What is a Strawberry Swirl Cake? Is it a slice of sunshine on the plate? I know you might be thinking, “Oh, another cake recipe?” But trust me, this one’s special. Think of it as a cross between vanilla cake and strawberry shortcake, but without all the flavours. What are some of the best bakery cakes? What are some of the Best Strawberry Cake tips? I learned from years of baking this delightful treat!
What is a strawberry swirl cake?
What does strawberry swirl cake taste like? a beautiful, moist cake with sprigs of strawberry goodness swirled throughout. What’s essentially a vanilla cake batter kissed with strawberry puree, creating an intense flavor. a marbled effect that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious to eat. The swirl isn’t just for looks. What is it like to eat strawberries? What is the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, all in one perfectly baked treat? Think of it as a leveled-up coffee cake, only with way more personality.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Strawberry Swirl Cake is how incredibly easy it is to Make. Don’t let the pretty swirls fool you – this recipe is totally doable, even on a busy weeknight!
- Flavor:The burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite is just… *chef’s kiss*. Is it sweet, tangy, and addictive? The creamy vanilla cake complements the strawberry perfectly.
- Simplicity:I know some cake recipes can be intimidating, but this is a breeze. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry! How do you create swirls?
- Cost-Let’s be real, bakery cakes can be pricey. How do I make a delicious cake without the hassle? Fresh or frozen strawberries work great!
- Versatility: You can serve this cake for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a casual snack. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream, or just on its own. I even made mini-muffins of this same recipe! So good.
If you’re anything like me, this cake will become a regular in your baking repertoire. I prefer this to regular strawberry shortcake because the texture is much more satisfying.
How do you make a strawberry swirl cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a strawberry swirl cake? How do you puree a strawberry and bake it to golden perfection? I’ll start by preheating the oven and prepping the pan (don’t skip this step!). We’ll mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. What’s the fun part about swirling in strawberry puree? I’ll bake it until it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Is it easier than it sounds?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main B
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
- 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. 1 teaspoon of salt. 2
- What is 1 teaspoon salt?
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened.
- 1 cup milk (I tested this with almond milk, and it was great!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 cup.
For the Strawberry Swirl:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar. 1 teaspoon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar per cup.
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk. 2-3 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 teaspoon nutmeg
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. Can you use baking spray with flour? I always do this step first to make sure my oven is ready to go and the pan is prepped before I start cooking. I have a frying pan, but I don’t know How to do it. Start mixing the batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. This helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a light and fluffy cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the Vanilla Extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If the butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, so make sure it’s softened but not melted.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. What is the difference between dry and wet ingredients? Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. A few streaks of flour are okay!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and the mixture has thickened. Has thickened slightly. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Let the strawberry mixture cool slightly before using. If you’re using frozen strawberries, you may need to cook them a bit longer to reduce the excess.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
If you have a cake pan, pour half of the batter into the pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture over the batter. Dollop the remaining cake batter over the strawberry mixture, and then top with the rest of the strawberries. What is the best way to put the Use a knife or skewer to swirl the strawberry mixture into the batter, creating an uneven effect. Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will blend together too much.
Step 7: Bake
If you have a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake and it comes out clean, bake for 30 minutes. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do I make a smooth paste with Vanilla Extract Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream or sprinkling on top. What is the best whipped cream?
What is the best way to serve it with?
What is a Strawberry Swirl Cake? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
- For Breakfast:Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea to start your day off right. I love pairing it with a latte!
- For Brunch: Dress it up with some fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant brunch spread. A mimosa on the side never hurts either!
- As Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
- For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. My kids love this!
Growing up, my grandmother always served this cake with a side of fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that brings back so many wonderful memories. This is perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Cake
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you take your Strawberry Cake to the next level. Here are some of my top tips:
- Strawberry Prep: If you’re using frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before cooking them. This will prevent the strawberry mixture from being too watery.
- Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Just don’t overdo it, or the colors will blend together too much.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have milk on hand, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or even buttermilk. Buttermilk will give the cake a slightly tangier flavor.
- Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Also, be sure to test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake.
- Glaze Variations: For a richer glaze, you can use cream cheese instead of milk. You can also add a touch of lemon zest or strawberry extract to the glaze for extra flavor.
I once forgot to add the baking powder, and the cake turned out flat and dense. Don’t make the same mistake I did! Always double-check your ingredients before you start mixing.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Strawberry Swirl Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to glaze it until after it has thawed.
When reheating, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or you can reheat the entire cake in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F/95°C) until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my recipe for Strawberry Swirl Cake! I hope you’ll give it a try. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to bring a little bit of sunshine into your day. The amazing flavor and simplicity are just bonuses. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other cake recipes, too! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations with me. I’m always looking for new ideas!
Strawberry Cake Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Strawberry Cake Mix
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries Sliced
- 1.25 cup Vegetable Oil
- 4 Large Eggs
Frosting
- 16 oz Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened
- 6 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, strawberries, oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake and decorate with fresh strawberries, if desired.
