Sweet & Fluffy Strawberry Cake Recipe: Homemade Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through my strawberry cake recipe, tempting taste buds with vibrant fruit and delicate crumb.

Ripe berries burst with natural sweetness, promising a dessert that feels like pure joy.

Seasonal harvests inspire this simple yet elegant treat perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Classic techniques blend with fresh ingredients to create something magical on your plate.

Delicate layers whisper of countryside picnics and grandmother’s cherished traditions.

Soft peaks of frosting complement the bright, tangy fruit nestled within each slice.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible confection.

How to Keep Strawberry Cake Fresh and Moist

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add fresh strawberries after reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them completely before pureeing to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.

• How do I know if my cake is properly mixed?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a consistent pale pink color from the strawberry puree and gelatin.

• What if I don't have strawberry gelatin?

You can substitute with vanilla gelatin or omit it, but the intense strawberry flavor will be reduced. Consider adding extra strawberry puree to compensate.

Why Strawberry Cake is Pure Joy

• Burst with Berry Delight: Create a stunning strawberry cake that packs an incredible fruity punch, bringing vibrant flavors and natural sweetness to every single bite.
• Simple Baking Magic: Craft this showstopping dessert with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even beginner bakers can master without stress.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Wow guests at birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings with a gorgeous pink-hued cake that looks professionally made but comes together easily in your own kitchen.
• Customizable Creativity: Adjust the recipe by adding food coloring for deeper color or garnishing with fresh strawberries to make the cake uniquely yours, ensuring a personalized touch every single time.

Ingredients for Sweet Strawberry Cake

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Strawberry Gelatin: Enhances strawberry flavor and adds vibrant color to the cake.
• Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a moist cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic background flavor.
• Pureed Strawberries: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and adds natural moisture.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to enhance the cake's color.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth and creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the frosting's flavor.
• Pureed Strawberries: Infuses the frosting with fresh strawberry taste.

How to Bake Perfect Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep the Baking Stage

Heat your oven to a cozy 350F.

Grab three 8-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Fluffy Base

• Sugar
• Strawberry gelatin
• Butter

Whip these ingredients until they become light and airy, almost cloud-like.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

This helps create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Add Strawberry Magic

Stir in vanilla extract and pureed strawberries.

For a more vibrant color, you can add a few drops of red food coloring.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Craft the Creamy Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar, whipping until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 9: Finish the Frosting

Mix in vanilla extract and pureed strawberries until well combined.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 11: Final Touch

Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.

Slice, serve, and savor your homemade strawberry masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Strawberry Cake Success

• Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the most intense, sweet taste that will elevate the entire cake's profile.
• Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help the cake rise evenly and maintain a perfect texture.
• Skip artificial food coloring by using more pureed strawberries or adding a small amount of beet juice for a vibrant pink hue.
• Chill cream cheese and butter briefly before mixing to create a smoother, more stable frosting that spreads easily and holds its shape.
• Store the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain freshness, bringing it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Creative Twists on Strawberry Cake

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Strawberry Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil, and cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce strawberry gelatin amount to minimize sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Berry Celebration: Substitute milk with almond milk, butter with vegetable oil, and cream cheese frosting with coconut cream-based frosting.

Serving Strawberry Cake with Style

• Sweet Strawberry Bliss: Top strawberries in a decorative pattern around cake edges for a stunning visual presentation.
• Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack individual cake slices in cute mason jars for outdoor gatherings or potlucks with friends.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled moscato or rosé wine to elevate the strawberry cake's delicate flavor profile.
• Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Create an elegant dessert table display by adding fresh mint leaves and edible flowers around the cake for a sophisticated touch.

Strawberry Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful strawberry cake blends sweet, tangy flavors in a classic dessert that celebrates summer’s bounty. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a memorable treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients (Cake):

• 1 12 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 package (3 ounces/85g) strawberry-flavored gelatin
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 12 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 12 cup (120 milliliters) pureed fresh strawberries

Supplementary Ingredients (Cake):

• 2 12 teaspoons baking powder
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring (optional)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 12 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 14 cup (60 milliliters) pureed fresh strawberries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend sugar, strawberry gelatin, and butter until achieving a pillowy, aerated consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition.
4. Separately combine flour, baking powder, and salt through whisking. Gradually fold into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, initiating and concluding with dry ingredients.
5. Infuse mixture with vanilla extract and incorporate strawberry puree. Optional: enhance color with red food coloring.
6. Distribute batter uniformly across prepared pans, then bake for 25-30 minutes until a testing skewer emerges clean when inserted.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks for complete temperature reduction.
8. Prepare frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until seamlessly smooth.
9. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, creating a light, voluminous texture.
10. Blend vanilla extract and strawberry puree into frosting until thoroughly combined.
11. Once cakes have completely cooled, apply frosting between layers and across entire cake surface.
12. Optionally embellish with fresh strawberries and serve immediately.

Notes

• Maximize strawberry flavor by using ripe, in-season berries for more intense taste and natural sweetness.
• Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and better cake texture.
• When folding pureed strawberries, avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s light and airy consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg