Introduction
Who needs a fancy bakery when you can whip up this unbelievably delicious strawberry cake at home? This recipe takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into a moist, fluffy, and intensely flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion – from a casual weeknight dessert to a celebratory birthday bash! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple-to-make masterpiece.
Why This Works
This Easy Strawberry Cake recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between ease and deliciousness. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, requires minimal baking skills, and delivers a stunningly moist and flavorful result every single time. The fresh strawberries add a bright, juicy burst of summer that perfectly complements the tender cake. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable – feel free to experiment with different variations!
Key Ingredients
🍓 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
🍰 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥚 3 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
🍯 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
🥄 2 teaspoons baking powder
🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍓 ½ cup strawberry preserves (optional, for extra strawberry flavor!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is key to a tender cake! Use an electric mixer for best results.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6️⃣ Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. If using, stir in the strawberry preserves.
7️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10️⃣ Once cooled, frost and decorate as desired!
Handy Tips
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- If your strawberries are too juicy, gently pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. This will prevent your cake from becoming soggy.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. If your oven runs hot, you may need to reduce the temperature slightly and check for doneness earlier. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is baked through.
Crunch Factor
This cake is delightfully moist and tender, not crunchy. The fresh strawberries add a juicy burst of texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake crumb.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra-moist cake, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or buttermilk to the batter.
- To intensify the strawberry flavor, macerate the strawberries in a tablespoon of sugar for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. This draws out the juices and enhances the flavor.
- Make it a layer cake! Use your favorite frosting to create a beautiful layer cake!
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake makes a wonderful gift! Package individual slices in pretty boxes tied with ribbons, or present the whole cake on a decorative cake stand.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Strawberry Cake: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the batter.
🌟 Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Coconut Strawberry Cake: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
🌟 Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the strawberries in the frosting recipe with cream cheese and sugar.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
- Cake is gummy: You may have underbaked it. Next time, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cake fell: You may have opened the oven door too soon, or the oven temperature was uneven.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
- Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! Use your favorite frosting recipe.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and frost it just before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy Strawberry Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! With its simple ingredients, easy instructions, and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us on Rate My Recipes! Happy baking!