Fresh strawberries are like nature’s candy, bursting with sweetness and a hint of tartness, inviting you to indulge. Imagine biting into a slice of Fresh Strawberry Cake, the soft sponge cradling juicy berries that dance on your taste buds and make you feel like you’re sitting in a sun-drenched strawberry field. sweet strawberry bread This cake is not just dessert; it’s a celebration, perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat.
Growing up, my grandmother made this Fresh Strawberry Cake every spring when strawberries were at their peak. The aroma wafting from the oven felt like a warm hug, and I could hardly wait to dig in. As she would say, “Life is short; eat the cake!” And boy, did we take her advice to heart. Trust me; once you try this cake, you’ll find yourself making excuses to whip it up for all occasions! For more inspiration, check out this white chocolate strawberry truffles recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Fresh Strawberry Cake is incredibly easy to prepare; even beginners can impress their friends with this gem.
- The flavor profile bursts with fresh strawberries that meld beautifully with the light vanilla cake.
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors and creamy frosting, it steals the show at any gathering.
- It’s versatile enough to be served as a light dessert after dinner or as a delightful treat during brunch.
Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness; they should be bright red without any white spots.
Cake Flour: Using cake flour gives the cake a tender crumb. If unavailable, all-purpose flour works too but may yield a denser cake.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a rich flavor and helps achieve a fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture; use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile beautifully—skip imitation if you can!
Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise perfectly without being too dense.
Heavy Cream: Whipped cream is used for frosting—choose heavy cream for rich and stable whipped topping.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and slice about one cup of fresh strawberries. Set them aside to let their juices flow while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until everything blends perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while alternating with milk (or cream) until smooth.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in your prepared strawberries into the batter—don’t overmix! You want those beautiful strawberry chunks throughout your cake.
Step 6: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Once baked, let them cool completely before frosting!
To serve, layer each cooled cake round with whipped cream frosting between them and on top! Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for an extra pop of color!
And there you have it—a slice of heaven that will make any day feel like a special occasion!
You Must Know
- This delightful Fresh Strawberry Cake is more than just a treat; it captures the essence of summer in every bite.
- The luscious strawberries and fluffy cake come together for a dessert that dazzles at any gathering.
- Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply because you can.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by prepping your ingredients: wash and slice those fresh strawberries, then whip up the cake batter. Bake the cake while the strawberries marinate in sugar. Finally, assemble your masterpiece by layering cake with whipped cream and strawberries for a stunning presentation.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist. Add a splash of lemon juice to the whipped cream for zing or drizzle chocolate on top for an indulgent treat. Personalize it to your heart’s content!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed cold after chilling for a bit. Avoid freezing to maintain texture; this cake deserves to shine in its original form!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
- Don’t skip marinating the strawberries; it enhances their flavor immensely.
- Layering with whipped cream right before serving keeps everything fresh and visually appealing!
Sometimes I whip up this Fresh Strawberry Cake just to see my friends’ eyes light up—it’s like magic! They always ask for seconds, and who am I to deny them?
FAQs :
What is the best way to store Fresh Strawberry Cake?
To keep your Fresh Strawberry Cake delicious and moist, store it in an airtight container. If you plan to eat it within a couple of days, simply place it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. delicious strawberry shortcake This method preserves the flavor and texture well. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I use frozen strawberries for Fresh Strawberry Cake?
While fresh strawberries provide optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before adding them to the batter. Frozen strawberries may make your cake slightly denser, but they will still impart a delightful strawberry taste.
How long does Fresh Strawberry Cake last?
Fresh Strawberry Cake typically lasts about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Ensure it is covered with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you freeze it, the cake can last up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers.
Can I make Fresh Strawberry Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Fresh Strawberry Cake one day before serving. Bake and cool the cake completely, then store it properly in the refrigerator. Consider frosting it just before serving for the best appearance and texture. This way, your cake remains fresh and appealing for your guests. For more inspiration, check out this best strawberry shortcake recipe.
Conclusion for Fresh Strawberry Cake :
In summary, making a Fresh Strawberry Cake is an enjoyable process that results in a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Ensure you use ripe strawberries for optimal flavor, and consider various storage methods to keep your cake fresh longer. strawberry cheesecake cookies Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation. cream cheese frosted cupcakes Enjoy every slice!
Fresh Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Fresh Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its fluffy vanilla cake layered with juicy, ripe strawberries and luscious whipped cream, this cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply to brighten up your day. Easy to make yet visually stunning, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together cake flour and baking powder. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients alternating with milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with whipped cream and layering with additional strawberries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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