Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a fluffy cake base. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake stands out with its vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and luscious buttercream make it irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This strawberry cake is simple enough for baking novices, yet impressive enough to wow your guests.
• Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with the fresh taste of strawberries, making it a fruity delight.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or family gathering, this cake fits right in at any event.
• Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant color and elegant frosting make this cake visually stunning on any dessert table.
• Customizable: Add your twist with different fillings, toppings, or food coloring for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious strawberry cake, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pans (9-inch round)
• Spatula
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating the butter and sugar until creamy.
• Sifter: Using a sifter ensures that your flour and powdered sugar are light and free of clumps for smooth batter and frosting.

Ingredients

This melt in your mouth strawberry cake filled with fresh strawberries and covered in a luscious buttercream is beyond easy to make and so delicious!

For the Cake

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g)
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (227g)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (reduced; see Notes) (120ml)
• pink food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (227g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) (227g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar (sifted) (720g-840g)
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree (reduced; see Notes)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Pans

Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier removal later.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
4. Baking soda

Set this mixture aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Softened unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

Add egg whites one at a time to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed. Then add vanilla extract.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with whole milk and strawberry puree until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender cake.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Continue following similar steps for frosting preparation in subsequent sections!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your strawberry cake can be as delightful as making it. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious treat that will impress your guests and elevate any occasion.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the strawberry cake on a dessert plate. This is the traditional way to enjoy the cake, allowing everyone to savor its rich flavors.

Strawberry Shortcake Style

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries. This adds a refreshing touch and enhances the fruity flavor.

Layered Parfait

• Crumble leftover cake into individual glasses, layering it with whipped cream and strawberries for a beautiful and fun dessert parfait.

Mini Cupcakes

• Bake the strawberry cake batter in mini cupcake tins for bite-sized treats. Decorate them with buttercream and a slice of strawberry on top for an attractive presentation.

Ice Cream Sandwich

• Use two slices of strawberry cake to create an ice cream sandwich filled with vanilla or strawberry ice cream. This adds a fun twist to the classic dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Creating the perfect strawberry cake involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries deliver better flavor than frozen ones, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and powdered sugar can prevent lumps and ensure an even batter consistency.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of a light, fluffy cake.

• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool fully before frosting. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and maintains its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that complement this sweet treat beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is perfect for adding richness without overpowering the cake’s flavor.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with strawberry cake, creating a delightful contrast.

4. Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate sauce drizzled over each slice adds a decadent touch that many will love.

5. Lemon Sorbet: The tangy flavor of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the strawberry cake.

6. Coffee or Tea: Serving hot beverages like coffee or herbal tea complements dessert nicely, balancing flavors and enhancing enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a perfect strawberry cake can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your cake turns out delicious.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s consistency. Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese for the best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Too much flour can make your cake dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the cooling time: Failing to let the cake cool properly can cause it to crumble when frosting. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality strawberries or butter can affect flavor. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your strawberry cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• If frosted, keep it covered to prevent drying out.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap slices of strawberry cake individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as it may dry out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid. Heat each slice for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry cake?

Yes, but make sure they are thawed, drained, and pureed properly before adding them to your batter.

How do I make my strawberry cake more flavorful?

Consider adding lemon zest or using vanilla bean paste instead of regular vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Can I make this strawberry cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What is the best way to decorate my strawberry cake?

You can top it with fresh strawberries, edible flowers, or additional buttercream swirls for an elegant finish.

How long does homemade strawberry cake last?

When stored properly, it lasts about 3-5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This melt-in-your-mouth strawberry cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different flavors and decorations, making it perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore ways you can add your special touch!

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Strawberry Cake

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Indulge in this delightful Strawberry Cake, a perfect blend of fresh strawberries and a fluffy cake base. Ideal for birthdays, picnics, or afternoon tea, this cake captivates with its vibrant flavor and stunning appearance. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with luscious buttercream makes it an irresistible treat that will impress your guests and elevate any gathering.

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 9-inch round baking pans.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda; set aside.
4. Beat the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
5. Add egg whites one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually combine dry ingredients with milk and strawberry puree until just mixed.
7. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with your desired buttercream.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, use fresh strawberries over frozen ones. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. Customize your cake by adding lemon zest or food coloring for a unique twist.