Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for everything fruity, fresh, and downright irresistible, then this Strawberry Cake Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your baking day. Packed with luscious strawberry puree and a tender crumb, this cake captures the true essence of strawberry goodness, perfectly balanced with a creamy, dreamy frosting. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a sweet moment to savor, this Strawberry Cake Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to baking delights that brings plenty of smiles to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every incredible cake starts with simple ingredients that play a starring role in flavor, texture, and color. In this recipe, each item is carefully chosen to build moistness, add fruity brightness, and create a frosting that feels like a cloud of sweetness to complement the cake’s berry essence.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): Provides the perfect structure to hold everything together while keeping the cake light and fluffy.
• Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Gives the cake its wonderful rise for a soft, airy crumb.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with the acidic strawberry puree to ensure a tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping with the crumb’s fine texture.
• Egg whites (4 large): Lighten the batter for a soft, delicate cake without heaviness.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a subtle warmth that complements the strawberries perfectly.
• Whole milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and richness, giving the cake a silky texture.
• Fresh strawberry puree, reduced (½ cup): The star of the recipe, infusing the cake with real strawberry flavor and a lovely blush color.
• Pink food coloring (optional): For that pretty, soft pink hue to make your cake as stunning as it tastes.
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Gives the frosting tang and creamy indulgence.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Adds richness and body to the frosting’s silky texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the cream cheese with a sweet aroma.
• Pinch of salt: Cuts through sweetness to bring harmony to the frosting flavors.
• Powdered sugar (6 to 7 cups, sifted): Creates that fluffy, smooth frosting that’s sweet but not overpowering.
• Fresh strawberry puree, reduced (¼ cup): Swirled into the frosting for extra fruity brightness.
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tablespoons): A unique garnish that adds a pop of green freshness and subtle herbal note.

How to Make Strawberry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so the layers come out easily once baked. This prep step ensures your cakes bake evenly and release smoothly when cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. This step is essential to make sure every bite rises evenly and has a uniform texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and full of air. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and creates the perfect base for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

One at a time, incorporate the egg whites into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Milk and Strawberry Puree

In a separate bowl, gently mix the whole milk with the reduced fresh strawberry puree. This liquid blend will infuse the batter with vibrant color and that fresh berry tang.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. This gradual process keeps the batter smooth and prevents overworking the gluten, ensuring a tender final cake.

Step 7: Add Color

If you want that perfectly pink hue, now’s the time to add a few drops of pink food coloring until you reach the shade you love. It’s a fun way to make your strawberry cake as visually stunning as it is tasty.

Step 8: Divide Batter and Bake

Split the batter evenly between your prepared pans, spreading it out gently. Pop the pans into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—trust this simple test over timing alone.

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.

Step 10: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes cool, whip the room temperature cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and sifted powdered sugar gradually, mixing until the frosting is velvety smooth. Fold in the reduced strawberry puree for a luscious, fruity finish that ties the whole cake together.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing your strawberry cake is where creativity takes the lead. Fresh strawberry slices on top add an inviting pop of color and natural sweetness. Don’t overlook a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley—its unexpected freshness enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a lovely green contrast against the pink frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with light accompaniments like a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the fruity flavors. Fresh berries or a simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake during dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Try layering the cake slices with extra strawberry jam between the layers for a jammy surprise. Alternatively, serve mini slices on delicate dessert plates with edible flowers or dust powdered sugar around the serving dish for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your strawberry cake leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days if wrapped tightly or kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cream cheese frosting from drying out and preserves the strawberry freshness.

Freezing

If you want to save some cake for later, slice it and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Frozen strawberry cake slices last up to 2 months and thaw beautifully in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

When ready to serve frozen cake slices, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Since this is a chilled cream cheese frosting cake, it’s best served slightly chilled or at room temperature rather than heated to maintain its texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberry puree?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries completely, drain excess water, and then puree. Make sure to reduce the puree to concentrate the flavor so your cake stays moist and delicious.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or similar binder to maintain the cake’s structure.

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will work, but it may yield a denser texture. Egg whites lighten the batter and keep this strawberry cake wonderfully airy, so for best results stick with the egg whites as outlined.

How do I get the frosting to be thick but spreadable?

Be sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing, and sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk; too thin, add more powdered sugar until you get the perfect consistency.

Can I make this cake into cupcakes?

Definitely! Adjust baking time to about 18-22 minutes and fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full. The same delicious flavors translate beautifully into individual servings.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fresh flavor, beautiful color, and that homemade love that only comes from baking with care. Whether you share it with friends, family, or keep a slice just for yourself, this cake will bring a little sweetness and joy to any day. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked on its fruity, fluffy charm before the first bite is even finished!

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