If you’re searching for a delightful treat that brings the fresh, sweet essence of ripe berries right into your kitchen, this Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a luscious, moist cake packed with juicy strawberries, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving an irresistible dessert, this recipe combines approachable ingredients and straightforward steps to help you create strawberry magic effortlessly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results means using simple, quality ingredients that each play an essential role in the cake’s flavor and texture. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the vibrant fresh strawberries, every component has its place in making this cake truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure to give your cake a light but stable texture.
- Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, ensuring your cake rises to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness while helping to keep the cake moist.
- Unsalted butter: Should be softened to room temperature for easy creaming, adding richness and tenderness.
- Eggs: Using large, room temperature eggs helps bind ingredients and adds moisture.
- Whole milk: Brings moisture and richness to the batter, contributing to the cake’s soft crumb.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped and folded gently into the batter, they give the cake its signature burst of juicy flavor and vibrant color.
How to Make Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour your cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure your cake layers come out smooth and intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent and seasoning so your cake rises evenly and tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer or a sturdy whisk, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process not only makes the cake tender but also incorporates air to help with the rise.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual mixing helps the eggs fully incorporate, creating a silky batter that will make your cake moist and smooth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into your butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients for the best texture. Mix gently but thoroughly to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Lastly, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries with a gentle hand. This keeps the berries intact, sprinkling the cake with vibrant spots of color and juicy bursts that make every bite special.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries on top are an absolute must to highlight the cake’s main ingredient. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar to create an inviting, elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of fresh berry compote, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for those who indulge in decadent combinations.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake as layered slices with alternating whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a spectacular visual and flavor experience. You can also cut it into adorable cupcakes for parties or arrange bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen feels warm, storing it in the fridge will help maintain freshness.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let the cake come to room temperature before serving. Avoid overheating to keep the strawberries fresh and moist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and brightness, frozen strawberries can be used if thawed well and drained thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
Is this cake suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe is designed to be straightforward and approachable, perfect for first-time bakers looking to impress with minimal effort.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Also, the cake should bounce back slightly when gently pressed.
Can I substitute the whole milk with another type of milk?
You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative like almond or oat milk, but keep in mind the texture and flavor may be slightly different. For the best richness, whole milk is recommended.
What frosting pairs best with this strawberry cake?
Light and fluffy whipped cream or a simple cream cheese frosting complements the strawberry flavors wonderfully without overpowering the cake’s delicate sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe from scratch, especially when it fills your kitchen with that inviting aroma of fresh strawberries and sweet cake. It’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself. Once you do, you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved classic in my recipe collection!
Print
Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simple Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that blends fresh strawberries into a tender cake base. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe yields a soft, flavorful cake with a light crumb, that can be enjoyed plain, frosted, or served alongside whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Whole milk
Additional
- 2 cups Fresh strawberries (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pans: Grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure proper incorporation and smooth batter.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This helps to maintain a smooth, well-balanced batter.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to distribute them evenly without breaking them down too much, preserving their texture and flavor.
- Fill Pans: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and ease of frosting.
- Frost or Serve Plain: Once cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting or serve it plain accompanied by whipped cream or ice cream for an enhanced dessert experience.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve with additional fresh strawberries on top to add a fresh and vibrant touch.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and even baking.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- This cake can be frozen after baking and cooling; wrap tightly to preserve freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
