Dreamy Strawberry Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Paradise

Sweet summer memories dance through this irresistible strawberry cake recipe that captures fresh flavor in every delectable bite.

Layers of moist, tender cake infused with vibrant strawberry essence create a dessert that sings of pure indulgence.

Ripe, juicy strawberries weave their magic throughout this heavenly cake, promising a delightful experience for anyone who loves fruity desserts.

The delicate crumb and luscious strawberry notes blend seamlessly, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Soft, pillowy cake layers embrace a generous filling of bright strawberry goodness.

Each slice promises a moment of pure bliss that will transport you to sunny afternoons and joyful gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with this stunning strawberry cake that turns ordinary moments into something truly spectacular.

Present Your Strawberry Cake Like a Pro

• Dreamy Party Platter: Arrange cake slices on a beautiful platter with fresh strawberry halves scattered around, creating a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests.
• Brunch Bliss: Serve alongside a light mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a delightful weekend morning treat that feels extra special.
• Dessert Duo Delight: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream topped with a fresh strawberry for an indulgent experience that elevates the cake's natural sweetness.
• Romantic Date Night: Plate individual slices with a drizzle of strawberry coulis and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, perfect for an intimate dessert that's both elegant and irresistible.

Keep Strawberry Cake Fresh & Fluffy

• Cake Freshness Shield: Store the strawberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping its delightful moisture and soft texture intact.
• Refrigeration Magic: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, extending its delectable life while maintaining its rich flavor profile.
• Freezing Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient dessert option.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cake layers in advance and freeze them flat between parchment paper sheets. Thaw completely before assembling and frosting, saving precious time during busy meal preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 12

Best Strawberry Cake Ever Ingredient Guide

• Fresh Strawberries: Vibrant, ripe berries bring natural sweetness and intense fruity flavor to the cake, ensuring maximum taste and color.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy cake structure and creates tender crumb for perfect texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy foundation and helps create smooth, tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create soft, moist cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to cake's richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and complements strawberry flavor.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create soft, delicate cake texture.
• Sour Cream: Introduces tanginess and ensures incredibly moist, tender cake.
• Red Food Coloring (Optional): Enhances cake's visual appeal with vibrant pink hue.

Tools to Bake a Strawberry Cake That Shines

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Key for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Saucepan: Needed to reduce strawberry puree.
• 9-inch cake pans: Two pans required for even cake layers.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are crucial.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping and mixing batter.

Whipping Up the Best Strawberry Cake

• Strawberry Sauce Magic

Simmer fresh strawberries in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until naturally reduced. Allow the vibrant sauce to cool completely.

• Oven Prep

Warm your oven to 350F. Grease cake pans and dust with flour to ensure easy cake release.

• Butter Bliss

Cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, creating a silky base for your cake.

• Egg Dance

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for an aromatic boost.

• Batter Harmony

Fold in the cooled strawberry sauce, creating a rosy-hued mixture. Alternate adding flour mixture, milk, and sour cream, stirring just until ingredients combine.

• Baking Brilliance

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.

• Cooling Finale

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling before adorning with your favorite frosting.

Strawberry Additions & Decorating Tips

• Strawberry Sensation Secrets: Baking Brilliance
• Strawberry Perfection Tip: Choose super-ripe, deep red strawberries for maximum flavor intensity and natural sweetness in your cake.
• Moisture Magic Technique: Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture that can ruin the delicate strawberry essence.
• Freezer Fruit Hack: Freeze fresh strawberries when they're in peak season, then use them year-round for consistent, concentrated strawberry puree.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace milk and sour cream with coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt for a luscious vegan version that maintains the cake's creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cake layers in advance and freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month, ensuring stress-free party preparation.

Heavenly Strawberry Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delectable strawberry cake highlights seasonal berries in a moist, layered dessert perfect for summer celebrations. Luscious cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberry garnish complete this irresistible sweet treat for passionate bakers.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder (or ¼ cup strawberry puree)
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 23 tbsps heavy cream or milk
• Few drops of red food coloring (optional, for a deeper pink color)
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Strawberry Puree Preparation: Simmer strawberries in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, reducing liquid to concentrate flavors. Cool puree completely to room temperature.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans, ensuring complete coverage to prevent adhesion.
3. Dry Ingredient Composition: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
4. Butter Mixture Technique: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Wet Ingredient Integration: Add eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract, ensuring complete mixture.
6. Batter Finalization: Fold cooled strawberry puree into wet ingredients. Alternate adding flour mixture, milk, and sour cream. Optional: enhance color with red food coloring for vibrant pink appearance.
7. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter into prepared pans, smoothing surfaces. Bake for 28-32 minutes, testing doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into cake center.
8. Cooling and Finishing: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Allow complete cooling before frosting or decorating.

Notes

• Concentrate Strawberry Flavor: Slowly reduce strawberry puree to intensify natural sweetness and create deeper, more robust flavor profile for the cake.
• Prevent Cake Sticking: Meticulously butter and flour cake pans, ensuring complete and even coverage to guarantee smooth cake release without tearing.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to maintain tender, light crumb and prevent developing tough, dense cake structure.
• Customize Dietary Options: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter for gluten-free or dairy-free versions of the strawberry cake.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg