The Ultimate Guide to Making Strawberry Cake from Scratch
Strawberry cake is a delightful dessert that brings the refreshing taste of fresh strawberries into every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a delicious treat, this homemade strawberry cake recipe will guide you through creating a cake that’s not only flavorful but also irresistibly moist. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, from choosing the right ingredients to frosting and decorating tips.
Why Strawberry Cake is a Must-Try Dessert
Strawberry cake has been a favorite for generations because of its fruity sweetness and light, fluffy texture. The combination of fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting makes for a balanced flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too rich. Additionally, strawberries add a vibrant pink hue to the cake, making it visually appealing.
For those who prefer using natural ingredients, this recipe is perfect since it uses real strawberries instead of artificial flavors. Moreover, the natural strawberry flavor is further enhanced with strawberry puree, creating a cake that bursts with fresh, fruity notes.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first look at some essential tips for choosing the best strawberries and preparing them properly. If you’re interested in learning more about how to select the freshest strawberries for this cake, check out this guide to choosing the best strawberries.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Cake
To make the best strawberry cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk
- A pinch of salt
- Cream cheese frosting for topping
To make sure the cake has a rich strawberry flavor, consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder in addition to fresh strawberries. This is a great way to intensify both the taste and color naturally. For more tips on properly storing your strawberries to keep them fresh, refer to this helpful resource on storing fresh strawberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cake
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start baking. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your cake comes out perfect:
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Before you start mixing the batter, it’s essential to prepare the strawberries. First, wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems. After that, puree them in a blender or food processor. Set the puree aside as you’ll be adding it to both the cake batter and the frosting.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and helps prevent lumps in the batter.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 4-5 minutes. Adding air to the batter is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture in your cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time. After each egg, ensure it is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Next, add the vanilla extract for a hint of additional flavor.
5. Incorporate the Strawberry Puree
Now, it’s time to bring in the fresh strawberry puree. Slowly add the puree to the mixture, stirring on low speed to make sure it blends smoothly. The strawberry flavor will start to infuse throughout the batter, creating the cake’s signature taste.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternating between the milk and the dry ingredients, slowly add both to the butter mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until the batter is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
7. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between greased cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
8. Cool the Cake Layers
Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool completely before you start frosting. Cooling on a wire rack will help prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Frosting and Decorating Your Strawberry Cake
No strawberry cake is complete without a delicious frosting. For this recipe, we recommend using a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting. Not only does it pair beautifully with the sweet strawberry flavor, but it also adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cake.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, followed by the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Decorating Tips:
- For a smooth finish, apply a thin crumb coat to the cake first, then refrigerate for 30 minutes before adding a final layer of frosting.
- Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, either whole or sliced.
- For a more sophisticated look, you can add white chocolate shavings or edible flowers.
How to Store Your Strawberry Cake
Storing your strawberry cake properly will ensure it stays fresh for days. If you plan to eat the cake within 24 hours, you can leave it at room temperature. However, for longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The cake will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Strawberry Cake
If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap the individual cake layers in plastic wrap before frosting. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the layers at room temperature, frost, and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen strawberries. However, make sure they are fully thawed and drained before using to avoid adding too much moisture to the cake.
How do I make the cake pink without using food coloring?
The natural pink color in this cake comes from the strawberry puree. If you’d like a deeper pink hue, you can also add a small amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the cake flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and your cake will still have the same great taste and texture.
Why is my cake too dense?
Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Make sure to mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Conclusion
Making a strawberry cake from scratch is easier than it seems, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide. With the right ingredients, careful preparation, and some creativity in decorating, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love. Plus, using fresh strawberries ensures that the cake is packed with natural flavor, perfect for any celebration or simple indulgence.
