Strawberry cake is a sweet, moist dessert made with fresh strawberries or strawberry flavouring. It features a soft, fluffy texture and often includes layers of strawberry frosting or filling. It’s a perfect treat for celebrations or casual gatherings, bringing a refreshing burst of berry flavour to your table.
Making strawberry cake has always been a fun and rewarding experience. I remember baking my first one with my family, and the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries filled the house. It’s a simple recipe to follow, and the result is always delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Recipe
This strawberry cake recipe is straightforward to make, even for beginners. The soft, moist cake layers come together quickly, ensuring you can enjoy a homemade treat without hours of preparation. It’s a perfect recipe for anyone who loves the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries.
The rich strawberry flavour in this cake is the real star. It blends perfectly with the light and fluffy cake, offering a delightful burst of sweetness in every bite. If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, this cake will quickly become your go-to recipe.
One of the best aspects of this strawberry cake is its versatility. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, this cake works for any moment. It’s great for birthdays, parties, or a cozy afternoon treat with tea.
You’ll appreciate how simple and affordable the ingredients are. There is no need for complicated or expensive items—just fresh strawberries, flour, and basic pantry staples. This strawberry cake recipe is not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for anyone.
Pre-preparation of Strawberry Cake Recipe
Before you start mixing, there are a few steps you should take to prepare for making this strawberry cake:
- Wash and hull the strawberries: Rinse fresh strawberries under cool water and remove the stems. Slice them into small pieces to mix into the batter. You can also puree some for an even richer flavour.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once the batter is mixed.
- Prepare the cake pans: Grease and flour the cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your strawberry cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, mashed or pureed
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, chopped (for added texture)
Directions
Now, let’s get to baking! Follow these simple steps to make the perfect strawberry cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients —eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk —to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Add strawberries: Mix in the mashed or pureed strawberries, along with the chopped strawberries, for added texture. You can reserve a few pieces for garnish if you like.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until well combined. Do not overmix to maintain the cake’s light and fluffy texture.
- Pour into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Strawberry Cake Recipe
Nutrition Benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Strawberry cake is a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and fight off infections.
- High in Fiber: Strawberries provide dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps prevent constipation.
- Low in Fat: Depending on the ingredients used, strawberry cake can be a low-fat option, making it a lighter dessert choice.
- Antioxidants: Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, which protect the body from harmful free radicals and support overall health.
- Good Source of Manganese: Strawberries are also a good source of manganese, a mineral that supports healthy bones and proper metabolism.
Health Benefits:
- Improves Heart Health: The antioxidants and fiber in strawberry cake help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol and improving blood circulation.
- Supports Skin Health: The vitamin C in strawberries helps promote collagen production, which can lead to healthier skin and a reduction in wrinkles.
- Aids Weight Loss: Strawberry cake, when made with healthier ingredients, can be a guilt-free treat for those watching their weight, thanks to its lower fat and sugar content.
- Boosts Immunity: The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants boosts the immune system, making it easier for your body to fight infections.
- Improves Brain Function: The nutrients in strawberries, such as antioxidants and vitamin C, support cognitive function and may help protect against age-related mental decline.
Strawberry Cake Recipe Variation
For a fun twist, try adding vanilla pudding mix to the batter. This creates a richer texture and extra sweetness. You can also substitute the fresh strawberries with strawberry puree for a smoother consistency. For a different flavour, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to enhance the cake’s flavour profile.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Recipe
Serve your strawberry cake as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream for a decorative touch. It’s perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat.
For a more indulgent option, drizzle chocolate syrup over the cake. This adds an extra layer of flavor, making it even more irresistible—strawberry cake pairs well with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Storage Options
To keep your strawberry cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
For more extended storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, and you can thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
FAQs About Strawberry Cake Recipe
Can I use frozen strawberries in my strawberry cake recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your batter. Fresh strawberries are ideal for their best texture and flavour flavour, but frozen strawberries can work as a substitute.
How do I make my strawberry cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavour, add a splash of vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness of the strawberries. You can also incorporate strawberry puree into the batter for an extra burst of strawberry flavour.
Can I substitute the eggs in a strawberry cake recipe?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a vegan-friendly version. This keeps the cake moist while still allowing the strawberries to shine through.
How long can I store strawberry cake?
Store your strawberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For more extended storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months to preserve its freshness.