Strawberry Cake

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its soft, fluffy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor. Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any celebration, this cake not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly. With layers of fresh strawberry purée and creamy buttercream, every bite is a burst of sweetness that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: Packed with real strawberry purée, each slice bursts with fruity goodness.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet treat any day of the week.
• Stunning Presentation: The pink layers and fresh strawberries create an eye-catching dessert.
• Creamy Buttercream Frosting: The smooth strawberry buttercream adds a rich finish that complements the cake perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious recipe, gather your tools to make the process seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Blender or food processor
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Electric mixer
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth strawberry purée that enhances both the cake and frosting.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, resulting in a light and fluffy batter.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess at the bottom.

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Ingredients

To create this delightful Strawberry Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (to be pureed)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup milk (room temperature)
• 1½ cups strawberry puree (from above)

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 cup strawberry puree (from above)

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Purée

Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth. You will use this both in the cake batter and the buttercream. This should yield about 2½ cups of strawberry purée.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to combine with wet ingredients later.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring a light texture in your cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract for added moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with milk. Start by adding some of the dry mixture first, then milk; repeat this process until everything is just combined without overmixing.

Step 7: Fold in Strawberry Purée

Gently fold in 1½ cups of the pureed strawberries into your batter until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Buttercream

In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time while alternating with small amounts of strawberry purée (a total of 1 cup). Beat in vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Adjust consistency as needed with more powdered sugar or purée.

Step 10: Assemble Cake Layers

Once cakes are cool, trim any domed tops if necessary. Spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one layer before placing another layer on top. Spread remaining buttercream over top and sides of layered cake.

Step 11: Garnish & Serve

Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired before slicing into pieces. Serve up your beautiful Strawberry Cake and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the taste buds. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Classic Presentation

• Plain Slices: Serve simple slices of Strawberry Cake, allowing the vibrant colors and flavors to shine through.
• Fresh Strawberries: Add whole fresh strawberries on the side for a refreshing touch and extra flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
• Strawberry Sorbet: For a fruity twist, serve with strawberry sorbet to intensify the berry flavor.

Creative Toppings

• Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy texture contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for a rich, decadent finish.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Dessert Board: Include slices of Strawberry Cake on a dessert platter alongside other treats like cookies and brownies for variety.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cake

Getting your Strawberry Cake just right can make all the difference. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.

• Bold Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for maximum flavor. The fresher they are, the better your cake will taste.
• Bold Measurements: Be precise with your measurements. Baking is a science, so accurate ingredient amounts are crucial.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Avoid over-mixing your batter; mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Bold Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and sliding of the buttercream.
• Bold Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Bold Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries complements the cake’s flavors beautifully.
3. Bold Lemonade: A refreshing drink that pairs well with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
4. Bold Mint Tea: The herbal notes from mint tea provide a soothing contrast to the strawberry sweetness.
5. Bold Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse creates a delightful flavor contrast with fruity cake.
6. Bold Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti adds texture and makes for an interesting pairing alongside cake slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry Cake, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can lead to an overly sweet and mushy cake. Always choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting the cake before it has cooled completely can cause it to crumble. Allow your cakes to cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Improper Measuring of Flour: Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Not Creaming Butter and Sugar Long Enough: Failing to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy can result in less airy cake. Beat them together for about 3-4 minutes to incorporate air properly.
• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can create a lumpy batter. Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start mixing.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake is fully cooled before wrapping or covering.

Freezing Strawberry Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan over low heat for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Strawberry Cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of your Strawberry Cake, use ripe strawberries and consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest when mixing the batter.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my Strawberry Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing them for the best results.

What can I substitute for sour cream in this Strawberry Cake recipe?

You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives that will still maintain moisture and flavor.

How do I prevent my Strawberry Cake from sinking?

To prevent sinking, make sure that your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing the batter after adding dry ingredients.

Can I customize my Strawberry Cake with other flavors?

Absolutely! You can add lemon zest or almond extract for additional flavors, or mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries!

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is not just a delightful treat; its soft texture and vibrant flavor make it perfect for any occasion. You have plenty of room for customization—try different fruit toppings or even layer it with whipped cream! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy each delicious bite!