Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with every slice. It’s perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or just a sunny afternoon at home. The soft, fluffy texture and the vibrant strawberry flavor combine to create a cake that not only looks beautiful but tastes heavenly. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this strawberry cake will brighten your day and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The fresh strawberry purée gives this cake a burst of fruity sweetness that you can’t resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
• Beautiful Presentation: The pink hue and creamy frosting make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
• Versatile Occasion: Suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because—this cake fits any celebration.
• Crowd Pleaser: It’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

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Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience goes smoothly, gather the necessary tools before starting. This will save time and keep things organized while you make your delicious strawberry cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
• Blender
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth strawberry purée that infuses flavor into both the cake and frosting.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
• Wire Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess on the bottom.

Ingredients

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)
• 1½ cups strawberry puree (from above)

For the Strawberry Buttercream

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

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Purée

Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth. You’ll use this both in the cake batter and the buttercream. This should yield about 2½ cups of strawberry purée.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the mixture.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with dry ingredients and end with them. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Purée

Gently fold in 1½ cups of the pureed strawberries into your batter for an even distribution of flavor.

Step 8: Bake Cakes

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

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time while alternating with small amounts of strawberry purée until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or strawberry purée as needed.

Step 10: Assemble Cake Layers

Once cooled, level off any domed tops from cakes if needed. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer, then place second layer on top. Use remaining buttercream to frost top and sides of cake.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Slice into pieces and enjoy your homemade strawberry cake!

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts per serving: Calories: 552 kcal, Carbs: 73 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 28 g

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy family dinner, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of the Strawberry Cake on its own for a simple, yet delicious dessert experience.

With Fresh Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice for an extra creamy texture that pairs well with the strawberry flavor.

A La Mode

• Top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the soft, fluffy cake beautifully.

Garnished with Strawberries

• Fresh sliced strawberries on top not only enhance the presentation but also add an additional burst of flavor.

With a Fruit Compote

• Drizzle some warm strawberry or mixed berry compote over the cake for added sweetness and a gourmet touch.

Tea Time Pairing

• Enjoy slices of Strawberry Cake alongside your favorite tea for a charming afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Making the perfect Strawberry Cake requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Here are ways to ensure your cake turns out soft, flavorful, and beautiful every time.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Frozen ones may alter the results.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter that rises perfectly.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense cake.

• Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and sliding off.

• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar before adding it to the buttercream helps achieve a smoother frosting without lumps.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cake nicely.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese creates a savory contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake.

3. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate provides an appealing textural contrast alongside sweet cake slices.

4. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side that matches well with strawberry flavors.

5. Pistachio Muffins: These nutty muffins offer an interesting flavor combination that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.

6. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage brings everything together, enhancing flavors and making each bite more enjoyable.

7. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use leftover cake slices as cookies for ice cream sandwiches; this fun twist will delight guests young and old.

8. Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea cut through sweetness and cleanse the palate between bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Cake, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not using fresh strawberries: Always opt for fresh strawberries for the best flavor in your cake. Frozen strawberries can alter the texture and taste.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and butter won’t mix well. Allow these ingredients to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.

• Not adjusting baking times: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

• Ignoring cooling times: Letting your cakes cool properly is crucial. If you frost them too soon, the icing will melt and create a mess.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator without losing its flavor.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a pan on low heat with a lid to warm slices gently, ensuring they stay moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cake:

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Cake?

While fresh strawberries offer the best taste, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before blending.

What can I substitute for eggs in this Strawberry Cake?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as egg substitutes. Typically, 1/4 cup of either replaces one egg effectively.

How do I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

Incorporate additional strawberry puree or even some lemon zest into your batter. This enhances the strawberry flavor and adds depth.

How long does it take to bake Strawberry Cake?

The cake typically takes around 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but check with a toothpick inserted into the center for doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Its soft, fluffy texture makes it perfect for any celebration or casual gathering. Feel free to customize it by adding other fruits or flavors, making it uniquely yours!