Strawberry Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that radiates warmth and joy, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Cake. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through my family and has become a favorite at every gathering. The soft, fluffy layers combined with the fresh strawberry flavor are like a bite of sunshine on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive celebration, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Just one slice, and you’ll see why it’s always the center of attention!

Every time I bake this Strawberry Cake, I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. The vibrant pink color and sweet aroma fill my kitchen with memories of laughter and love. This cake isn’t just about taste; it’s about creating moments with those you care about.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make: With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can impress their friends and family.
• Fresh flavors: Using real strawberries ensures every bite bursts with authentic taste.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a treat for yourself, this cake fits right in.
• Family-approved: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet strawberry buttercream and moist cake layers.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake in advance, then frost before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making this Strawberry Cake not only delicious but also approachable for everyone. Gather these goodies before you start baking!

For the Cake

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (to be pureed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk (room temperature)

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 1½ cups strawberry puree (from above)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize your Strawberry Cake to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the strawberries perfectly.
• Swap the frosting: Try using whipped coconut cream instead of buttercream for a lighter option.
• Mix in other fruits: Add blueberries or raspberries to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
• Layer it up: Create a multi-layer cake by adding more layers filled with different fruit purees or flavored creams.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans will ensure your cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Puree the fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. This step is crucial because you’ll use this delicious puree both in your cake batter and the frosting. Aim for about 2½ cups of puree; it adds moisture and flavor to your cake.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture creates structure in your cake, helping it rise beautifully as it bakes.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process adds air into your batter, resulting in that soft texture we all love!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in each egg one at a time. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The sour cream adds moisture while enhancing flavor—it’s one of my favorite secrets!

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Milk

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients; this helps keep everything well-mixed without overworking the batter.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of the pureed strawberries until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely strawberry swirls!

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 9: Make the Buttercream

In another bowl, beat your room temperature butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while alternating small amounts of strawberry puree until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled, if needed, trim any domed tops off your cakes to create even layers. Spread some strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing another on top—then cover with remaining buttercream on top and sides.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve!

If you’d like, garnish with fresh strawberries before slicing into this beautiful creation! Serve it up at your next gathering; trust me—it won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake

Making a delicious Strawberry Cake is all about the little details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your cake turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use ripe strawberries: Choosing the ripest strawberries will enhance the flavor of both your cake and buttercream, making it taste fresher and more vibrant.

• Room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, eggs, and milk to reach room temperature helps create a smoother batter that incorporates air more effectively, leading to a fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, airy texture you want.

• Cool completely before frosting: Letting your cakes cool thoroughly prevents the buttercream from melting off when you frost them, ensuring a beautifully layered look.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the buttercream. You can also add more strawberry puree for extra flavor without adding too much sweetness.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is not only delightful in flavor but also beautiful in presentation! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up perfectly for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a delightful dairy-free alternative that complements the strawberry flavors beautifully.
• Chocolate shavings: For chocolate lovers, topping your cake with delicate chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and a rich flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the fruity flavors of the strawberry cake, offering a classic dessert combination.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake while enhancing its berry flavors.
• Lemon sorbet: This tangy sorbet serves as a palate cleanser and adds an exciting citrus note that balances out the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: Serving slices of this cake alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting afternoon treat or dessert option after dinner.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful Strawberry Cake; it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Strawberry Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily store leftovers or even make it ahead of time for a special occasion. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storage.
• Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap each layer of the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For buttercream, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months as well.

Reheating

• To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
• For buttercream, you can thaw it at room temperature and re-whip if necessary for best texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful Strawberry Cake:

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before pureeing them.

How do I get more strawberry flavor in my Strawberry Cake?

To enhance the strawberry flavor, try adding extra strawberry puree into the batter or substituting some of the milk with additional puree. Fresh strawberries as a garnish will also boost that fruity taste!

Can I make this Strawberry Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

What can I use instead of sour cream in this recipe?

If you need a substitute for sour cream, plain yogurt works perfectly! It will maintain moisture and add a similar tanginess to your cake.

How should I decorate my Strawberry Cake?

Feel free to decorate your cake with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or edible flowers. A drizzle of extra strawberry puree on top adds a lovely touch too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and delicious Strawberry Cake as much as I do! It’s a beautiful dessert that brings joy and sunshine to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating or just indulging yourself, this cake is sure to delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!