Strawberry cake is a delightful dessert that combines the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries with the rich, moist texture of a perfectly baked cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this strawberry cake recipe is sure to impress. Follow these steps to create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups (400g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
Instructions
Making the Strawberry Puree:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Hull and chop 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
- Cook the Puree: In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Blend and Cool: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Blend the mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. Allow the puree to cool completely before using it in the cake and frosting.
Making the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the cooled strawberry puree until well incorporated.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
- Add Cream, Vanilla, and Strawberry Puree: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of cooled strawberry puree. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level the Cakes: If necessary, level the tops of the cakes using a serrated knife.
- Frost the First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the first. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Frost the Cake: Apply the remaining frosting to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Decorate: Decorate with fresh strawberries, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all the ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps to create a smooth, even batter.
- Measuring Flour: Properly measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
- Strawberry Puree: Make sure the strawberry puree is completely cool before adding it to the batter and frosting to prevent the mixture from becoming too runny.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry cake, a treat that’s perfect for any occasion!