This Irresistible Strawberry Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a luscious strawberry frosting. It’s made with real strawberries, giving it a naturally sweet and fruity flavor that will impress everyone. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving something sweet and fruity, this strawberry cake is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups)
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups)
- Eggs (3 large)
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
- Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, pureed)
- Buttermilk (1 cup)
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- Fresh Strawberries (1/2 cup, pureed)
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups, sifted)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
- Make the Strawberry Puree: To prepare the strawberry puree for both the cake and the frosting, wash and hull 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries. Puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside 1 cup of puree for the cake and 1/2 cup for the frosting.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Mix in 1 cup of the strawberry puree until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Gradually add 1/2 cup of strawberry puree and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing until combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, beating on low speed until incorporated. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh strawberries or strawberry slices for a beautiful finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this irresistible strawberry cake to your guests, and watch it disappear in no time!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Sugars: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for the puree, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent the cake from becoming too watery.
2. Can I make this cake in a 9×13-inch pan?
Yes, you can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will be slightly longer, around 30-35 minutes. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.
3. How do I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
4. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then frost the cake before serving.
5. Can I add food coloring to the cake?
If you want a more vibrant pink color, you can add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the batter. The natural strawberry puree will give the cake a slight pink hue.
6. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let it soften at room temperature before frosting the cake.
7. What can I serve with the strawberry cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh strawberry sauce.
8. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
9. Can I add more fruit to the cake?
For extra texture, you can fold diced strawberries into the batter before baking. You could also layer sliced strawberries between the cake layers along with the frosting.
10. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
This Irresistible Strawberry Cake is a fruity, flavorful, and eye-catching dessert that will bring a smile to anyone who tries it. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the sweet taste of fresh strawberries in every bite!