Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to summer picnics. With its soft, fluffy texture and real strawberry flavor, every bite feels like a treat. The cake is topped with a creamy strawberry buttercream that makes it not just delicious but visually stunning too. Its delightful pink hue and fresh fruit appeal will make it the star of your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The use of fresh strawberry puree infuses the cake with a vibrant taste that is sure to impress.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any celebration, this cake fits various occasions.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with creamy buttercream and garnished with fresh strawberries, it looks as good as it tastes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This Strawberry Cake is bound to disappear quickly at any gathering!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Blender
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth strawberry puree, which adds flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without spills or mess.
• Spatula: Useful for folding in ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s light texture.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Strawberry Cake, you’ll need the following 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 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

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

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 butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

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 Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients while alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Puree

Gently fold in 1½ cups of pureed strawberries into the 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 the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with small amounts of strawberry puree (totaling one cup). Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or puree if needed.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Once cakes are cool, trim tops if domed. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer. Place second layer on top and spread remaining buttercream over top and sides of cake.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Slice and serve!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving Strawberry Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dessert that will impress your guests.

Classic with Fresh Strawberries

• Serve slices of Strawberry Cake with fresh strawberry slices on the side for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a creamy contrast that elevates the dessert experience.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. This combination is a classic favorite among many dessert lovers.

Fruit Compote Drizzle

• Create a simple fruit compote using mixed berries and drizzle it over the cake. This will add a tangy sweetness that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Festive Decoration

• Garnish the cake with edible flowers or mint leaves for an elegant touch, making it perfect for special occasions or gatherings.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

To ensure your Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Opt for ripe strawberries without blemishes for the best results.
• Measure accurately – Accurately measuring your ingredients will help achieve the ideal consistency in both the cake and buttercream.
• Room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better rise in baking.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Cool completely before frosting – Ensure your cake layers are completely cool before applying the buttercream. This prevents melting and ensures clean layers.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with Strawberry Cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits provides a creamy texture and crunchy contrast that balances the flavors well.
3. Lemon Sorbet – The tartness of lemon sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the sweetness of Strawberry Cake.
4. Chocolate Mousse – A rich, decadent chocolate mousse serves as an indulgent pairing that contrasts beautifully with strawberry flavors.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory elements that balance out the sweetness of the cake, making it enjoyable as part of a larger spread.
6. Herbed Green Salad – A light salad topped with herbs and vinaigrette provides freshness that enhances your dessert without overwhelming it.
7. Chilled Mint Tea – Refreshing mint tea serves as an excellent beverage option to cleanse your palate between bites of cake.
8. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – For those who love variety, serving another fruity cake alongside gives guests multiple sweet options to enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Not using fresh strawberries: Using old or frozen strawberries can alter the flavor and texture. Always opt for fresh strawberries for the best taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a fluffy result.
• Skipping the cooling step: Trying to frost the cake while it’s still warm can cause the buttercream to melt. Always let the cake cool completely.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can ruin the cake. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Oven temperatures vary; always check with an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a delicious Strawberry Cake:

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Cake?

Using fresh strawberries is recommended, but if you must use frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before pureeing.

How do I make strawberry puree?

Blend fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth. This will provide the base flavor for both the cake and frosting.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this recipe?

You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives to sour cream without affecting the overall flavor much.

How do I customize my Strawberry Cake?

You can add lemon zest, swap vanilla extract for almond extract, or incorporate layers of whipped cream between layers for added texture.

How long does it take to bake Strawberry Cake?

Typically, it takes about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) but check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when done.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. It’s perfect for any occasion or celebration. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings, such as whipped cream or additional fruits, to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Strawberry Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of our Strawberry Cake, a perfect centerpiece for any gathering. This soft and fluffy cake is infused with vibrant strawberry puree, delivering a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite. Topped with creamy strawberry buttercream, it not only tastes heavenly but also looks visually stunning with its charming pink hue. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a summer picnic, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of your dessert table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (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)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for buttercream)
• 4–5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
• 1 pinch salt (for buttercream)
• 1 cup strawberry puree (for buttercream)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Puree strawberries in a blender until smooth; set aside.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla.
5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
6. Fold in strawberry puree evenly into the batter.
7. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for about 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool before frosting with strawberry buttercream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg