Oh my goodness, let me tell you, this is *the best strawberry cake ever*! Seriously, it’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, and the texture is so light and fluffy that it practically melts in your mouth. I’ve made this cake for birthdays, picnics, and just because it’s Tuesday, and every single time, it’s a total showstopper! The combination of sweet strawberries and creamy frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to whip up again and again. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be convinced this is the only strawberry cake recipe you’ll ever need!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, preferably whole for richness
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed until smooth
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure for the best flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt, to enhance sweetness
How to Prepare the Best Strawberry Cake Ever
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cakes to bake evenly and rise beautifully! While that’s heating up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Then, dust them with flour, tapping out the excess. This ensures your cakes will slide out effortlessly after baking—no one wants a cake disaster!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this step adds air into the mix, making your cake nice and airy! Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the pureed strawberries. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overmix—keep it gentle!
Baking the Cakes
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to divide it evenly between the two prepared pans. Give the pans a little jiggle to settle the batter. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly!
Cooling and Frosting
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important—don’t rush it! If you frost them while they’re warm, the frosting will melt away, and we definitely don’t want that. Once they’re cool, go ahead and frost them with your favorite frosting and get ready to impress!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this cake is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Remember, this cake is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t stress too much about the numbers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
- Fresh strawberries make every bite burst with flavor—no artificial taste here!
- The cake is light and fluffy, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
- You can whip it up in just about 50 minutes from start to finish!
- It’s versatile—great for birthdays, picnics, or just because you’re craving something sweet.
- With creamy frosting on top, it’s the ultimate indulgence that satisfies every sweet tooth.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored easily and still taste amazing the next day.
Tips for Success
To make sure your strawberry cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh strawberries—they’re key to that vibrant flavor. Frozen strawberries just won’t give you the same juicy sweetness. If you can, pick some up from a local market; trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
Next, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly, creating that light, fluffy texture we all love. And when it comes to mixing, remember: don’t overmix! Just stir until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden.
Oh, and let’s talk about cooling! Make sure to let your cake layers cool completely before frosting. If you rush this step, you risk melting your frosting, and we definitely don’t want that! A little patience goes a long way here.
Lastly, feel free to get creative with your frosting! A simple whipped cream or a cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake, but you can also experiment with different flavors. Just have fun with it, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing dessert!
Variations
One of the best things about this cake is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or the occasion. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Frosting Options: While classic buttercream is always a hit, consider trying a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist. You could also whip up some fluffy whipped cream for a lighter topping, or even a chocolate ganache if you’re feeling indulgent!
- Add Nuts: For a little crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add a delightful texture and complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Fruit Variations: Swap out some strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry cake. You could also use a fruit purée in the frosting for extra flavor!
- Layer It Up: Want to make it even more special? Create a layered cake by adding a layer of strawberry jam or lemon curd in between the cake layers. It adds a nice surprise and extra moisture!
- Make It a Bundt Cake: Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan instead of the round pans. It’ll bake a little longer but will look stunning when you drizzle icing over the top!
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: For chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate-flavored cake, then decorate it with chocolate frosting and fresh strawberries on top.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas; the possibilities are endless! Just remember to have fun with it, and you’ll create something uniquely delicious every time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this amazing cake, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious. First, once your cake is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out, keeping that lovely moist texture we all adore. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or pop it in the fridge if you want it to last a bit longer—up to a week is perfect.
If you want to save it for even longer, you can freeze the cake! Just make sure to wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and it’ll be just as good as fresh!
Now, if you want to reheat a slice, I recommend using the microwave for a quick fix. Just pop it in for about 10-15 seconds; you want it warm but not hot. This will bring back the softness and make that frosting a little gooey again—yum! If you prefer, you can also warm it in the oven at a low temperature (about 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it! Either way, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to enjoy once more!
FAQ Section
How long does the strawberry cake last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, this cake can last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s cool before you store it, to keep that lovely moist texture!
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! This cake freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should be good for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
What’s the best frosting for this cake?
While I love a classic buttercream frosting, you can’t go wrong with a cream cheese frosting for a tangy kick. Whipped cream is also a fantastic option for a lighter touch. You could even drizzle some chocolate ganache on top for an indulgent twist!
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor, you can use frozen ones if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter. The taste might not be quite as vibrant, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake can be baked a day in advance. Just wrap the cooled layers in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, frost and decorate it for a fresh taste!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture. I’ve tried it, and it turns out wonderfully!
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever: 7 Sweet Secrets Inside
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
This is the best strawberry cake ever, perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla and strawberry puree.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool before frosting.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting.
- Consider adding whipped cream for extra richness.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 28g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: the best strawberry cake ever
