Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m super excited to share my strawberry cake recipe with you. This cake is a delightful treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make—perfect for beginners! I remember the first time I baked it; the sweet aroma of strawberries filled my home, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just looking for a sweet way to end the day, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get started on this simple and scrumptious journey together!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delightful strawberry cake. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to find everything!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Granulated sugar works best for that sweet, fluffy texture!
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before mixing to achieve that creamy goodness.
- 1 cup milk: I prefer whole milk for the richness, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- 3 large eggs: They should be at room temperature for better blending!
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent, giving the cake that lovely rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances the flavor; it’s totally worth it!
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: The star of the show! Make sure they’re ripe for the sweetest taste.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a scrumptious strawberry cake that’s sure to brighten your day! Let’s move on to the fun part—preparing it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s dive into making this lovely strawberry cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful cake in no time.
Preheat and Prepare Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them with a bit of unsalted butter or cooking spray, then dust them lightly with flour. This little trick helps keep your cakes from sticking and makes for easy removal!
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Now it’s time to cream the butter and sugar together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the mixture for a nice, airy cake. Just be careful not to overmix; once you see that lovely texture, you’re good to go!
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, it’s egg time! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to ensure they blend in smoothly. After you’ve added all the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla is just heavenly, isn’t it? It really elevates the flavor of the cake!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, measure out your flour and baking powder. Whisk them together to combine, which helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour. This step is super important for a uniform rise in your cake!
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry mix, then pour in half of the milk, and keep alternating until everything is combined. Remember, it’s key not to overmix here! Just stir until you don’t see any dry flour—lumps are totally okay!
Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in those luscious sliced strawberries. Use a spatula to carefully lift the batter and mix it with the strawberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them down. You want those beautiful berry chunks to shine in your cake!
Bake the Cakes
Now for the baking magic! Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time is vital—it’ll make frosting and serving so much easier!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to ensure your strawberry cake turns out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love! If you forget to take it out in advance, you can pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds—just be careful not to melt it!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, remember that overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll bake out!
- Fresh Strawberries Matter: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will elevate your cake’s flavor significantly. If they’re a bit bruised or past their prime, they may not give you that sweet burst we’re after.
- Oven Thermometer: If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature accuracy, consider using an oven thermometer. This can help prevent any baking mishaps and ensure your cake bakes just right!
- Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. If they’re still warm, the frosting can melt and slide right off—oops!
- Check for Doneness: When you insert the toothpick, make sure it comes out clean. If it has a few moist crumbs, that’s okay, but if there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a delicious strawberry cake that’s sure to impress! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delightful strawberry cake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This strawberry cake is a sweet treat, so it’s perfect for enjoying in moderation. It’s light, fluffy, and packed with delicious strawberry flavor, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the strawberry cake recipe? No worries! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you out. Let’s dive in!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your batter. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch!
How can I tell when my cake is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready! If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this strawberry cake in advance?
Yes, you can! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Just wait to frost until you’re ready to serve for the best results.
What frosting goes well with strawberry cake?
A classic choice is cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast! You could also use whipped cream or a simple buttercream. Feel free to get creative with your frosting choice!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no! This can happen if the batter is overmixed or if the oven temperature is too low. Ensure you mix just until combined and check your oven’s calibration to avoid this issue next time!
How should I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover strawberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m always here to help you create the best strawberry cake ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners or those short on time.
- Deliciously Light: The cake is light and fluffy, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or dress it up with your favorite frosting or toppings for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serves 8, making it a great dessert for family gatherings or get-togethers with friends.
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavors to make it your own!
- Impress Your Guests: This cake is sure to wow anyone who tastes it, making you the star of the dessert table!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked your scrumptious strawberry cake, let’s talk about how to serve it for a truly delightful experience! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert game:
- Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top adds a lovely creaminess that complements the strawberries beautifully!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible.
- Fruit Compote: Drizzle a homemade strawberry or mixed berry compote over each slice for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a great way to use up any extra strawberries!
- Chocolate Ganache: If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate ganache can add a rich contrast that pairs surprisingly well with the fruity flavor.
- Coconut Cream: For a tropical twist, top your cake with coconut cream or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor!
- Mint Leaves: Garnish each slice with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing taste that brightens up the whole dessert.
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your strawberry cake alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. The flavors blend beautifully and create a cozy atmosphere.
Whatever you choose to serve with your strawberry cake, just know it’s going to be a hit! Enjoy every bite and the wonderful company around you!
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Strawberry Cake Recipe: 7 Simple Steps for Beginners
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious strawberry cake recipe that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the sliced strawberries gently.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter; it should be just combined.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry cake recipe
