Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you crave desserts that celebrate pure, fresh fruit flavor, this Strawberry Cake will steal your heart! With bursts of juicy strawberry in every bite, this easy yet vibrant cake captures the essence of the season—no boxed mixes or artificial flavors in sight. Soft, buttery crumb, swirls of strawberry puree, and real bits of fruit make this classic treat as delightful for a birthday or potluck as it is for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Read on and discover how this Strawberry Cake can become a new tradition in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this showstopping cake is all about starting with the basics. Every ingredient plays a delicious role—some for structure, some for tenderness, and, of course, lots for that bold fruit flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to bring out the best in every bite:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation and gives the cake its moist, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Adds lift and helps your Strawberry Cake rise beautifully without being dense.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the sour cream to give just the right amount of fluffiness.
• Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness and highlights the strawberry notes.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures each bite is rich and velvety—be sure it’s room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while helping the butter whip up light and airy.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and create structure—add them one at a time for the smoothest batter.
• Sour cream: Makes the cake extra moist and gives a subtle tang that contrasts with the strawberries.
• Whole milk: Loosens the batter and adds even more richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out all the other flavors and gives a touch of warmth.
• Strawberry puree (from fresh or thawed frozen strawberries): The star! Purees give a saturated berry flavor and a lovely blushing hue.
• Diced strawberries: Little pockets of tart, juicy fruit are scattered throughout for bursts of freshness.
• Red food coloring (optional): If you want an extra rosy cake, just a drop or two makes it pop.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it well and dusting it with flour—or simply line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures your Strawberry Cake releases easily, keeping every crumb intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leaveners and salt, eliminating clumps and making sure your cake has consistent texture and gentle rise from edge to edge.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Proper creaming traps air in the butter for a lighter crumb, which is essential for a perfect Strawberry Cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before moving to the next. Add the sour cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. At this stage, your bowl should smell incredible! Mix until it’s smooth—don’t forget to scrape down the sides so everything is well blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Overmixing at this stage can toughen the cake, so stop once you don’t see flour streaks. The batter will be beautifully pink from the puree!

Step 6: Fold in Strawberries and Color

Gently fold in the diced strawberries, distributing them evenly. If you want a more vibrant color, add a drop or two of red food coloring now. The combination of puree and real fruit ensures every slice of Strawberry Cake is studded with berry goodness.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Your kitchen will fill with the most irresistible, jammy aroma!

Step 8: Cool

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps it set and prevents breakage. Then gently transfer it from the pan to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before adding any frosting or garnishing. Patience is key for the perfect Strawberry Cake texture!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar highlights the cake’s subtle pink hue, while a crown of whipped cream or a swoop of strawberry cream cheese frosting makes it unforgettable. Fresh strawberry halves add a burst of color and flavor. For maximum berry bliss, try a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of edible flowers for a magical touch!

Side Dishes

A fresh, tangy fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully with each slice. If you’re serving Strawberry Cake as an afternoon treat, offer a pot of tea or a cup of cold brew coffee alongside—the slight acidity will balance the cake’s sweetness and brighten the berry flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this classic into showstopping mini cakes by baking the batter in cupcake tins and topping each with a swirl of pink frosting. For a celebratory twist, layer two cakes with a strawberry cream cheese filling. Or transform leftovers into a delightful trifle, layering cake cubes with whipped cream and more strawberries in a glass dish—guaranteed to wow your guests every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Cake fresh, wrap any leftover slices snugly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Thanks to the moisture from the strawberries and sour cream, the cake stays soft and tender even after sitting awhile.

Freezing

If you’d like to savor this cake later, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll keep for up to two months. Let the cake thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy another round of Strawberry Cake magic.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked experience, warm a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If your Strawberry Cake was frozen, allow it to thaw first, then reheat gently. This brings back the cake’s soft texture and amplifies those wonderful strawberry flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the frozen strawberries completely, then drain off excess liquid before pureeing or dicing. This will prevent your Strawberry Cake from becoming too wet while still delivering plenty of berry flavor.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

Nope! The strawberry puree adds a natural blush to the cake on its own. The food coloring is just for a brighter, more vibrant look, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a subtle, natural pink.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just remember that texture might vary slightly—be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results in your Strawberry Cake.

What kind of frosting goes best with Strawberry Cake?

Strawberry cream cheese frosting is a dreamy match! You can also try vanilla buttercream, whipped cream, or keep it simple with just a dusting of powdered sugar for a light touch.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

This usually happens if the cake is underbaked or if the batter was overmixed. Double check for doneness with a toothpick, and always gently mix the batter so the structure stays airy and sturdy.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a slice of Strawberry Cake baked from scratch—fresh strawberry aroma swirling through the kitchen and that first forkful bursting with real fruit flavor. Whether you frost it, stack it, or simply savor it warm from the oven, I promise this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again. Don’t wait for berry season to roll around—give this Strawberry Cake a try today and bring a little extra happiness to your table!

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