Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that brings the taste of fresh strawberries right to your table. With a soft, moist texture and a sweet strawberry flavor, this cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike. The vibrant color and delicious aroma will impress everyone who tries it. This cake pairs well with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream, enhancing its strawberry goodness. Let’s dive into the joys of making this fruity dessert in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Cake
You will love this Homemade Strawberry Cake because it captures the essence of simple and delicious baking. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. Each bite is full of the natural sweetness of strawberries, making it a refreshing treat. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it as a family dessert, this cake brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite frostings or toppings. It’s a timeless recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups puréed fresh strawberries
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in dry ingredients and milk: Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in strawberry puree: Gently fold in the strawberry puree, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide batter into pans: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake
Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake plain, or add a layer of whipped cream on top. You can also use cream cheese frosting for a richer flavor. Add fresh strawberries on top as a garnish to make it look more inviting. This cake is perfect for celebrations or a simple dessert with coffee or tea.
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Cake
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Tips for the Best Homemade Strawberry Cake
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a better cake texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the strawberry puree to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Test the cake for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Recipe Variations
You can add other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry cake. Consider using a vanilla buttercream frosting or a strawberry glaze for a different taste. Chocolate chips can also be mixed in for a fun twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before puréeing.
Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly and frost it just before serving for the best taste.
Homemade Strawberry Cake
A delightful cake that features fresh strawberries for a soft, moist, and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups puréed fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree, being careful not to overmix.
- Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, serve with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
