Strawberry Cake: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Dessert

Strawberry Cake: just the name conjures up images of sunshine, picnics, and pure, unadulterated joy, doesn’t it? But this isn’t just any cake; it’s a slice of summer on a plate, a sweet escape from the everyday. Imagine sinking your fork into a light, fluffy crumb, bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavor of ripe strawberries, all topped with a luscious, creamy frosting. Are you ready to experience that?

While the exact origins of strawberry cake are a bit hazy, its popularity blossomed in the Southern United States, where strawberries are abundant and baking is a cherished tradition. It’s a cake often associated with celebrations, family gatherings, and warm hospitality. Think of it as a symbol of Southern charm, baked with love and shared with those you hold dear.

So, why is Strawberry Cake so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the delightful contrast between the tender cake and the juicy berries. It’s also incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or a simple treat to brighten up a weekday afternoon, this cake fits the bill. Plus, the vibrant pink hue makes it visually stunning, adding a touch of elegance to any table. Get ready to bake a cake that will impress your friends and family!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• Optional: a few drops of red food coloring (for a more vibrant color)
• For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: a pinch of salt
• For Decoration:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced or whole

Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, let’s get our oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also use parchment paper rounds at the bottom of the pans to ensure the cakes release easily. This step is crucial to prevent sticking!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is important to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumps. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is essential for creating a tender cake crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, add about a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
6. Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Gently fold in the strawberry puree until evenly distributed. If you’re using food coloring, add it now and stir until you achieve your desired shade of pink.
7. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Spread the batter evenly in each pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling the Cakes:

1. Cool in Pans: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from breaking apart while they are still warm and delicate.
2. Level the Cakes (Optional): Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary. This will ensure that your cake layers are even and stack nicely.

Preparing the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both are at room temperature to avoid lumps.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to prevent a powdered sugar cloud!
3. Incorporate Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Stir in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness as needed. You can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Assembling the Strawberry Cake:

1. First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Frosting: Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the first cake layer.
3. Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
4. Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining strawberry cream cheese frosting. You can create a smooth finish or add swirls and texture with a spatula.
5. Decorate: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries. Get creative with your design! You can also add sprinkles or other decorations if you like.
6. Chill (Optional): Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and make the cake easier to slice.

Tips and Variations:

• Strawberry Extract: For an even more intense strawberry flavor, add ½ teaspoon of strawberry extract to the cake batter and frosting.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing.
• Cake Flour: For an even more tender cake, substitute ½ cup of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of cake flour.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cake batter for a delicious twist.
• Layer with Strawberry Jam: For an extra layer of strawberry flavor, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers before frosting.
• Make Cupcakes: This recipe can also be used to make cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18-20 minutes.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Troubleshooting:

• Cake is Dry: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cake. Make sure to check the cake for doneness using a wooden skewer. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Frosting is Too Thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
• Frosting is Too Thick: Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out.
• Cake is Sticking to the Pan: Make sure to grease and flour the cake pans thoroughly. You can also use parchment paper rounds at the bottom of the pans.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Strawberry Cake!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a slice of sunshine, a burst of summer, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one! From the vibrant color to the intensely fruity flavor, this Strawberry Cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a good dessert. The moist, tender crumb, infused with the essence of fresh strawberries, is simply irresistible. I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

But what truly sets this cake apart is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine as is, served with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, the possibilities for customization are endless. For a truly decadent experience, try topping it with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness of the frosting perfectly complements the strawberry flavor, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Alternatively, a light and airy whipped cream topping is a fantastic option for a lighter, more refreshing dessert.

And don’t stop there! Get creative with your serving suggestions. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice of this cake is a classic pairing that never fails to impress. Or, for a more sophisticated presentation, consider serving it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few fresh basil leaves. The balsamic adds a touch of complexity, while the basil provides a refreshing herbal note that elevates the entire dish.

Looking for variations? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch. For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider using freeze-dried strawberries in addition to fresh ones. The freeze-dried berries add a concentrated burst of flavor and help to enhance the cake’s vibrant color. You could even swirl in some strawberry jam into the batter before baking for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.

Another fun variation is to turn this cake into cupcakes! Simply adjust the baking time accordingly, and you’ll have adorable individual treats that are perfect for parties or picnics. Top them with your favorite frosting and decorate them with fresh strawberries for a festive touch.

I truly believe that this Strawberry Cake recipe is a winner. It’s easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers exceptional results every time. It’s the perfect cake for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of sweetness. It’s also a wonderful way to use up those beautiful, ripe strawberries that are in season during the summer months.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will impress your friends and family. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve baked your own Strawberry Cake, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations, serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy baking! Let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious creations. Don’t forget to share pictures too!