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.
Ingredients
Scale:
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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.
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.
Incorporate the strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula.
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.
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.
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.
Garnish and serve: For an extra touch, decorate the cake with halved strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
