Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cake is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the use of fresh strawberries or strawberry puree, which infuses the cake with a natural, fresh flavor. The cake’s fluffy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly tangy frosting, making each bite irresistible. It’s a simple yet impressive cake to make, and it can easily be customized with fresh fruit or your favorite cake decorations. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday or a casual gathering, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream (or whole milk)
1/2 cup strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries or use store-bought puree)
1/4 cup milk

For the Strawberry Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup strawberry puree (same as used for the cake)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to reach desired consistency)

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

Directions

For the Cake:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate dry ingredients and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Add strawberry puree: Stir in the strawberry puree until evenly incorporated. This will give the cake its beautiful pink color and fresh strawberry flavor.
Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add the strawberry puree and vanilla: Stir in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Frost the cake: Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

Variations

Use fresh strawberries: For a fresher flavor, you can use fresh strawberries to make the puree for the cake and frosting.
Add strawberry slices: Garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices on top for an extra burst of color and texture.
Make it a layer cake: For a more dramatic look, slice each cake layer in half horizontally to create a four-layer cake, and fill with frosting and extra strawberry puree between layers.
Add a cream cheese frosting: For a tangier frosting, you can substitute part of the butter in the frosting with cream cheese. This works well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Try different fillings: Add whipped cream or strawberry jam between the layers for added richness and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Strawberry Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days, though the frosting may firm up when chilled. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them and blend them until smooth. Drain excess liquid before using them in the recipe for the best consistency.

Can I use a box cake mix instead of homemade cake?

Yes, you can use a box cake mix for a quicker option. Just add the strawberry puree to the batter, and follow the instructions on the box for baking. You can also substitute part of the liquid in the box recipe with the strawberry puree for added flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the fridge. Frost the cake just before serving.

How can I make the cake more moist?

The sour cream and milk in the recipe help create a moist cake, but to ensure maximum moisture, you can brush the cake layers with a little strawberry syrup or milk before frosting.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Can I use a different flavor of fruit for the cake?

Absolutely! You can use blueberry, raspberry, or even peach puree in place of the strawberry puree for a different fruit-flavored cake. Just make sure to adjust the puree quantity to achieve the same consistency.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cake is a simple, delicious, and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender texture, fresh strawberry flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to delight your guests or family members. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this strawberry cake is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty and flavor of fresh strawberries in a cake.

Strawberry Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients