Name: Fresh & Easy Strawberry Cake for Beginners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup milk; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Fresh & Easy Strawberry Cake for Beginners

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry cake is not only easy to make, but it’s also bursting with natural strawberry flavor. There’s no boxed mix or artificial flavoring here—just fresh strawberries blended into a buttery, fluffy batter. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or afternoon tea, and requires no fancy techniques or special tools. Even beginner bakers can pull this off beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Baking powder
Salt
Vanilla extract
Milk
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
Fold in half of the sliced strawberries gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the remaining strawberries on top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Strawberry Lemon Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of powdered sugar, top with a simple cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly.
Mixed Berries: Substitute half of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry version.
Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins for individual servings—adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store the strawberry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.

FAQs

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

Coat the sliced strawberries lightly with flour before folding them into the batter to help them stay suspended.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

What type of strawberries work best?

Fresh, ripe, and firm strawberries give the best flavor and texture. Avoid overripe or mushy ones.

Can I add a frosting to this cake?

Absolutely. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream both pair beautifully with strawberry flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A square 8×8-inch pan works well and may require slightly longer baking.

Is this cake suitable for layering?

It’s best served as a single-layer cake due to its soft, moist crumb. For layering, try doubling the recipe and using cake strips for even baking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it the day before and store it covered at room temperature. Add toppings just before serving.

What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

This Fresh & Easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that combines simplicity with homemade goodness. Whether you’re new to baking or just need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe will deliver every time. With its soft crumb, fresh fruit, and versatility, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.