Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that brings the sweetness of fresh strawberries to your dessert table. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging on a sunny afternoon, this cake is easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of fluffy layers and creamy buttercream creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this cake in no time.
• Fresh Flavor: The use of real strawberries both in the cake and the frosting gives it a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Design: Decorate it for any occasion! Add your favorite toppings or use food coloring for a festive touch.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake looks stunning at parties, making it a great centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Delightful Texture: The combination of soft cake layers with creamy frosting creates a satisfying bite every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the right tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cake pans (two 9-inch round)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect fluffiness in your batter, ensuring an airy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using a variety of sizes allows you to mix ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Cake pans: Proper pans ensure even baking, giving you beautifully shaped layers.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Strawberry Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g)
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (227g)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk (120ml)
• ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (reduced) (see Notes) (120ml)
• pink food coloring (optional)

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (227g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) (227g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar (sifted) (720g-840g)
• ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree (reduced) (see Notes)

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour,
2. Baking powder,
3. Salt,
4. Baking soda.

Whisk together until well mixed. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
2. Add in egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add:
1. Vanilla extract,
2. Whole milk,
3. Fresh strawberry puree.

Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Mix on low speed until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
2. If desired, add pink food coloring to achieve your preferred hue.

Step 6: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and strawberry puree until well combined.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled:
1. Place one layer on your serving plate.
2. Spread an even layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer.
3. Use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake as desired.

Enjoy making this scrumptious Strawberry Cake! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Serving your delicious strawberry cake can enhance its appeal and flavor. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delightful dessert.

Classic Slice

• Serve a generous slice of strawberry cake on a plate, garnished with fresh strawberries for a classic presentation.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of a slice. The creaminess complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of lightness and sweetness.

Fruit Compote Drizzle

• Drizzle warm strawberry compote over the cake slices for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Decorative Sprinkles

• Use colorful sprinkles or edible flowers to decorate the top of the cake. This adds fun and whimsy, perfect for celebrations.

Layer with Fresh Fruits

• Include layers of sliced strawberries or other berries in between slices for a refreshing fruitiness that enhances every bite.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Perfecting your strawberry cake takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder together removes lumps and incorporates air, giving your cake a lighter texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which can make your cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake at the minimum baking time. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when done.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Let your cake cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting and slipping of the icing.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your strawberry cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some enjoyable options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.

2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons offer a delightful contrast in texture alongside the soft strawberry cake.

3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the richness of the cake, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

4. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse adds indulgence to your dessert table while pairing well with fruity flavors.

5. Pistachio Ice Cream: The nutty flavor complements strawberries perfectly, creating a unique taste experience.

6. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide creamy goodness that pairs beautifully with the fruity notes in strawberry cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a strawberry cake can be fun, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your success. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can affect the texture of your cake. Always let them come to room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon and level method for accurate measurement.
• Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Neglecting to preheat your oven: Baking in an unheated oven can cause uneven baking. Preheat it for at least 15-20 minutes before placing your cake inside.
• Ignoring cooling times: Cutting into a warm cake can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container.
• It can last for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

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

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make a strawberry cake from scratch?

Making a strawberry cake from scratch involves using fresh strawberries, butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder. Combine the wet and dry ingredients separately, then blend them together before baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my strawberry cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How long does it take to bake a strawberry cake?

A typical strawberry cake takes about 30 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean.

What is the best frosting for strawberry cake?

A cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with strawberry cake as it adds richness and balances the sweetness of the strawberries.

Can I substitute the butter in this strawberry cake recipe?

Yes! You can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute if you’re looking for dairy-free options.

Final Thoughts

This delicious strawberry cake is perfect for any occasion. Its light texture and fresh flavor make it appealing year-round. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding other fruits or altering the frosting type. Enjoy baking this delightful dessert!