Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe

Craving a cake that bursts with fresh strawberry flavor? Many strawberry cakes fall short, often tasting artificial or lacking moisture. You need a homemade strawberry cake that’s both natural and delicious.

Imagine biting into a cake that’s perfectly moist and packed with real strawberries. The disappointment of dry, flavorless cakes can ruin your dessert experience. You deserve a recipe that delivers a true strawberry delight every time.

Introducing the ultimate homemade strawberry cake recipe! This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a moist, flavorful cake with real strawberry goodness. Enjoy a slice and savor the taste of fresh strawberries in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Puree

• 1 pound fresh strawberries

For the Cake

• 1 cup strawberry puree (from the recipe above)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Pink food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Preparing the Strawberry Puree

1. Puree the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulking your fresh strawberries. Place them in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Cook Down the Puree: Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces to about 3/4 cup. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once reduced, let it cool to room temperature or place it in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.

Making the Cake

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of strawberry puree, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate Butter: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the butter to the dry ingredients one tablespoon at a time on low speed. Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Increase to medium-high speed and mix for about a minute until light and fluffy.
5. Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Pour in the remaining wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring for a vibrant strawberry hue.
6. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. For even layers, consider using a kitchen scale to measure your batter.
7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use an offset spatula to smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prepare Strawberry Powder: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor and blend until they become a fine powder.
2. Mix Frosting Ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Stir in the strawberry powder and a pinch of salt.

Assembling the Cake

1. Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if needed to create flat surfaces.
2. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, followed by half of the chopped strawberries. Press the strawberries gently into the frosting.
3. Add the Next Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Use the remaining chopped strawberries and frosting to decorate.
4. Smooth and Pipe: For a smooth finish, use an offset spatula to spread frosting on the top and sides of the cake. Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to add borders and designs if desired. Top with a fresh strawberry for a finishing touch.

Tips for Success

• Fresh Strawberries: Make sure your strawberries are ripe and flavorful. If they’re out of season, consider waiting until they’re in peak season for the best taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
• Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting seems too soft, add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This homemade strawberry cake is a celebration of fresh strawberries in every bite. With a soft and tender crumb, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful dessert!