maintain the airy texture of the batter.
Baking the Cake
Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps set the structure before frosting.
How to Assemble Your Strawberry Cake
Leveling the Cake Layers
Once cooled, level the cake layers if necessary. This ensures an even surface for frosting and a beautiful presentation.
Frosting Techniques
Use your favorite frosting to cover the cake. A smooth, even layer will enhance the look and taste of your homemade strawberry cake.
Frosting Ideas for Your Strawberry Cake
Cream Cheese Frosting
For a tangy contrast, try cream cheese frosting. It’s a classic choice that pairs beautifully with strawberry flavors. You can find a great recipe for cream cheese frosting here.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Light and fluffy, whipped cream frosting adds a delightful touch. It complements the cake’s moisture while adding a light sweetness.
Strawberry Buttercream
For an extra fruity kick, consider strawberry buttercream. It enhances the strawberry flavor and creates a beautiful pink hue.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Pairing with Ice Cream
Serve slices of cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Drizzling with Chocolate
A drizzle of chocolate could elevate your cake further, adding an elegant touch. It’s a delightful combination of flavors!
Topping with Fresh Strawberries
Add fresh strawberry slices on top for a stunning presentation and a burst of flavor.
Adjusting the Recipe for Different Cake Sizes
Using 8-Inch Pans
If you prefer thicker layers, you can use 8-inch pans instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary.
Creating a Three-Layer Cake
For a more extravagant cake, divide the batter into three pans for a three-layer cake that’s both delicious and visually impressive.
How to Keep Your Strawberry Cake Moist
Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients helps create an even batter and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
Avoiding Overmixing
Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix gently once you add the dry ingredients.
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Strawberry Cake
Using Fresh Fruits
Top your cake with a variety of fresh fruits for a colorful and fresh finish.
Chocolate Drizzle Techniques
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a touch of elegance and an irresistible taste.
Storing Leftover Strawberry Cake
Room Temperature Storage
Store at room temperature for 1-2 days in an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious.
Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
For longer storage, refrigerate your cake or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This preserves its flavor and moisture.
FAQs
How long will fresh strawberries last in a cake?
Fresh strawberries can last in a cake for about 1 to 2 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last up to a week, though the texture can change.
What is a fact about strawberry cake?
Strawberry cake is not only delicious but also versatile; it can be made with fresh strawberries or strawberry-flavored cake mixes, making it a popular choice for various occasions.
Does strawberry cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, strawberry cake should be refrigerated if not consumed within a couple of days, especially when using fresh strawberries and perishable frosting.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Strawberry No-Bake Cake Balls
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
Conclusion
Homemade Strawberry Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings smiles to any gathering. With the flexibility to use fresh strawberries and various frosting options, this cake is a winner for every occasion. For more inspiration and creative ideas, check out Elly’s Recipes on Pinterest. Enjoy baking and sharing this sweet treat!
Homemade Strawberry Cake
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Cake pans
- wire racks
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups puréed fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk in three alternating additions until just combined.
- Fold in the strawberry purée carefully without overmixing.
- Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool in the pans for 10 minutes.