The Ultimate Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe: Your Go-To for Any Occasion
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delightful as it is simple, look no further! This easy strawberry cake recipe will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds. Bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, this cake is perfect for summer picnics, birthday parties, or any sweet occasion. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about how to make this delightful treat, along with tips and variations to make it your own!
A Slice of Strawberry Heaven
Strawberry cake has long been a favorite in many households, especially during the warmer months when strawberries are at their peak. The light, moist crumb and the layered sweetness of fresh fruit make this cake a timeless classic. Not only is it a beautiful centerpiece for any table, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it an excellent choice for novice bakers and experienced chefs alike. Plus, the aroma of baking strawberries is out of this world!
Ingredients
To whip up this delicious strawberry cake, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Additional diced strawberries, for garnish
This list contains everything you need for the best strawberry cake recipe! Fresh strawberries will truly elevate the flavor, so make sure to choose ripe, juicy ones.
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps of how to make this delectable strawberry cake.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until combined. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
Step 3: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- While the cakes cool, prepare the vanilla frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream. Mix until you achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, add additional diced strawberries, then place the second cake on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with extra strawberries.
Tips and Variations
- Add Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Berry Mix: Substitute half of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry cake.
- Whipped Cream: For a lighter version, opt for whipped cream as the frosting instead of buttercream.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
This easy strawberry cake recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Conclusion
Now that you have the ultimate guide to making a perfect strawberry cake, it’s time to pick a day to bake! Trust us, your family and friends will love this flavorful treat. Try it out, and let us know how it turned out! Happy baking! 🍓