Strawberry Cake Homemade: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

There’s something about strawberry cake that invokes feelings of joy and nostalgia. Maybe it’s the vibrant pink hue or the delightful aroma of fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen. This homemade strawberry cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to simple family gatherings. Each slice promises a moist, flavorful experience that you won’t want to miss.

Why Make This Recipe

• Fresh strawberries elevate this cake, giving it a burst of flavor that’s more than just sweet.
• The cream cheese frosting balances the cake beautifully, providing a creamy texture that complements the cake’s fluffiness.
• It’s a showstopper dessert that impresses not just with taste but with its stunning looks, making it ideal for both casual and formal occasions.

Easy Method for Strawberry Cake

Creating a homemade strawberry cake may sound daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it’s easier than you think. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into crafting this delightful dessert.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into baking, ensure you have all the right ingredients at your fingertips. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (about 225g) fresh strawberries, pureed
• Optional: A few drops of red food coloring (gel is best) for a more vibrant color
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4-5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup (about 113g) fresh strawberries, pureed (for frosting)
• Optional: A pinch of salt to balance sweetness
• Fresh strawberries, sliced or whole, for decoration
• Sprinkles, if desired

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans is an essential step. For added assurance against sticking, consider lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly dispersed throughout the flour. Once combined, set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. That’s the magic moment when your ingredients start transforming, creating a fluffy base for your cake.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, take your two large eggs – adding them one at a time. Ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic depth that vanilla brings to baked goods.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the previously prepared dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter and egg mixture, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be cautious not to overmix; the cake’s fluffiness depends on that gentle touch.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

This step is where your cake takes on its luscious flavor. Gently fold in the fresh strawberry puree until just combined. If you’re opting for a bolder hue, add a few drops of red food coloring at this stage and stir briefly until evenly mixed.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans, spreading it out to ensure uniform baking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This cooling period is essential to prevent melting the frosting when it comes time to assemble the cake.

Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until you achieve that luscious, sweet frosting texture. Stir in vanilla extract and the strawberry puree at this stage. Adjust the thickness by adding milk or more powdered sugar as needed. For that extra balance of sweetness, consider adding a pinch of salt.

Step 11: Level the Cakes

If your cakes have a domed top, use a serrated knife to create a flat surface. This will help ensure that your layered cake stands evenly without toppling over.

Step 12: Assemble the Cake

Begin by placing one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of your strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top before gently placing the second layer on top. Finish the cake by frosting the top and sides with the remaining creamy goodness. You can leave it smooth or create swirls for texture.

Step 13: Decorate

Give your cake a festive touch with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries adorning the top. Sprinkles can add that flare, especially if it’s for a special occasion.

Step 14: Chill and Serve

To get all the flavors to meld beautifully, chill your completed cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storing Leftover Strawberry Cake

To keep your strawberry cake as delightfully fresh as when it was first made, consider these storage guidelines:

• Refrigerate for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C).
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
• If storing, add fresh strawberries just before serving to keep them from getting mushy.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Cake

There are many ways to enhance your strawberry cake experience. Consider the following serving suggestions:

• Classic Slice: Serve individual slices on its own, allowing the flavors to shine through without distracting garnishes.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side for that perfect combination of creamy and fruity.
• Layered Dessert: Alternate layers of cake, frosting, and fresh strawberries in a glass for a perfect presentation at parties.
• Beverage Pairing: Consider pairing your cake with a refreshing glass of lemonade or a cup of herbal tea. The acidity of the lemonade complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Tips to Make Strawberry Cake

• Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries that are ripe and sweet. This will elevate your cake’s taste significantly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for an even mix and better overall texture.
• Sift the Flour: Always sift your flour before measuring it. This gives your cake a lighter texture.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some tempting variations and substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that it includes xanthan gum for structure.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter alternatives and a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, to replace buttermilk.
• Berry Mix: Instead of just strawberries, consider a berry medley of blueberries and raspberries for a mixed-berry flavor sensation.

FAQs about Strawberry Cake

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can bake the cakes, let them cool, and freeze them wrapped well for up to two months. Just frost before serving.

Q: How can I make my cake more flavorful?

A: Experiment with adding a zest of lemon to the batter or some sliced almonds for a nutty contrast.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

• Grease and flour the pans thoroughly.
• Use parchment paper at the bottom for extra assurance.
• Allow the cakes to cool before trying to remove them.

Creating a strawberry cake at home can be a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful smells and brings smiles during serving time. Follow the steps laid out in this guide, and you’re guaranteed a tasty treat that highlights the sweetness of strawberries in the most delicious way. Happy baking!

Strawberry Cake

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A moist and flavorful strawberry cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (about 225g) fresh strawberries, pureed
• Optional: A few drops of red food coloring (gel is best)
• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4–5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup (about 113g) fresh strawberries, pureed (for frosting)
• Optional: A pinch of salt
• Fresh strawberries, sliced or whole, for decoration
• Sprinkles, if desired

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two and mixing until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the strawberry puree until combined. Add optional food coloring if desired.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree.
10. Level the cakes if necessary and assemble by layering with frosting in between. Frost the top and sides of the cake and decorate as desired.
11. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. Cakes can be made ahead and frozen.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: strawberry cake, homemade cake, dessert, cream cheese frosting, birthday cake