Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a slice of pure joy, this Strawberry Cake is just the thing. It’s soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor that dances on your taste buds. This cake has been a family favorite for years, perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Trust me, once you bring this beauty to the table, it will vanish before you know it!

What makes this Strawberry Cake truly special is its delightful pink hue and the creamy strawberry buttercream that tops it off. It’s the kind of dessert that not only tastes amazing but also brightens up any occasion. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves strawberries! This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cakes in advance and assemble them later for stress-free entertaining.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The beautiful pink color and fresh strawberries make it irresistible to look at, adding charm to any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. 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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or what flavors you love most.

• Add Lemon Zest: Brighten up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing twist.
• Use Other Berries: Swap some or all of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry delight.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for everyone.
• Layer It Up: For an extra special touch, add layers of whipped cream between the cake layers along with more strawberries.

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 your cakes come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Puree your fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. This will give you about 2½ cups of strawberry puree, which you’ll use in both the cake batter and buttercream. Fresh strawberries are key here—they provide that lovely burst of flavor!

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it ensures even distribution of leavening agents in your cake.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—around 3-4 minutes should do it. This process incorporates air into your batter, making it light and airy.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Cream

Beat in each egg one at a time before stirring in sour cream and vanilla extract. Each ingredient adds moisture and richness—this is where your cake gets its luscious texture!

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients while alternating with milk. Starting and ending with dry ingredients helps maintain that fluffy texture; we want to avoid overmixing!

Step 7: Add Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of your pureed strawberries into the batter. This is where all that fabulous strawberry flavor comes from!

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Letting them cool in the pans before transferring them helps prevent breaking.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream

In another bowl, beat unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time along with small amounts of strawberry puree until you reach desired consistency. A pinch of salt balances out sweetness beautifully!

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, trim any domes off the cakes if needed. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing the second layer on top. Finish with remaining buttercream over top and sides.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve

For an extra touch, feel free to garnish with fresh strawberries on top! Slice into pieces and serve—it’s time to enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Making the perfect Strawberry Cake is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor of your cake. Look for berries that are bright red and fragrant, as they will give your cake that delicious, natural sweetness.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture instead of the light and fluffy result you’re aiming for.

• Level your cakes: If your cakes have domed tops, simply trim them with a serrated knife to create flat layers. This not only makes stacking easier but also gives your cake a professional look.

• Chill the buttercream: If your strawberry buttercream feels too soft or runny, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before frosting. This will help it firm up and make it easier to spread on the cake.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is not just delicious; it’s also a visual treat! Presenting it beautifully can elevate any gathering or celebration.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Sliced strawberries: Layering fresh strawberry slices on top adds color and reinforces the strawberry flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for an extra creamy touch that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with Strawberry Cake, offering a cool contrast to its sweetness.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the cake while enhancing its fruity flavors.
• Lemonade: A glass of fresh lemonade provides a tangy refreshment that cuts through the sweetness of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving warm beverages like coffee or tea adds a comforting element that complements dessert beautifully.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this Strawberry Cake is sure to impress! Enjoy each slice filled with love and sunshine.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, making it a great choice for gatherings or special occasions. Here’s how to store and enjoy your cake later!

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best flavor, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the cake into individual pieces or keep it whole.
• Wrap each piece or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• If you want to enjoy a slice warm, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful Strawberry Cake!

Can I substitute other fruits for the Strawberry Cake?

Absolutely! You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries. Just ensure they are pureed similarly for consistent texture and flavor.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Strawberry Cake?

To boost the strawberry flavor in your Strawberry Cake, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to your batter. This brightens up the flavors beautifully!

Can I make Strawberry Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to create a vegan version of this delicious cake.

What makes this Strawberry Cake so fluffy?

The combination of creaming butter and sugar well, along with alternating dry ingredients and liquids, creates an airy batter that results in a soft and fluffy texture.

How can I make my buttercream thicker?

If your strawberry buttercream is too thin, simply add more sifted powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is truly something special—it’s not just a treat; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and joyful moments. I hope you enjoy making this delightful cake as much as I do! Whether it’s for a birthday party or just because you crave something sweet, let every bite remind you of sunny days filled with laughter. Happy baking!