There’s something truly magical about baking a cake, especially when it’s a delightful strawberry cake! The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen is like a warm hug for your senses. This simple strawberry cake recipe is perfect for beginners, bringing together the joy of baking and the deliciousness of fresh fruit. You don’t need to be a pro to whip this up; trust me, if I can do it, you definitely can! With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll create a cake that’s not only tasty but also a showstopper for any gathering. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful adventure of cake recipes strawberry that will surely impress your friends and family!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – make sure to sift it for a light texture
- 1 ½ cups sugar – this will sweeten the cake beautifully
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup milk – whole milk works best for richness
- 3 eggs – large, and at room temperature for better blending
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – this helps the cake rise!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that lovely, warm flavor
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped – the star of the show!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Trust me, this process is as easy as pie—oops, I meant cake! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious strawberry cake in no time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a well-preheated oven helps the cake rise nicely.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and it’s where the magic begins!
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter. You’ll want this to be nice and creamy.
- In goes the vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another quick mix. Your batter is going to smell heavenly!
- Combine your dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This will help distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the cake.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk. I usually start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
- Fold in strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries with a spatula. This part is fun and colorful!
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—every oven is a bit different!
- Cool it down: Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super simple—perfect for beginner bakers!
- Deliciously moist and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
- Requires just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Great for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.
- You’ll impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your strawberry cake turns out perfect, here are some helpful tips! First, remember to use fresh strawberries; they really make a difference in flavor. If your butter isn’t softened enough, it can make mixing tricky, so don’t skip that step! Also, be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour—this can lead to a tough cake. Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing; this helps keep it from falling apart. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this strawberry cake recipe! For a tropical twist, try adding chopped pineapple or mango instead of strawberries. If you love nuts, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Want to take it up a notch? Swirl in some cream cheese frosting in the batter for a tangy surprise! You could even add a hint of lemon or orange zest to brighten the flavor. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this cake your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious strawberry cake, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will keep it from drying out and maintain its lovely moisture. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to enjoy it warm later, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’ll taste like it just came out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful strawberry cake, it’s good to know a bit about its nutritional content! Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Typically, one slice of this cake contains about 250 calories, with 8g of fat, 4g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It also has around 20g of sugar and 150mg of sodium. Remember, these are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your choices. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter, as excess moisture can affect the cake’s texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready! Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
What can I serve with this cake?
This strawberry cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you need it to be gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend!
Cake Recipes Strawberry: 7 Steps to Sweet Success
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a simple and delicious strawberry cake recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in the chopped strawberries gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
- Check the cake a few minutes before the timer goes off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cake recipes strawberry
