Strawberry cake brings joy to any occasion. This recipe creates a moist, flavorful cake bursting with fresh strawberries. You will love its simple steps and stunning results. Perfect for beginners or expert bakers. Follow along to bake your own how to make cake strawberry delight.
Ingredients for the Cake
Gather these items for the batter. They serve 8-10 people.
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
For the strawberry puree:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
These ingredients ensure a tender crumb and vibrant flavor. Use ripe strawberries for the best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking takes about 1 hour. Preheat your oven first.
Prepare the Strawberry Puree
- Start with the puree. Blend 1 cup hulled strawberries with 2 tablespoons sugar. Puree until smooth.
- Set aside ¼ cup for the frosting. Use the rest in the batter. This adds intense strawberry flavor without excess liquid.
Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Cream until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each. Mix in vanilla.
- Combine sour cream and milk in a small bowl.
- Add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternately with milk mixture. Start and end with flour. Mix on low speed. Fold in chopped strawberries and remaining puree. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter between pans. Smooth tops.
Bake the Cakes
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks. Cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
- Mix in ¼ cup strawberry puree and vanilla. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time. Beat until fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1 cup frosting on top.
- Add second layer. Frost top and sides. Use an offset spatula for smooth finish.
- Garnish with halved fresh strawberries. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Slice and serve. Enjoy the fresh strawberry taste.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake
Success comes from attention to detail. Follow these pro tips.
- Use room-temperature ingredients. Butter and eggs blend better. This creates even texture.
- Do not overchop strawberries. Small pieces prevent sinking.
- Puree adds moisture. Reduce puree if batter seems too wet.
- For vibrant color, add a drop of pink food coloring to frosting. Optional but fun.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 3 days in fridge. Or freeze slices up to 2 months.
- Bake at sea level? Adjust for high altitude. Increase flour by 2 tablespoons. Reduce baking powder slightly.
- Experiment with add-ins. Fold in white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Troubleshoot common issues. Cake dense? Check leavening freshness. Frosting too sweet? Add more puree.
These steps guarantee bakery-quality results at home.
Variations to Try
Keep it classic or switch it up.
- Strawberry Shortcake Style: Skip frosting. Layer with whipped cream and macerated strawberries.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, milk, and yogurt. Replace eggs with flax eggs.
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to batter. Top with chocolate ganache.
- Sheet Cake: Bake in 9×13 pan. Frost simply for crowds.
- Cupcakes: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18-22 minutes. Yields 24.
Each twist keeps the strawberry star.
Why This Recipe Works
Fresh strawberries shine here. Puree infuses every bite. Sour cream tenderizes the crumb.
Balanced sweetness prevents cloying taste. Buttermilk alternative? Use milk with lemon juice.
Science behind it: Acid from strawberries and sour cream reacts with baking soda. Creates lift and fluff.
Pro bakers love this method. Reliable every time.
Nutrition Information
Per slice (1/10th cake, frosted):
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 72g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 55g
Values approximate. Vary by ingredients.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain well first. Pat dry to avoid watery batter.
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How do I store the cake?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if not included.
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Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Oven too hot or door opened too soon. Ensure even baking and cool gradually.
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Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and almond milk. Adjust for taste.