This Strawberry Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory. I remember my grandma making it every summer, the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of strawberries and warm vanilla. It was always the highlight of our family picnics, and honestly, it puts every other cake (yes, even chocolate!) to shame. Think of it as the lighter, brighter cousin of a classic vanilla cake, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor in every single bite. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make – even easier than a box mix, and infinitely more delicious.

What is strawberry cake?

Strawberry Cake, at its heart, is a simple cake elevated by the addition of fresh, juicy strawberries. Is it a vanilla cake that gets an upgrade from the inclusion of chopped nuts? What is the best way to finish a strawberry batter? Think of it as sunshine on a plate! The name comes from the obvious – it’s a cake starring strawberries! What’s essentially summer baked into a delicious treat? What are some of the best dinner parties ever? Is it just sweet?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of my favorite reasons to eat strawberry cake?FlavorIs strawberry flavor irresistible? Is it sweet, tangy, and perfectly balanced with the vanilla cake? What is the best taste of a mango?SimplicityWhat are some of the easiest cakes to make? How can I make a perfect cake? What’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor?Cost-: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! Fresh strawberries are the star, but even those are relatively affordable, especially when they’re available online. What is a delicious treat that won’t break the bank?Versatility: This Strawberry Cake is perfect for any occasion – from a casual brunch to a special celebration. You can dress it up with Whipped Cream and extra berries or keep it simple with just the glaze. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
I personally love that this cake is so nostalgic for me. It reminds me of those carefree summer days at my grandma’s. Plus, it’s a total winner when I need a dessert that impresses with minimal effort. This beats any store-bought cake any day. And if you liked my lemon blueberry cake, just wait until you try this one!

How do you make a strawberry cake?

Quick Overview

How do you make a strawberry cake? I’ll start by preparing the batter, which includes chopped fresh strawberries for that amazing flavor. I can’t wait to try it. How do I bake a brownie until golden brown and then let it cool? How do you make a strawberry glaze? Is it a simple process that requires no special skills or fancy equipment? What’s your go-to cake recipe?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s fresh! Old flour can give the cake a weird taste.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what makes the cake light and fluffy, so don’t skip it!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature butter is key for a smooth batter.
• 1 cup milk: I’ve tried this with almond milk, and it works great too! It actually makes it even creamier.
• 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the cake.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A must for that classic vanilla flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy berries for the best flavor.

For the Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it to avoid lumps. • 1/4 cup strawberry puree: Mix well. I often use frozen strawberries when it’s not strawberry season! • 1-2 tablespoons milk: Add gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I always line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. It’s a lifesaver! Is it safe to bake a cake?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. What are the best leavening agents for cakes?

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the mixture must be light and fluffy. I use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious!

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. What should I do if I overmix my cake? Gently fold in the chopped strawberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. I usually check it around the 30-minute mark. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and milk until smooth. Set aside. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cake but thin enough so that it doesn’t drip easily.

Step 7: Glaze & Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. If you like, you can add more fresh strawberries for decoration if desired. Slice and serve. I like to let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing, but that’s just personal preference!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ideas for taking this strawberry cake to the next level?For Breakfast:What is a good way to start the day? I like to serve a small slice alongside yogurt parfait for satay breakfast.For Brunch:Serve with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. Add a side of fresh fruit for an elegant presentation. Mimosas are a perfect brunch beverage to compliment the cake.As Dessert:Dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries. What is the perfect after-dinner treat? I also like to add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of bread with cold milk or warm cocoa. What is the perfect snack for a rainy day? Growing up, my family always had it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I still do that, honestly! What are some of the best summer desserts to serve with grilled peaches?

How do I make a perfect strawberry cake?

How do I make a perfect strawberry cake?Strawberry Prep: WhatWhy use fresh ripe strawberries? Wash and hull the strawberries before chopping them into small pieces. Avoid using frozen strawberries in the batter, as they can make the cake soggy. Is frozen strawberries fine for puree?Mixing Advice:Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.Baking Tips:What are the best ways to keep an eye on a cake while it’s baking? When a wooden skewer is inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, it is done!Glaze Variations:For a richer glaze, use cream cheese instead of milk. Can you add almond extract to the glaze for extra flavor?Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry jam in the batter. Just reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to compensate for the sweetness of the jam. You can also use other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries.
Butter Temperature:Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. How do I make a smoother batter? If you forgot to take butter out of the fridge in advance, you can microwave it for a few minutes. What are some ways to keep a potato soft for 2 seconds, but be careful not to melt it.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

Here’s how to properly store your Strawberry Cake to keep it fresh:
Room Temperature: You can store this cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store the cake for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Again, make sure to cover it tightly or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to glaze it after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Cake is a slice of summer in every bite, and I truly hope you love it as much as my family does! It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes for more delicious inspiration! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions, or if you tried a fun variation!