There’s something magical about strawberries in full bloom, their sweet aroma filling the air as you wander through a farmers’ market or your own backyard garden. This strawberry cake captures that magic, turning it into a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Made with fresh strawberries blended right into the batter, this cake bursts with natural flavor—none of that artificial, overly sweet stuff here. And let’s talk about that pink hue—vivid, cheerful, and completely natural, thanks to the berries themselves.
The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for those of us who don’t consider ourselves expert bakers. No fancy techniques—just fresh ingredients, a few mixing bowls, and an hour of your time.
It’s no wonder this cake is trending as the go-to spring and summer dessert; it’s fresh, light, and lets seasonal produce shine.
If you love seasonal treats, be sure to try out pumpkin waffles when fall rolls around—they’re another way to celebrate fresh flavors at their peak.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can serve it plain for a casual afternoon treat or dress it up with whipped cream and sliced berries for a party-worthy centerpiece.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Using real strawberries in the batter gives this cake its vibrant flavor and beautiful pink color. No need for artificial additives!
- Effortless Elegance: It’s easy enough for a weekend baking project but fancy enough to impress guests at a dinner party.
- Seasonal Perfection: This recipe highlights the best of spring and summer’s bounty, making it the ideal dessert for warm-weather gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: Whether you love a simple dusting of powdered sugar or crave creamy frosting, this cake adapts beautifully to your style.
- Light and Airy Texture: Thanks to a few simple tricks (hello, room-temperature eggs and careful mixing), the crumb is soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Using real strawberries in the batter gives this cake its vibrant flavor and beautiful pink color. No need for artificial additives!
- Effortless Elegance: It’s easy enough for a weekend baking project but fancy enough to impress guests at a dinner party.
- Seasonal Perfection: This recipe highlights the best of spring and summer’s bounty, making it the ideal dessert for warm-weather gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: Whether you love a simple dusting of powdered sugar or crave creamy frosting, this cake adapts beautifully to your style.
- Light and Airy Texture: Thanks to a few simple tricks (hello, room-temperature eggs and careful mixing), the crumb is soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Best Strawberry Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Electric Hand Mixer
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Kitchen Scale
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Cooling Rack
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oven Mitts
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Toothpicks
- Cake Stand
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries finely chopped
For the Strawberry Reduction:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup strawberry reduction cooled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, combine 2 and a half cups of all-purpose flour, 2 and a half teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup of whole milk to the wet mixture.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of finely chopped fresh strawberries. Divide the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- For the strawberry reduction, in a saucepan, combine 2 cups of fresh strawberries (hulled and halved), 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat until strawberries break down and the mixture thickens into a syrup.
- Let it cool, then strain to remove seeds, resulting in a strawberry reduction.
- For the cream cheese frosting, in a bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 4 cups of powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the cooled strawberry reduction.
- Once the cakes are cooled, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting between layers and over the top.
- Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries.
- Slice and serve, savoring the delightful combination of moist strawberry-infused layers and the rich cream cheese frosting with a hint of strawberry reduction.
Notes
- Precise Measurements: Accurately measure ingredients for a balanced cake.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality components for enhanced flavor.
- Temperature Control: Calibrate and maintain consistent oven temperature.
- Patient Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for optimal texture.
Nutrition
Tips that Will Ease Your Job
- Precision in Measurements:
Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial for a successful cake. Small variations can significantly impact the final outcome. Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients and measuring liquids at eye level helps maintain precision. - Ingredient Quality:
The quality of ingredients directly affects the taste and texture of the cake. Using fresh, high-quality components, such as fresh eggs, good-quality butter, and pure vanilla extract, contributes to a superior final product. - Oven Temperature and Calibration:
Understanding your oven’s quirks and ensuring it is calibrated correctly is essential. Inconsistent temperatures can lead to uneven baking, resulting in a cake that is overcooked on the edges and undercooked in the center. - Mixing Technique:
The way ingredients are mixed can impact the cake’s texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake, while undermixing may result in uneven distribution of ingredients, affecting the overall structure. - Timing and Patience:
Patience is key when perfecting a cake. Rushing through the baking process or not allowing the cake to cool properly can lead to a compromised texture. Follow recommended cooling times and resist the urge to cut into a cake too soon. - Humidity and Altitude:
Environmental factors like humidity and altitude can influence baking. Adjustments in ingredient quantities or oven temperature may be necessary to accommodate these variables and achieve consistent results. - Recipe Familiarity:
Understanding the specific recipe you’re working with is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the instructions, techniques, and any special considerations mentioned by the recipe creator to ensure success. - Experimentation and Adaptation:
Perfecting a cake often involves some trial and error. Experiment with variations in ingredients or techniques, keeping track of what works and what doesn’t, to tailor the recipe to your preferences and the specific conditions in your kitchen.Tips that will ease your job
Ella Marie
Thursday 11th of July 2024
I tried the Strawberry Cake recipe, but it came out a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe reducing the amount of sugar could balance it out. T
Christopher Scott
Thursday 11th of July 2024
Who else is planning to make this Strawberry Cake for an upcoming birthday party?
Ella Marie
Thursday 11th of July 2024
moisty layers
Chloe Ann
Thursday 11th of July 2024
Perfection in a plate.
Liam Charles
Thursday 11th of July 2024
A delightful recipe.