Imagine walking into a sunlit kitchen where the sweet aroma of strawberries dances in the air. The vibrant red hue of a freshly baked Homemade Strawberry Cake beckons, promising an explosion of flavor with each bite. strawberry shortcake kabobs This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of summer, sunshine, and those fleeting moments that make life deliciously sweet.
Growing up, my family had this tradition: every June, we would spend an afternoon picking strawberries at the local farm. We’d return home with baskets overflowing and laughter echoing through the house. decadent Brooklyn blackout cake It was only natural to transform those juicy gems into a mouthwatering Homemade Strawberry Cake that became the star of our summer gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Homemade Strawberry Cake is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion
- The burst of fresh strawberry flavor will have everyone asking for seconds
- Its stunning visual appeal adds charm to any dessert table and can be easily customized with your favorite frostings or toppings
One summer, after making this cake for a family reunion, I still hear my cousin’s squeal of delight as she took her first bite. gooey creme egg cookies It’s moments like those that make baking worthwhile.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they should be fragrant and deep red.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best; sift it for a lighter texture in your cake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can adjust according to your taste preferences.
Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures your cake rises beautifully; check the expiration date!
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier creaming with sugar; it adds richness.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; ensure they are at room temperature for better mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor complexity; avoid imitation if possible.
Milk: Whole milk gives the cake moisture and tenderness; alternative milks work too.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray, ensuring easy release after baking.
Prep the Strawberries: Rinse and hull about 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Slice them finely and set aside so they can release their juice while you prepare the batter.
Create the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes—enjoy those lovely buttery smells!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined—your batter should start looking glorious!
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Mix gently until just combined to keep that airy texture.
Add Strawberries: Fold in the prepared strawberries gently into the batter using a spatula—this step is crucial! You want to keep those chunks intact for bursts of strawberry goodness in every slice.
Bake Your Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—don’t forget to check that golden brown top!
Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring cakes onto wire racks to cool completely—this prevents sogginess at the bottom while cooling.
Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting or whipped cream and garnish with extra strawberries on top. Serve this beauty at your next gathering or simply enjoy it alone because who doesn’t deserve cake?
This Homemade Strawberry Cake brings back memories while creating new ones! My family still enjoys it during summer picnics or cozy evenings when we crave something sweet. rhubarb strawberry crisp Each bite tells a story—a reminder that life truly is sweeter with homemade treats!
You Must Know
- Homemade strawberry cake is a delightful treat that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly
- The vibrant red color and fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, making it the star of any gathering
- This cake is not just visually appealing but also incredibly moist and flavorful!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix your dry ingredients first, then cream the butter and sugar before gradually adding eggs and strawberries.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries with other berries or add lemon zest for a refreshing twist. You can also experiment with different frosting options, like cream cheese or whipped cream.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover homemade strawberry cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Delight Cake Roll recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a fluffy cake, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep it light and airy
- Bake the cake until lightly golden on top for perfect doneness without drying it out
Baking this homemade strawberry cake brings back memories of summer picnics with my family. We devoured slices while sharing laughs, making it truly special.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for homemade strawberry cake?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I prevent my cake from sinking?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing to maintain volume.
What frosting pairs best with strawberry cake?
Cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully!
Homemade Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful summer treat that encapsulates the essence of sunny days and fresh strawberries. This moist, flavorful cake bursts with juicy strawberry pieces and is perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Topped with your favorite frosting or whipped cream, this cake is sure to impress and create sweet memories with every slice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the strawberries by rinsing, hulling, and slicing them finely; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture alternating with milk until just combined.
- Fold in the prepared strawberries gently.
- Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating lemon zest or using other berries as substitutes. This cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
