Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe

Name: Homemade Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)

Published: February 15, 2025

by Anika

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Cake

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cake; use freshly sifted flour for the best texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake; adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness.
Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises properly; check the expiration date for effectiveness.
Salt: Enhances flavor; use fine sea salt or regular table salt.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness; allow it to soften at room temperature before mixing.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together; using room temperature eggs helps them mix more thoroughly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient; select ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Homemade 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 and flour two round cake pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and hull about two cups of fresh strawberries. Chop them into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about three minutes.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time into the butter mixture while mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk until everything is just combined. Gently fold in chopped strawberries.

Transfer to prepared pans evenly. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

After baking, let cakes cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Selecting Strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries as they provide better flavor and moisture.
Cake Testing: Always test with a toothpick in several areas of the cake to ensure even baking.
Cooling Time: Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting for better consistency.

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How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake

This Homemade Strawberry Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: The light and airy texture of whipped cream enhances the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful contrast.
Fresh Berries: Adding fresh berries not only boosts flavor but also provides a refreshing tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness.
Iced Tea: A chilled glass of iced tea serves as a perfect beverage to complement the rich flavors of the strawberry cake.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

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Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them at room temperature. This helps retain moisture and ensures freshness.
Storing: Leftover Homemade Strawberry Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, which can last for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen slices, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For a warm slice, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through without drying out.

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Suggestions for Homemade Strawberry Cake

Avoiding Overmixing the Batter

One common mistake when making a homemade strawberry cake is overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, you develop gluten, which can lead to a dense and tough texture. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined. You want a light and fluffy cake, so gently fold in your dry ingredients with a spatula. This method ensures that air remains trapped in the batter, leading to a tender crumb once baked. Remember, it’s better to have a few lumps than to risk overworking the batter.

Choosing the Right Strawberries

Choosing the right strawberries is essential for a delicious homemade strawberry cake. Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries with vibrant colors and a sweet aroma. Avoid any berries that appear dull or mushy. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are out of season, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before adding them to your batter. The quality of your strawberries significantly impacts the flavor of your cake; fresh berries will give you that burst of sweetness that makes this dessert special.

Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Accurate measurements can make or break your homemade strawberry cake. Using the wrong amounts can lead to an unbalanced recipe where flavors don’t meld well together or textures turn out incorrect. Invest in a good set of measuring cups and spoons, and consider using a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar. Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it down, which can result in too much flour and affect the outcome of your cake.

Baking Time Adjustments

Another mistake is not adjusting baking times based on your oven’s unique characteristics. Every oven is different; some run hotter or cooler than others. For best results, check your homemade strawberry cake for doneness at least five minutes before the suggested time in the recipe. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it seems underbaked, continue checking every couple of minutes until it’s done. This practice will help ensure that you achieve that perfect bake every time.

FAQs

What makes homemade strawberry cake different from store-bought?

Homemade strawberry cake stands out due to its freshness and flavor profile compared to store-bought versions. When you make it at home, you can control ingredient quality and adjust sweetness levels according to your preference. Fresh strawberries used in homemade recipes provide natural sweetness and vibrant color that processed cakes often lack. Additionally, making this cake yourself allows for customization; you can add unique flavors like vanilla or lemon zest that enhance its taste further.

How do I store leftover homemade strawberry cake?

To store leftover homemade strawberry cake properly, first ensure it has cooled completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil; this prevents it from drying out while retaining its moisture and flavor. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container for added protection against air exposure. If you’re planning to keep it longer than two days, consider freezing individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap followed by foil for extra insulation against freezer burn.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! While strawberries are classic for this type of cake, you can certainly experiment with other fruits as well. Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches work beautifully as substitutes in a homemade fruit-based cake recipe. Just keep in mind that different fruits have varying moisture content; therefore, adjust other ingredients accordingly if needed to maintain balance in texture and flavor profile throughout your baking process.

How long will my homemade strawberry cake last?

Your homemade strawberry cake should last about 3-4 days when stored properly at room temperature or up to 1 week if refrigerated. To maximize freshness over time, cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If you’ve added frosting or whipped cream on top of your cake, it’s best kept refrigerated due to dairy content—just remember to allow it some time at room temperature before serving for optimal taste!

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Conclusion for Homemade Strawberry Cake

Creating a delightful homemade strawberry cake requires careful attention to detail regarding mixing techniques, ingredient selection, accurate measurements, and proper baking times. By avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing or incorrectly choosing strawberries, you’ll set yourself up for success in achieving that tender crumb and bursting flavor profile everyone loves about this dessert! Storing leftovers correctly ensures that enjoyment continues beyond just one day while exploring substitutions allows creativity within recipes—tailoring them perfectly according to personal preferences! Happy baking!

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