There’s something about a strawberry cake that just brings a wave of nostalgia and joy, don’t you think? I remember my grandmother baking this delightful treat every summer when strawberries were at their peak. The sweet, fruity aroma would fill our kitchen, and we could hardly wait for it to cool before diving in! This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of those sunny days spent with family and friends. Each slice is moist, bursting with fresh strawberries, and topped off with a light dusting of powdered sugar that feels like a little sprinkle of magic. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this cake recipe is the perfect way to create your own sweet memories. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why strawberry cake is a beloved classic!
Ingredients List
To create this delightful strawberry cake, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! This will help balance the tartness of the strawberries.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1 cup milk: Regular milk adds moisture; feel free to use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what makes your cake rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor wonderfully.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced: The star of the show! Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: This adds a lovely finish to your cake.
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake a cake that will surely impress!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering strawberry cake! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a homemade treat that everyone will love. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven ensures your cake bakes evenly.
- Prepare your baking pan: Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking later. Just a light layer of butter or cooking spray followed by a sprinkle of flour works wonders!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This is where the magic begins!
- Add the eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air and creates a lovely, airy texture.
- Mix in the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla will add a warm, comforting note to your cake.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture—this helps prevent lumps. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, or your cake might turn out dense!
- Fold in the strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries. You want to keep them intact so they’re beautifully distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
- Cool and dust: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch!
And there you have it! A beautifully baked strawberry cake that’s not only simple to make but also absolutely delicious. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry cake recipe is a true gem for so many reasons! Let me share why it’s sure to become a favorite in your home:
- Quick and easy preparation: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll whip this up in no time!
- Deliciously flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and a moist cake is simply irresistible. Each bite is a burst of flavor!
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family reunion, a birthday party, or a casual get-together, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
- Adaptable for dietary needs: If you have gluten sensitivities or need a dairy-free option, you can easily make substitutions without sacrificing taste!
- Comforting dessert option: There’s something so warm and inviting about a homemade cake that brings everyone together.
Trust me, once you serve this cake, you’ll see smiles all around!
Tips for Success
To ensure your strawberry cake turns out absolutely perfect, let me share some of my favorite tips! First, when creaming the butter and sugar, make sure to beat until it’s light and fluffy—this helps create that airy texture we all love. Don’t rush adding the eggs; mix them in one at a time to keep everything well incorporated. When you mix in the flour and milk, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and moist.
For baking, keep an eye on the time—every oven is a bit different. A toothpick test is your best friend; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Lastly, if you’re looking for substitutions, gluten-free flour works beautifully here, and almond milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative. You can even add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist! Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are so many fun variations you can try with this strawberry cake recipe! Here are some of my favorites:
- Mixed Berry Delight: Swap out some or all of the strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. They add a beautiful color and flavor!
- Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: For the chocolate lovers, you can mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips into the batter for a deliciously decadent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and you’ll have a cake that everyone can enjoy!
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use vegan butter to make this cake dairy-free without losing any moisture or flavor.
Feel free to experiment and let your creativity shine! Each variation brings its own unique charm to the cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious strawberry cake, you might be wondering how to store the leftovers. No worries! To keep your cake fresh, simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, it will stay moist and tasty for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
When it’s time to enjoy a slice again, you can eat it cold, or if you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful fresh-baked taste! Just be careful not to heat it too long, or it may dry out. Enjoy your cake, and savor every delightful bite!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying this delightful strawberry cake, it’s always good to be aware of the nutritional details! Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, with 20g of sugar and 10g of fat. However, keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline. If you’re watching your intake, you can easily make adjustments with substitutions. Enjoy the sweetness this cake brings while being mindful of your choices!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your cake. Fresh strawberries give that delightful burst of flavor, but frozen can be a great alternative when fresh ones aren’t available.
How do I know when my cake is done baking? A simple toothpick test will do the trick! Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready. Remember, every oven can be different, so keep an eye on it as it bakes!
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This strawberry cake keeps well for a few days. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just dust it with powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh look!
What can I serve with strawberry cake? This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with fresh berries on the side for an extra fruity touch!
Is this recipe suitable for beginners? Definitely! This strawberry cake recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for novice bakers. Just take your time, and enjoy the process!
Print
Classic Cake Recipes Strawberry: 7 Sweet Moments of Joy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful strawberry cake that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour.
- You can use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
- Try adding lemon zest for a refreshing flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cake recipes strawberry