Oh boy, summer is officially here, which means it’s the perfect time to whip up my favorite dessert: Homemade Strawberry Cake! There’s something magical about this cake that instantly transports me back to my childhood, standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, bathed in sunlight, as I watched her bake cakes with luscious strawberries. Every slice of this cake is like a hug—sweet, moist, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. Whenever I bake this, I can’t help but smile as the aroma fills my home. It’s a delicious reminder that warm days are meant for sweet treats shared with loved ones.
One of the things I absolutely adore about this cake is how simple it is to make, yet it’s always a showstopper at gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family barbecue, or just a Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up, no one can resist a slice. Plus, the vibrant pink frosting adorned with fresh strawberry slices makes it look like a work of art. So, let’s get our aprons on and jump into the world of homemade strawberry bliss!
What’s in Homemade Strawberry Cake?
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cake. I always use King Arthur Flour for its consistent quality.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness essentials! You could experiment with brown sugar for a slight caramel flavor, though the classic white sugar is divine.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to perfection. I recommend using high-quality butter like Grass Fed, which brings out the rich flavor.
- Whole milk: This helps keep our cake moist. You can substitute with buttermilk for added tanginess, which pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Eggs: These give the cake structure and richness. I prefer using organic eggs for rich color and flavor.
- Baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps our cake rise beautifully!
- Vanilla extract: Always go for pure vanilla extract. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Pureed fresh strawberries: The star of our show! Nothing beats the taste of fresh strawberries, especially when they’re in peak season.
Is Homemade Strawberry Cake Good for You?
Well, here’s the scoop: while this cake is a heavenly indulgence and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s not exactly a health food. The pureed fresh strawberries do provide some vitamins and antioxidants, giving it a slightly nutritious touch. However, the granulated sugar and butter do add up in calories, so you might want to enjoy it in moderation. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider reducing the sugar a bit or swapping in a sugar substitute. And hey, always remember to savor every delicious bite—you deserve it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 8-10 strawberries)
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake?
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans—this will ensure our cakes slide right out without any fuss!
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. It’s a workout for those arm muscles but totally worth it!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and strawberry puree—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste!
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; we don’t want to overthink this!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for that professional look.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—this is the moment where kitchen anticipation builds!
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Then, add the heavy cream, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for about 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. You’re doing great!
- Finally, garnish the top with fresh strawberry slices for that finishing touch—it’s a beauty!
Sweet Tips for Your Strawberry Delight!
- For an extra delightful surprise, consider adding a layer of fresh strawberries between the two cake layers!
- This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
- Store any leftovers in the fridge—just make sure you cover it well to keep that frosting fluffy!
And there you have it! A stunning Homemade Strawberry Cake that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. You can even tag me in a picture of your creation! So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this sweet, slice of summer bliss! Happy baking!
