Imagine the joy on your family’s faces when you present a fresh homemade strawberry cake. It’s made with love in your kitchen. The smell of baked strawberries and vanilla fills your home.
This smell brings back happy memories of summer. It reminds you of picking berries at the farm. Your basket was full of sweet strawberries.
Now, you can make those moments come alive again. We have a strawberry cake recipe that’s both heartwarming and delicious. It’s full of strawberry goodness and topped with cream cheese frosting.
Key Takeaways
- Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 50 minutes, Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Serves: 24 servings, Calories per serving: 603 kcal
- Enjoy the rich taste of natural strawberries in every bite.
- Perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, and special celebrations.
- Versatile recipe with easy-to-follow steps.
Introduction to Strawberry Cake
Strawberry cake from scratch is a classic loved by many. It adds fresh, fruity flavor to any event. This recipe is easy and loved by both new and experienced bakers.
The recipe uses fresh strawberries for a sweet taste. It has 1 cup of sugar and 2 large eggs for sweetness and richness. Sour cream and vegetable oil make it moist. Flour and baking powder give it structure and lift.
Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor. You can make it into a layer cake or cupcakes. Adding powdered sugar or strawberry sauce makes it even better.
This recipe is great for different diets. You can use gluten-free flour or almond flour. Using sour cream or yogurt makes it moist and rich.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 minutes. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice finish.
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Strawberry Cake
To make the best homemade strawberry cake, pick the freshest ingredients. You need a mix of main and optional items for the best taste. Here’s what you need for this tasty cake.
Main Ingredients
The heart of your homemade strawberry cake is its main parts. Get fresh or frozen strawberries, strawberry jello for flavor and color, buttermilk for softness, and cream cheese for frosting. Don’t forget powdered sugar for sweetness.
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: These are key for flavor and compote.
- Strawberry Jello: It makes the cake colorful and flavorful.
- Buttermilk: Makes the cake soft.
- Cream Cheese: Needed for creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting right.
Optional Ingredients
For extra flair, add optional ingredients to your natural strawberry cake. Vanilla extract and lemon zest can make it even better.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the cake’s taste.
- Lemon Zest: Gives a refreshing twist.
- Pink Food Coloring: Optional for a brighter pink color.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a standout natural strawberry cake. It’s sure to wow at any event.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cake
Get ready for an amazing journey making strawberry cake. It’s perfect for beginners or experts. Follow these steps to make a cake that’s hard to resist.
Preparing the Batter
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch pans. Start by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
In a big bowl, sift together 3 cups of flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, cream 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture, buttermilk, and sour cream alternately. Stir in 453 grams of strawberry puree well.
Baking the Cake
When your batter is ready, divide it among the pans. Put them in the oven and set a timer for 35 minutes. Start at 350°F for 10 minutes, then lower to 325°F for about an hour.
The cakes should spring back when pressed and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in pans for 10 minutes before cooling completely on a wire rack.
Poking and Filling the Cake
To make your cake better, poke holes in the cooled cakes with a skewer or spoon handle. Make a strawberry filling by mixing 2 cups of strawberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cook it until thickened, stirring often.
Pour the filling over the cakes, letting it soak into the holes. This makes the cake moist and tasty. Assemble the layers carefully, and your strawberry cake is ready.
Alternate Strawberry Cake Recipe – Strawberry Cake Mix
If you’re in a hurry but want a homemade strawberry cake, try a easy strawberry cake recipe with a strawberry cake mix. It’s a quick way to make a tasty and moist cake with less effort.
First, get the ingredients for this strawberry cake mix recipe.
- 15.25 ounces of white cake mix
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour (2 ¼ ounces or 65 grams)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup of oil (3 ½ ounces or 100 grams)
- ½ cup of milk (4 ounces or 113 grams)
- ½ cup of sour cream (4 ounces or 113 grams)
- ¾ cup of strawberries, finely chopped (5 ounces or 142 grams)
- 1 box (3 ounces) of strawberry gelatin
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, flour, and strawberry gelatin.
- Add the eggs, oil, milk, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
This strawberry cake mix recipe makes about 15 slices. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook (10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook). Enjoy this easy and tasty alternative to traditional strawberry cake recipes!
Strawberry Frosting Options
Choosing the right frosting is key to making your strawberry cake taste great. We’ll look at three tasty homemade strawberry frosting options. They offer different textures and flavors for everyone.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is smooth and tangy. It goes well with strawberries. You’ll need 8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, both soft.
Beat them together until creamy. Then, add 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar slowly. This makes the frosting fluffy and spreadable, perfect for your cake.
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Lemon buttercream frosting is a refreshing choice. Start with 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix in 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar slowly.
Add juice and zest from one lemon for extra tang. This frosting is light, sweet, and zesty.
Freeze-Dried Strawberry Frosting
Freeze-dried strawberry frosting has a strong berry taste. You’ll need 1 cup of finely powdered freeze-dried strawberries. Mix with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
Beat in 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar slowly. This makes a smooth, creamy frosting that’s a beautiful pink color.
Decorating Your Strawberry Cake
Decorating your strawberry cake can make it look amazing. This cake is tall and has four layers. You can make it look stunning with different techniques and ingredients.
Use fresh strawberry slices to decorate your cake. You can put them around each layer or on top. Edible flowers can also add a fun touch. Make sure the flowers match the strawberry color.
You can also use fondant to make strawberry shapes. This adds a creative touch to your cake. You have 110 grams of fondant to play with.
Adding powdered sugar is simple but effective. It makes your cake look like it’s covered in snow. This looks great with the strawberries.
It’s important to mix textures and flavors well. You can mark the cake with strawberry flavor or add freeze-dried strawberry bits. This makes your cake look and taste better.
If you like a classic look, use American Buttercream. It’s smooth and rich. You’ll need butter, confectioners’ sugar, and strawberries for the frosting. A little lemon juice can make it taste even better.
Storage and Serving Tips
To enjoy your homemade strawberry cake, store and serve it right. These tips will make every slice fresh for days. Each serving will be a special moment.
Storing the Cake
Keeping your storing strawberry cake fresh is key. Cool the cake fully, then put it in a tight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for two days.
For longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Freeze slices for two months, wrapped well to avoid freezer burn. The strawberry buttercream stays fresh in the fridge for two weeks.
Serving Suggestions
Make serving your strawberry cake special. Try it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra taste. Serve with coffee or rosé for a perfect match.
These tips will make every bite of strawberry cake a joy. Whether storing or serving, enjoy every moment.
Strawberry Cake Recipe: Frequently Asked Questions
Are you new to baking or a pro? Our strawberry cake FAQ answers common questions. It also gives tips to make your cake a hit. Let’s look at the most asked questions.
How can I substitute fresh strawberries in the cake recipe?
If you can’t find fresh strawberries, use frozen ones. Let them sit for 30 minutes before using. This makes your cake taste better.
What’s the best way to adjust the frosting consistency?
Getting the frosting right is key. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner frosting, add a bit of heavy cream.
How do I ensure my strawberry cake remains moist?
A moist cake comes from the right mix and baking. Use ¾ cup of oil and ¼ cup of butter. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes to keep it moist.
Here’s a quick look at some important ingredients and how much to use:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Strawberries | 12 oz (340g) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 ¾ cups (360g) |
| Cornstarch | 2 tbsp (20g) |
| Sugar (Cake) | 1 ½ cups (300g) |
| Sugar (Frosting) | ¼ cup (60g) |
| Cream Cheese (Frosting) | 12 oz (340g) |
| Heavy Cream (Frosting) | ⅓ cup (80g) |
| Oil | ¾ cup |
| Butter | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Milk | ⅓ cup (80g) |
| Vanilla | 2 tsp |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking Soda | ¾ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pink Gel Food Color | A few drops |
Follow these tips and measurements to improve your baking. Our strawberry cake FAQ is here to guide you at every step.
Conclusion
Making the perfect strawberry cake at home is fun and easy. It’s great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Every bite shows the love and care you put into it.
The best strawberry cake is yours to make special. You can follow the recipe or add your own twist. Try cream cheese or lemon buttercream frosting to make it unique.
Quality ingredients and creativity are key to a great cake. Follow the tips and make a cake that looks and tastes amazing. Start baking and share your delicious strawberry cake with everyone.
Baking your own strawberry cake recipe is a rewarding and delicious experience. With fresh strawberries, moist layers, and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or a simple treat. By following this easy recipe, you’ll create a homemade delight that’s both flavorful and visually stunning. For food safety tips and baking guidelines, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Enjoy your homemade strawberry cake!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry cake recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well. This keeps the cake’s texture right.
How do I adjust the frosting consistency?
To change the frosting’s thickness, add powdered sugar to thicken or milk to thin. Start with a little and adjust slowly.
What are some variations for the fresh strawberry cake recipe?
Try adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or almond extract. These can give your cake a special flavor.
How can I make the cake extra moist?
Don’t overmix the batter. Use buttermilk and strawberry puree for moisture. And, don’t overbake it.
Can I make the strawberry cake from scratch without using strawberry jello?
Yes, you can use more fresh strawberry puree. But strawberry jello makes the cake taste and look better.
What are good substitutes for fresh strawberries in the cake recipe?
Use frozen strawberries, strawberry jam, or preserve if fresh ones are not available. Each adds a special flavor.
How long can I store the homemade strawberry cake?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze slices for longer storage, wrapping them well.
What drinks pair well with strawberry cake?
Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or rosé. Or, try cold milk or lemonade for a refreshing match.
Can I use a store-bought strawberry cake mix for a quicker alternative?
Yes. Add fresh strawberries and vanilla extract to a mix for a homemade taste without much prep.