Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
Imagine a slice of cake bursting with juicy berries, bathed in a soft, buttery crumb and topped with a delicate cloud of powdered sugar—this is what Fresh Strawberry Cake is all about. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a Sunday brunch, or just need an after-dinner pick-me-up, this cake is pure berry bliss. Every bite features vibrant pockets of fresh strawberries, tangy hints of lemon, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’ll make this recipe your go-to for strawberry season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Fresh Strawberry Cake is delightfully simple, but each ingredient truly shines. The star, of course, is the strawberries, infusing every bite with natural sweetness and color, while pantry staples come together to create a tender, flavorful crumb that lets the fruit do most of the talking.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy berries for the most flavorful, vibrant cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake structure and a soft, fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Lends a rich, moist base that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Whole Milk: Helps create a tender, well-balanced crumb.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens and enhances the berry flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the cake.
- Baking Powder: Ensures your cake rises light and fluffy.
- Baking Soda: Boosts leavening and helps the cake brown beautifully.
- Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness.
- Sour Cream: Keeps the crumb moist and slightly tangy for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Extra Strawberries (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and extra berry flavor on top.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): A pretty, delicate dusting for a bakery-style finish.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
First things first, hull and chop your fresh strawberries, then give them a quick toss with a tablespoon of flour. This clever little trick keeps the berries from sinking to the bottom of the batter, so every slice is studded with sweet fruit. Set them aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar. Get it light and fluffy—this step sets the tone for the whole cake, ensuring every bite is soft and perfectly sweet.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavors
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and luscious sour cream. These ingredients add both depth and tang, making your Fresh Strawberry Cake taste extraordinary.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This even distribution helps the cake rise consistently and keeps the crumb even.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with sips of milk. Always begin and end with the flour mixture for the best texture. Don’t overmix—just stir until the batter is lovely and smooth.
Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries
Now, gently fold in your floured strawberries. Take it easy with the spatula; you want to keep those vibrant pockets of fruit right where they belong.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell intoxicating! When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s done. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Fresh Strawberry Cake with extra halved strawberries on top for extra color and a juicy punch in every bite. A dusting of powdered sugar transforms it into a showstopper. If you’re feeling decadent, add a billow of fresh whipped cream!
Side Dishes
Fresh Strawberry Cake is stunning on its own, but think bright and simple: pair with a refreshing fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even some tangy lemon curd. The tartness and cold creaminess really bring out the cake’s fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Slice your cake into delicate wedges and serve on vintage plates, or cut into squares for a modern, casual look at a picnic. For a brunch buffet, layer thin slices in mason jars with cream for a fun parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Fresh Strawberry Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delightfully moist and flavorful for up to three days—if you can resist eating it all sooner!
Freezing
To savor summer a little longer, wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Fresh Strawberry Cake freezes beautifully for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
Enjoy your cake slightly warmed by microwaving a slice for ten to fifteen seconds. The berries will turn juicy and aromatic again, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw, drain, and pat them dry before chopping to prevent excess water from making the cake soggy.
Why do I need to toss the berries in flour?
Coating the berries in flour helps suspend them throughout the cake, so they don’t all sink to the bottom during baking. Nobody likes a cake with all the fruit at the base!
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter and sour cream with your favorite dairy-free versions, and use a non-dairy milk. You’ll still get a moist, delicious Fresh Strawberry Cake.
Can I make cupcakes instead of one cake?
Definitely! Divide the batter among lined cupcake tins, fill each about two-thirds full, and bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What’s the best way to know if the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center—when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Fresh Strawberry Cake is ready to cool and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If Fresh Strawberry Cake isn’t already part of your recipe lineup, it’s time to make room for this gem. It’s simple, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to bring out smiles wherever you serve it. So grab those berries and get baking—let this cake become your sweetest new tradition!
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Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this delightful Fresh Strawberry Cake. Made with juicy strawberries and a hint of lemon, this moist and tender cake is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Extra strawberries for garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the strawberries: Toss the chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and fold in the floured strawberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the cake pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and garnish: Let the cake cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Garnish with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, serve with whipped cream.
- Use very ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
