Name: Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup packed brown sugar; ½ cup sour cream; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 6 tablespoons butter, softened; 2 large eggs; Pinch up to 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries; ⅓ cup sliced almonds; Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 56 reviews

If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate the sweetness of spring, you’re going to adore this Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe. It’s a wonderfully dense but tender cake bursting with juicy fresh strawberries and topped with crunchy sliced almonds, creating a bite that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. Finished off with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, this cake perfectly balances sweet and nutty flavors, making it a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again when strawberries are in season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with a clear arrangement of baking ingredients in white bowls and round white plates. There are five bowls, three filled with light brown granulated ingredients, one with red berries, and the last with chopped nuts. Two eggs sit side by side on the surface near the bowls. A white plate holds a yellow block of butter, and two halved lemons are on a wooden spoon next to it. A small cup with a dark red liquid and a glass container with a golden liquid are placed nearby. A metal whisk and a gray cloth are also on the surface, adding to the baking scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, with each ingredient thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the cake’s moist texture, rich flavor, and inviting aroma. The blend of sugars adds natural sweetness and depth, while sour cream keeps the crumb tender and moist. Fresh strawberries bring in a burst of fruity freshness, and almonds lend a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.

Granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor for depth and moistness.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and gives a slight tang.
Vegetable oil: Contributes to a soft, moist texture without overpowering flavors.
Butter, softened: Adds richness and enhances flavor complexity.
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise beautifully.
Orange zest: Brightens the flavor with a fresh citrus note.
Vanilla extract: Introduces warm, inviting aroma and depth.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake.
Baking powder: Leavens the cake, making it light yet dense.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without dominating.
Sliced fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, bringing juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
Sliced almonds: Provide a lovely crunchy texture to the cake’s surface.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch springform pan or tart pan with baking spray to ensure your cake releases effortlessly. This simple step sets you up for success right from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Fats

In a stand mixer, blend together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, vegetable oil, softened butter, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything’s mixed evenly — this helps with an even crumb later.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial to avoid any lumps and to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout your batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into the Wet

With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat just until you see the flour disappear—overmixing can toughen your cake. Then gently fold in one cup of the sliced strawberries using a spatula, carefully preserving their shape and juiciness.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. An offset spatula works wonders here for a smooth surface. Next, gently press the remaining sliced strawberries onto the top. Finally, sprinkle with the sliced almonds, which will toast up nicely in the oven and add that irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your cake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. When it’s cool enough, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, then allow it to cool completely before slicing. For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe

A single slice of light brown cake with visible red strawberry pieces inside sits on top of a stack of four white plates, next to a silver fork. The cake slice is topped with thin pale almond slices and a light dusting of white powdered sugar. In the background, the larger remaining cake, with the same almond-topped surface and strawberries inside, is on a white cake stand. Two fresh strawberries with green leaves lie on a beige cloth beside the plates, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe with fresh whipped cream or a few extra strawberry slices on top for a vibrant, fresh look. Toasted almond slivers can be sprinkled on each slice for an extra touch of elegance and crunch that pairs beautifully with the cake’s tender crumb.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd can make your dessert experience truly indulgent. Light, fresh salads or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé also complement the cake splendidly if you’re serving it alongside other dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve this cake on a pretty tiered cake stand or surround it with edible flowers and fresh herbs like mint for a garden-fresh vibe. Alternatively, try layering slices with mascarpone and extra berries for a quick cake trifle that dazzles guests with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. The moist texture is best enjoyed within this time frame to fully appreciate the fresh strawberries and tender crumb.

Freezing

If you want to keep this cake longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve moisture and flavor.

Reheating

The cake is lovely served at room temperature, but if you prefer it warmed, gently heat a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the cake’s softness and elevates the almond aroma without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture, which could affect the cake’s consistency.

What type of almonds should I use?

Sliced almonds are best for this recipe because they toast nicely on top of the cake and add a delicate crunch. You can use raw or pre-toasted almonds, depending on your preference.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or plain yogurt for a similar tang and moisture level, but avoid non-dairy substitutes as they may change the texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. However, results may vary slightly, and it’s best to look for blends that contain xanthan gum for similar structure.

How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom?

Folding the berries gently into the batter and reserving some to press on top helps keep them evenly distributed. You can also toss the berries with a little flour before folding them in to reduce sinking.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Strawberry Almond Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Whether you’re welcoming spring, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet and homey, this cake hits all the right notes. It’s approachable, full of vibrant flavors, and has a texture that makes every bite memorable. Give it a try—you won’t regret bringing this charming cake to your table!