There’s something truly special about a cake made with fresh strawberries. The vibrant color, the sweet aroma, and the delicious taste of strawberries combine to create a dessert that is both beautiful and delectable. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a delightful treat, this Fresh Strawberry Cake is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fresh Strawberry Cake is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites:

• Fresh and Fruity: The use of fresh strawberries infuses the cake with a natural sweetness and a burst of fruity flavor.
• Moist and Tender: The cake has a perfect crumb, thanks to the combination of fresh strawberries and a moist cake batter.
• Versatile: This cake can be served as a simple snack, a delightful dessert, or a show-stopping centerpiece for special occasions.
• Homemade Charm: Making a cake from scratch using fresh ingredients brings a homemade charm that store-bought cakes simply can’t match.

Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Cake

To make this delicious Fresh Strawberry Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Frosting:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling racks

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake

Follow these steps to create your Fresh Strawberry Cake:

Preparing the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Strawberries: Hull and dice 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries. Set aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Strawberry Frosting:

1. Prepare Strawberries: Puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
3. Add Puree and Vanilla: Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract to the butter, mixing until combined.
4. Add Sugar and Salt: Gradually add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
2. Decorate: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, if desired.
3. Serve: Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the fresh strawberry flavor in every bite.

Storing Leftovers

Fresh Strawberry Cake can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect Fresh Strawberry Cake:

• Fruit Variations: Substitute fresh strawberries with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.
• Layer Cake: Make a three-layer cake by dividing the batter among three 8-inch pans and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a hint of citrus flavor.
• Whipped Cream Frosting: For a lighter frosting, substitute the buttercream with whipped cream sweetened with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk and sour cream?

Buttermilk and sour cream add moisture and a slight tang to the cake, enhancing its flavor and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. For the sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the frosting, you can add a bit more butter or a pinch of salt. Alternatively, you can use a cream cheese frosting, which has a tangier flavor and is less sweet.

What are some good pairings for Fresh Strawberry Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine. For a full dessert experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Conclusion

Fresh Strawberry Cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that brings the taste of fresh strawberries to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes!