Introduction

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a homemade strawberry cake. Its sweet aroma and vibrant color make it a standout dessert, perfect for any occasion. This easy strawberry cake recipe calls for fresh strawberries, capturing the essence of a summer day in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just indulging yourself, this cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Historically, strawberries have been cherished for their juicy flavor and bright red allure, dating back to ancient Roman times. Nowadays, they still hold a special place in our hearts and kitchens, making them a beloved choice for fresh strawberry dessert creations. Get ready to experience a delightful journey of taste and texture that will leave you wanting more.

Strawberry cakes not only please the palate but also add a splash of color to any table setting. The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy icing creates a harmonious balance that dessert lovers appreciate. This particular strawberry cake recipe stands out because it uses real strawberries, ensuring a natural sweetness that artificial flavors can’t match. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or a simple Sunday treat, it’s bound to be a family favorite. You can learn more about this topic.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

For the Strawberry Icing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best strawberry flavor cake. You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice if needed. Ensure the strawberries are dry before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the batter, which can affect the cake’s texture.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. The mixture should appear pale and increase slightly in volume.
4. Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined. Make sure not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher texture.
5. Incorporate the strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This prevents the strawberries from sinking to the bottom.
6. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling is crucial to prevent the icing from melting.
7. Prepare the strawberry icing: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the icing is smooth. The puree adds a fresh, fruity flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
8. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry icing on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining icing, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a clean look, use a cake scraper to level the icing evenly.
9. Garnish and serve: For an extra touch, decorate the cake with halved strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This simple strawberry cake is now ready to be enjoyed as a fresh strawberry dessert. The garnish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds a burst of flavor with each bite.

Conclusion

This strawberry cake from scratch is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer. Its moist texture and rich strawberry taste will surely win over anyone who tries it. Perfect as a special occasion centerpiece or a casual family dessert, this cake is versatile and satisfying. Feel free to share your baking experience and let us know how this easy cake recipe turned out for you. For more delicious summer dessert ideas, don’t forget to explore other recipes like Fresh Strawberry Hibiscus Lemonade and No-Bake Cherry Delight. Happy baking! Check out our related guide for more tips.

Creating this strawberry cake recipe not only rewards you with a delicious dessert but also provides a fulfilling baking experience. Each step, from mixing to frosting, allows creativity to flow while you craft a dessert that is both beautiful and tasty. We hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your collection, bringing joy to your gatherings and a smile to your taste buds.

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Easy Strawberry Cake

Recipe by StoveStory

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 1 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

This easy strawberry cake recipe calls for fresh strawberries, capturing the essence of a summer day in every bite. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or just indulging yourself, this cake is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3.

Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4.

Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

5.

Incorporate the strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula.

6.

Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7.

Prepare the strawberry icing: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the icing is smooth.

8.

Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry icing on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining icing, smoothing it out with a spatula.

9.

Garnish and serve: For an extra touch, decorate the cake with halved strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.