Easy Strawberry Cake: Simple Recipe & Baking Tips

Easy Strawberry Cake: Just the name conjures up images of sunshine, picnics, and pure, unadulterated joy, doesn’t it? Forget complicated baking techniques and hours spent in the kitchen. This recipe is all about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort, resulting in a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour.

Strawberry cakes, in their various forms, have been a beloved treat for generations. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of sweet strawberries and fluffy cake has graced tables across the globe, often associated with celebrations and the arrival of spring. Think of it as a modern twist on the classic strawberry shortcake, but in cake form!

What makes this easy strawberry cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart, the moist and tender crumb, and the vibrant pink hue that makes it a feast for the eyes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Enjoy it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or top it with a luscious cream cheese frosting – the possibilities are endless. But most importantly, it’s quick and simple, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dessert to impress. Get ready to experience the sweet taste of summer with every single bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

Preparing the Strawberry Cake Batter

1. First things first, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure you whisk it really well to evenly distribute the baking powder and baking soda. This will ensure our cake rises beautifully! Set this bowl aside for now.
2. Now, for the creamy goodness! In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) of softened unsalted butter and the 1 ¾ cups of granulated sugar. You’ll want to beat this on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which will contribute to a tender cake. Don’t rush it!
3. Time to add the eggs! Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs are in, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cake, so don’t skip it!
4. Now comes the fun part – combining the wet and dry ingredients! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup of buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. So, add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then ½ of the buttermilk, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
5. Finally, gently fold in the 2 cups of fresh, hulled, and chopped strawberries. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step to avoid crushing the strawberries. We want them to stay intact as much as possible so they release their delicious juices while baking.

Baking the Strawberry Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use baking spray with flour in it for easier cleanup. Make sure to coat the pan evenly to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. The batter will be quite thick, which is perfectly normal.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from overbaking. Ovens can vary, so it’s always best to check for doneness.
4. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This allows the cake to set slightly and prevents it from crumbling when you frost it.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients for the Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream (optional, for desired consistency)

1. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat together the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best results. This will prevent lumps in your frosting.
2. Gradually add the 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Start with 3 cups and add more as needed to reach your desired sweetness and consistency. Be careful not to add too much powdered sugar at once, as it can create a cloud of dust!
3. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want the frosting to be spreadable but not too runny.

Frosting and Serving the Strawberry Cake

1. Once the cake has cooled slightly in the pan, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can use an offset spatula or a butter knife to achieve a smooth finish.
2. If desired, garnish the cake with additional fresh strawberries. You can slice them and arrange them on top of the frosting for a beautiful presentation.
3. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the frosting firm up slightly and prevent it from smearing.
4. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Tips and Variations

• For a more intense strawberry flavor: Add a tablespoon or two of strawberry puree to the batter. You can make strawberry puree by blending a handful of fresh strawberries until smooth.
• Add a glaze: Instead of frosting, you can make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
• Use different berries: Feel free to substitute other berries for the strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to check the label to ensure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
• Make cupcakes: Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Frost the cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients blend together more easily and create a smoother batter.
• Grease and flour the pan well: This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.

Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cake!

Conclusion:

This Easy Strawberry Cake isn’t just another dessert; it’s a slice of sunshine on a plate, a burst of summer in every bite, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward instructions make it incredibly accessible, even for novice bakers. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this delightful treat, and that’s precisely why I’m so excited for you to try it!

What makes this cake so special? It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and the vibrant, juicy strawberries that permeate every layer. The light and airy texture, combined with the sweet and slightly tart flavor profile, creates a truly unforgettable experience. Forget complicated recipes with endless steps; this Easy Strawberry Cake is all about delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

But the best part? The possibilities are endless! While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to get creative and personalize it to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool creaminess perfectly complements the warm, fruity cake.

Looking for variations? Consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter for an extra zing. A sprinkle of chopped almonds or pecans on top before baking adds a delightful crunch. You could even experiment with different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a simple strawberry glaze by simmering fresh strawberries with a little sugar and water until thickened. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

For a more sophisticated presentation, you can bake the batter in individual ramekins to create mini strawberry cakes. These are perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. And if you’re short on time, you can even use a store-bought cake mix as a base and simply add the fresh strawberries. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect version of this classic dessert.

I’m confident that this Easy Strawberry Cake will become a new favorite in your household. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or simply a sweet afternoon snack. It’s also a wonderful way to use up those beautiful, ripe strawberries that are in season during the summer months.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake! I’m so excited for you to experience the joy of creating this delicious cake. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Please, share your photos, comments, and variations in the comments section below. Let me know what you think, what you changed, and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of your homemade Easy Strawberry Cake! I can’t wait to hear from you!