Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Its soft and fluffy texture, combined with a creamy strawberry buttercream, makes it perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration. With its pretty pink hue, this cake not only tastes fantastic but also looks stunning on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberry purée ensures that every slice bursts with authentic flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe friendly for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Occasion Cake: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Beautiful Presentation: The pink frosting and fresh strawberry garnish create an eye-catching dessert.
• Serves a Crowd: Generous portions mean it’s great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Strawberry Cake, having the right tools will simplify your baking experience. Here are essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Blender
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Cake pans: Ensure even baking and help achieve the perfect cake shape.
• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, leading to a light and fluffy batter.
• Blender: Essential for creating smooth strawberry purée that integrates well into the batter and frosting.

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Ingredients

This Strawberry Cake is soft, fluffy, and packed with real strawberry flavor in every bite. Made with fresh purée and topped with a creamy strawberry buttercream, it’s the kind of cake that feels like sunshine on a plate. Pretty, pink, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

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 pinch salt
• 1 cup strawberry puree (from above)

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 thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the 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.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

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

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients from Step 3, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Purée

Gently fold in 1½ cups of the pureed strawberries into your batter until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake the 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 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make Strawberry Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time while alternating with small amounts of strawberry purée (totaling 1 cup). Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency as needed using more powdered sugar or strawberry purée.

Step 10: Assemble The Cake

Once cooled, if cakes have domed tops, trim them flat. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer. Place second layer on top then spread remaining buttercream over top and sides of cake.

Step 11: Garnish And Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Slice into pieces to serve!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Strawberry Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a sweet moment, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve slices of Strawberry Cake topped with fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. The creamy texture complements the fluffy cake perfectly.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top for added richness and a light touch.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage enhances the cake’s flavors, making for a comforting dessert experience.

Fruit Compote

• Drizzle some homemade fruit compote over the cake. This adds an additional fruity layer that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle

• For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate the cake’s taste and create an indulgent combination.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Cake turns out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose ripe strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for pureeing. They provide the best flavor and sweetness to your cake.

• Measure ingredients accurately: Proper measurements are crucial for baking success. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cakes, so be gentle when folding in ingredients.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before adding buttercream. This prevents melting and ensures smooth frosting application.

• Use quality butter: High-quality unsalted butter makes a significant difference in flavor for both the cake and the frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Adding complementary side dishes can enhance your meal when serving Strawberry Cake. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with dessert flavors, offering savory bites alongside sweet.
3. Minted Yogurt: Cool yogurt with mint creates a refreshing contrast that enhances the strawberry flavor.
4. Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt and granola with berries for a crunchy element that contrasts nicely with soft cake.
5. Savory Muffins: Lightly seasoned savory muffins provide an interesting flavor profile next to sweet desserts.
6. Herbed Salad: A simple green salad with herbs can cleanse the palate between bites of rich Strawberry Cake.
7. Chocolate Bark: A few pieces of dark chocolate bark can be offered on the side for those who love chocolate.
8. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats add a different texture and flavor that complements strawberry beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking a Strawberry Cake, small errors can lead to big disappointments. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using old strawberries: Freshness matters! Always use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you get the right amounts.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the cakes cool completely is crucial. If you frost a warm cake, the buttercream can melt and slide off.
• Neglecting oven temperature: Always preheat your oven adequately. An oven that’s not hot enough can affect baking times and final texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if stacking slices.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• The cake will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Cake.

How do I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

Enhance flavor by using fresh strawberry puree and incorporating some lemon zest for brightness.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cake?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture, which can affect your cake’s texture.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this Strawberry Cake recipe?

Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream while adding similar moisture and tanginess.

How long does it take to bake a Strawberry Cake?

Bake your Strawberry Cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is not only delightful but also versatile. With its soft texture and creamy strawberry buttercream, it’s perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or toppings according to your taste!