There’s something special about a strawberry cake. Its bright color, sweet flavor, and soft texture make it the perfect dessert for any event. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a summer gathering, or simply because you crave something sweet, strawberry cake is always a good choice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best fresh strawberry cake from scratch, using real strawberries in both the batter and frosting. Along the way, we’ll explore different variations, share tips for success, and answer common questions. Additionally, if you’re looking for a healthier option, we’ll show you how to make the cake lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Let’s get started and make this delicious cake a reality!
A Brief History of Strawberry Cake
Before diving into the recipe, it’s good to understand the history of strawberry cakes. Strawberries have long been a symbol of celebration. Their bright color and natural sweetness have made them a popular fruit in desserts for centuries.
Although strawberry shortcakes have been around for many years, the modern strawberry cake with real strawberries in the batter and frosting didn’t become common until the 20th century. Initially, many strawberry cakes were made with artificial flavors and food coloring. However, in recent years, there has been a shift toward using fresh strawberries for a more natural and flavorful dessert.
If you’re curious about the history and uses of strawberries in food, you can explore more on Wikipedia’s strawberry page.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Strawberry Cake
Making a great strawberry cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. By choosing fresh strawberries instead of artificial flavorings, you’ll ensure your cake is bursting with authentic fruit flavor. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
The Cake:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture. Be sure to sift it to avoid lumps.
- Fresh strawberries: About 2 cups of pureed strawberries will be added to the cake batter.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cake. Adjust the quantity based on the ripeness of your strawberries.
- Butter: Softened butter adds a rich flavor while keeping the cake soft and moist.
- Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and help the cake rise.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises properly, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the batter. You can use whole milk or opt for a plant-based alternative like almond milk.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements the strawberries.
The Strawberry Puree:
- Fresh strawberries: Pureeing these will infuse the cake with a rich strawberry flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and keeps the strawberries vibrant in color.
The Frosting:
- Cream cheese: Provides a tangy contrast that complements the cake’s sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without making it too heavy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Strawberry puree: Incorporates a fresh strawberry taste and gives the frosting a delicate pink hue.
If you’re curious about how to use strawberry reduction to create a richer flavor, take a look at this Strawberry Cake Recipe from the Sugar Geek Show.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cake
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: baking the cake. Follow these steps carefully for a perfect result every time.
1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree
The strawberry puree is what gives the cake its natural flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- Wash and hull 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
- Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth.
- If you want a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and help keep the strawberries from turning brown.
2. Make the Cake Batter
Next, it’s time to make the cake batter.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for getting a soft cake.
- Add the eggs: Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help the cake rise and hold its shape.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Finally, fold in the strawberry puree. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
3. Bake the Cake
Now it’s time to bake your cake!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
The strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake. Here’s how to make it:
- Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually mix in 3 cups of powdered sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Mix in the strawberry puree: Add ¼ cup of strawberry puree and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined.
- Chill the frosting: If your frosting is too soft, place it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up before spreading it on the cake.
Assembling the Strawberry Cake
With the cakes baked and the frosting ready, it’s time to assemble everything:
- Level the cakes: If needed, use a serrated knife to trim the tops of the cakes to make them flat. This will make stacking the layers easier.
- Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries or decorative frosting swirls. You can also drizzle some extra strawberry puree for added flavor and visual appeal.
Strawberry Cake Variations
There are many ways to put your own spin on this classic cake. Here are a few ideas:
1. Fresh Strawberry Shortcake
Turn your strawberry cake into individual shortcakes by baking the batter in a sheet pan, cutting the cake into squares, and serving with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
2. Strawberry Cupcakes
For a fun and portable treat, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. Frost each cupcake with strawberry cream cheese frosting.
3. Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake
For those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cake light and fluffy without losing flavor.
4. Strawberry Sheet Cake
Perfect for large gatherings, a sheet cake is easy to serve. Pour the batter into a baking sheet, bake, and slice into squares. This version is practical for parties and events.
If you’re interested in a simpler recipe, check out this Strawberry Cake from AllRecipes.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cake
Making the perfect strawberry cake doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips to ensure your cake comes out great:
- Use ripe strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will give your cake the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Gently fold in the strawberry puree to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Chill the frosting if needed: If your frosting becomes too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.
- Level the cake layers: Trimming the tops of the cakes makes them easier to stack and ensures a more professional-looking result.
For more detailed cake-making tips, check out our guide on how to level and stack cakes for perfect layers every time.
FAQs About Strawberry Cake
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes! If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid adding too much liquid to the batter.
How Do I Store Strawberry Cake?
Because of the cream cheese frosting, the cake should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to assemble the cake, let the layers thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Nutritional Information for Strawberry Cake
While this strawberry cake is a delightful dessert, it’s important to consider the nutritional information. A typical slice of strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting has:
- Calories: Approximately 450 per slice
- Total fat: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Sugars: 45 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
To make the cake a bit lighter, you can reduce the sugar or use a lower-fat cream cheese for the frosting.
Conclusion
A homemade strawberry cake is a beautiful and delicious way to showcase the fresh flavors of summer. The combination of soft, moist cake and tangy strawberry cream cheese frosting makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a special celebration, or just because you love strawberries, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
For more creative strawberry desserts, check out this Soft Strawberry Cake Recipe from Cakes by MK for additional inspiration.