Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to celebrate the sweetness of summer, this easy strawberry cake is the perfect choice. Bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with a creamy frosting, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will love. It’s ideal for gatherings, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup
– Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
– Salt: ½ teaspoon
– Unsalted butter: ½ cup (softened)
– Eggs: 2 large
– Whole milk: 1 cup
– Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
– Fresh strawberries: 1 cup (sliced)
– Confectioners’ sugar: for dusting
Prep Time
Preparation for this cake takes about 20 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients and preparing the cake batter.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for the cake is approximately 25-30 minutes. In total, you can expect the entire process—from prep to baking—to take around 50-60 minutes. This recipe yields a delicious cake that serves approximately 8-10 people, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Beat the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Add the Strawberries
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the Batter
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Cakes
Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost the Cakes
Once the cakes have cooled, frost with your choice of whipped cream or frosting. Decorate with additional strawberries if desired.
Notes
Storage
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions
You can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Make Ahead
The cake can be baked a day in advance. Simply wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to frost and serve.
Cook techniques
Choosing the Right Strawberries
Selecting ripe, sweet strawberries is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the cake. Look for bright red strawberries with a natural shine and a sweet aroma.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Properly creaming butter and sugar will incorporate air into the mixture, leading to a light and fluffy cake texture. Beat them together until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Measuring Flour Accurately
Use the spoon and level method to measure flour accurately. Avoid packing the flour into the measuring cup to prevent a dense cake.
Adding Eggs
Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition to ensure even incorporation into the batter. This helps create a smooth and homogenous mixture.
Mixing the Batter
Mix the batter just until combined and avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough cake. Stop mixing as soon as there are no dry ingredients visible.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking. This allows the cake to rise properly and develop a good texture.
Testing for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This indicates that the cake is properly baked.
Cooling the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy and helps maintain its structure.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
How can I store the leftover strawberry cake?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Can I substitute other fruits for strawberries?
Certainly! You can substitute with other berries or fruits, but be mindful of their moisture content, as it may affect the batter.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking.
What can I use as a frosting alternative?
You can serve the cake with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light glaze as a delicious alternative to traditional frosting.
Conclusion
This easy strawberry cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a moist and fluffy cake base. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a birthday celebration, this recipe highlights the natural flavors of strawberries, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can create this lovely dessert and impress family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Strawberry Shortcake
Layer your strawberry cake with whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries for a classic shortcake twist.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Incorporate chocolate elements, such as cocoa powder or chocolate chips, for a rich and decadent chocolate-strawberry variation.
Lemon Strawberry Cake
Add a touch of lemon zest or lemon juice to the cake batter for a refreshing citrus complement to the strawberries.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Create a luscious strawberry cheesecake by blending cream cheese, sugar, and strawberries for a creamy twist on the traditional cake.
Strawberry and Vanilla Layer Cake
Alternate layers of strawberry cake with vanilla buttercream for a beautiful and flavorful layer cake.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities while still enjoying this delightful dessert.
Vegan Strawberry Cake
Replace eggs and dairy products with plant-based alternatives to create a delicious vegan version of this strawberry cake.