There’s something irresistibly delightful about a homemade strawberry cake that captures the essence of summer in every bite. The vibrant pink hue, the sweet fragrance of fresh strawberries, and the moist, fluffy texture create a dessert that is not only a feast for the eyes but also a true indulgence for the palate. Whether it’s for a birthday, a potluck, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy on a rainy day, strawberry cake holds a special place in baking traditions and hearts alike.

Making a strawberry cake from scratch elevates this beloved dessert to new heights. While store-bought options may offer convenience, the flavors and textures achieved by using fresh, high-quality ingredients can’t be matched. Crafting a cake from scratch allows bakers to adjust flavors, control sweetness, and incorporate their own creative twists, resulting in a personalized dessert that truly reflects their tastes.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history behind strawberry cake, the quintessential characteristics of a good cake, and the essential ingredients that make it sublime. From selecting the ripest strawberries to the tools you’ll need for baking, we’ve got you covered. Finally, we will share a step-by-step recipe that guarantees a moist and flavorful strawberry cake from scratch, along with tips for customizations, variations, and storage. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade treat they won’t forget!

Understanding Strawberry Cake

The history of strawberry cake can be traced back to the early 19th century when fresh strawberries became more accessible due to advancements in transportation and agriculture. This vibrant dessert likely started as a way to showcase the season’s harvest and has since evolved into a beloved staple in American baking. During the spring and summer months, strawberry cake takes center stage at celebrations, picnics, and family gatherings, representing warmth and nostalgia. Its popularity has inspired countless variations across different cultures, with each adding unique touches to the traditional recipe. Today, it remains a symbol of summertime sweetness and a testament to the greatness of seasonal ingredients.

A good strawberry cake is defined by its flavor, texture, and appearance. The most delightful cakes achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and fruity freshness, allowing the strawberries to shine without overwhelming the palate. The texture should be moist and tender, achieved through careful mixing to avoid overworking the batter. Visually, a stunning strawberry cake boasts a captivating pink hue, often complemented by decadent frosting and fresh strawberry slices for decoration. Ultimately, the characteristics of a great strawberry cake create an experience that is as beautiful to behold as it is enjoyable to eat.

When it comes to ingredients, traditional strawberry cake recipes often feature simple, high-quality staples: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and fresh strawberries. However, modern bakers have introduced various twists, such as substituting coconut milk for a dairy-free version, incorporating lemon zest for an added citrus brightness, or using almond flour for gluten-free options. This flexibility allows for unique flavor combinations while still honoring the classic elements that make strawberry cake such a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or experiment with inventive variations, the key is to focus on using the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available.

Preparing for the Best Strawberry Cake

To create the most delicious strawberry cake, preparation is key. This section focuses on selecting the right strawberries and ensuring you have the necessary tools and equipment on hand for a smooth baking experience.

Selecting the Right Strawberries

Choosing the right strawberries can make all the difference in your cake’s flavor and overall quality. Here are some tips to guide you:

Types of Strawberries: Look for varieties like June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral strawberries. June-bearing strawberries often have the richest flavor, making them ideal for baking.
What to Look For: Select strawberries that are bright red, firm, and unblemished. Avoid those that are overly soft or have dark spots, as they may be overripened or spoiled.

Tools and Equipment Needed

Having the right tools can streamline the baking process. Here’s a list of essential kitchen tools you’ll need:

Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
9-inch round cake pans
Cooling rack
Offset spatula for frosting
Knife for slicing strawberries

The Best Strawberry Cake Recipe from Scratch

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a moist and flavorful strawberry cake:

Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed

Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your strawberry cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened 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 a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the pureed strawberries gently until evenly incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a mixer until creamy.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Add the milk, vanilla extract, and pureed strawberries, blending until smooth and fluffy.

Assembly of the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece:

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first layer.
Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Decorate with fresh strawberry slices for an added touch of elegance.

Tips for Success

Ensure the best results by keeping the following tips in mind:

Check doneness using a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Store the finished cake in the refrigerator, especially if using fresh fruit in the frosting.

Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch

This delightful strawberry cake is made from scratch using fresh strawberries, creating a light and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. Topped with a luscious strawberry frosting, it will satisfy any sweet tooth and impress guests at gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

2 8-inch round cake pans
1 mixing bowls
1 electric mixer or whisk
1 rubber spatula
1 measuring cups and spoons
1 cooling rack
1 parchment paper
1 sifter

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 cups granulated sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
4 cups powdered sugar
0.25 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix using an electric mixer or whisk until you achieve a smooth batter.
Gently fold in the pureed strawberries until evenly distributed.
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the pureed strawberries, mixing until smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the frosting, mixing until combined.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Decorate with additional fresh strawberries, if desired, and slice to serve.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries.

This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

You can make the cake layers a day ahead and frost them before serving for convenience.

Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch: A Delicious Homemade Delight

Understanding Strawberry Cake