why make this recipe
Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that brings the sweetness of fresh strawberries into every bite. It’s perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just a special dessert at home. The combination of moist cake and fluffy strawberry whipped cream makes it irresistible. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and create a cake that is fresh and flavorful. There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a cake yourself, and this one is sure to impress family and friends.
how to make Homemade Strawberry Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced for frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk and strawberry puree, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in diced strawberries.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the strawberry whipped cream.
- Decorate with additional fresh strawberries if desired. Enjoy!
how to serve Homemade Strawberry Cake
Serve your Homemade Strawberry Cake at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped cream. You can also slice it into generous pieces and serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For special occasions, consider garnishing each slice with a fresh strawberry for an elegant touch.
how to store Homemade Strawberry Cake
To store your Homemade Strawberry Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Homemade Strawberry Cake
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. The riper they are, the sweeter your cake will be.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If you want to add more strawberry flavor, you can add a bit of strawberry extract to the batter or frosting.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
variation
If you want to change things up a bit, you can use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor. You can also try adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Q: How can I make the cake gluten-free?
A: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but they should be thawed and drained of excess liquid before making the puree and frosting. Fresh strawberries will give the best taste and texture though.