Irresistibly Sweet Strawberry Cake From Scratch Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up this delectable strawberry cake from scratch with pure, fresh ingredients.

Childhood summers spent picking ripe berries inspired this magical dessert.

Fragrant strawberries blend perfectly with soft, tender cake layers that melt in your mouth.

Baking this treat becomes a delightful journey through flavor and nostalgia.

Carefully selected components create a masterpiece that celebrates seasonal fruit in every delicate bite.

Each slice promises a burst of natural sweetness and homemade comfort.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this incredible creation.

Strawberry Cake From Scratch That Steals The Show

• Savor Homemade Goodness: Strawberry cake bursts with pure, fresh flavor that beats any store-bought dessert.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and special celebrations where everyone craves a sweet treat.
• Master Baking Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe that teaches essential mixing techniques and introduces home bakers to from-scratch cake making.
• Customize with Creativity: Adaptable dessert allowing personal touches like adding fresh strawberry chunks or experimenting with glaze variations.

What You’ll Need For Strawberry Cake From Scratch

• Flour: A fundamental dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, moist cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.

• Buttermilk, Milk, Sour Cream: These dairy ingredients contribute to the cake's moisture and tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Strawberry Puree: Infuses the cake with a natural strawberry flavor and color.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: These ingredients help the cake rise and balance the flavors.

• Fresh Strawberries: Provide additional flavor and decorative element to the finished cake.

Bake Strawberry Cake From Scratch With Joy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, consistent blend.

Step 5: Introduce Fruity Flavors

Gently stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree, mixing until the batter takes on a delightful pink color.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Components

Carefully alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture. Stir gently to keep the batter smooth and prevent overmixing.

Step 7: Create Silky Texture

Fold in sour cream and milk, creating a luxurious, silky batter with a delicate pink hue.

Step 8: Add Fresh Strawberry Bits

Chop fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces and carefully fold them into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and create an even surface.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Finish with Flair

Once cooled, decorate with fresh strawberry slices or a light strawberry glaze if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Sweet Tips For Strawberry Cake From Scratch

• Select Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, bright red strawberries with no white or green patches for maximum flavor and sweetness in your cake.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss diced strawberries in a light coating of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat strawberries dry with paper towels before adding to the batter to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy.
• Enhance Strawberry Flavor: Boost the fruit's intensity by adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract or using freeze-dried strawberry powder in the mix.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Let ingredients like eggs and buttermilk reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smoother, more uniform cake batter.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Strawberry Cake From Scratch

• Chocolate-Strawberry Fusion: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder, creating a rich chocolate base that complements the strawberry flavor. Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
• Lemon-Strawberry Zinger: Incorporate lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice into the batter. Top with a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting to brighten the strawberry notes.
• Gluten-Free Berry Bliss: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Use xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain the cake's soft texture.
• Nutty Berry Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the batter. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the frosting for added crunch and nutty complexity.

Tasty Pairings For Strawberry Cake From Scratch

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Milkshake: A velvety vanilla milkshake complements the strawberry cake's fruity sweetness, creating a smooth and refreshing combination that enhances the dessert's delicate flavors.
• Serve Champagne Rosé: A light, crisp champagne rosé provides an elegant accompaniment, its subtle bubbles and berry undertones perfectly matching the strawberry cake's vibrant profile.
• Match Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of lavender earl grey tea balance the cake's fruity richness, offering a sophisticated and aromatic contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
• Recommend White Chocolate Mocha: A creamy white chocolate mocha creates a luxurious pairing, its sweet and rich undertones harmonizing beautifully with the strawberry cake's delicate texture.

How To Store Strawberry Cake From Scratch Right

• Store the strawberry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.
• Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or cover with a clean kitchen towel to protect from dust and maintain freshness.
• If storing individual slices, separate each piece with parchment paper before placing in an airtight container. This prevents sticking and helps preserve the cake's texture and flavor.

Your Strawberry Cake From Scratch FAQ Fix

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw and drain them completely, then pat dry to remove excess moisture before adding to the batter.

• How do I prevent strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the diced strawberries in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.

• What if I don't have buttermilk?

Create a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Strawberry Cake From Scratch Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful strawberry cake weaves homemade magic into each sweet slice, blending fresh berries with classic baking techniques. Moist layers crowned with luscious frosting promise a memorable dessert that will enchant you with its pure, simple elegance.

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Ingredients

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cake base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

fruit and flavoring:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

dairy and moisture:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer at medium speed for approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract and strawberry puree, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a smooth texture.
7. Fold in sour cream and milk, creating a silky, even cake batter with a delicate pink hue.
8. Dice fresh strawberries into small, uniform pieces and gently fold into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
11. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
12. Once cooled, decorate with additional fresh strawberries or a light strawberry glaze if desired.

Notes

• Check strawberry ripeness by selecting deep red, fragrant berries without bruises or soft spots for maximum flavor intensity.
• Sift dry ingredients twice to eliminate lumps and create an ultra-smooth, light cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure perfect creaming and even ingredient incorporation.
• Use full-fat buttermilk and sour cream to guarantee a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh longer and delivers rich taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg