Looking for a sweet treat to impress your family? This easy strawberry cake is a homemade favorite made with fresh strawberries and simple ingredients, perfect for a quick weeknight dessert, save for later

Easy Strawberry Cake

Introduction

Imagine a moist and flavorful cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for spring and summer gatherings or just a sweet treat any time of the year. Our Easy Strawberry Cake recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and taste, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive dessert. With fresh strawberries as the star, this cake is a celebration of flavor and creativity, proving that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create something truly special. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to delight with its ease of preparation and the joy of watching your family and friends savor each bite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: With straightforward instructions and minimal preparation time, this cake is perfect for those short on time or new to baking.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a beautifully presented and deliciously moist cake that’s sure to impress any audience.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of our Easy Strawberry Cake includes fresh strawberries, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. For practical substitutions, you can use frozen strawberries when fresh ones are out of season, and almond flour for a gluten-free option. The combination of these ingredients provides a rich, fruity flavor and a tender crumb that complements the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. Then, chop your fresh strawberries into small pieces, setting them aside for later use.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk your eggs and melted butter together until well combined. Add the vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Gently fold in your chopped strawberries into the cake batter. The batter should still be slightly lumpy. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Step 4: Bake the cake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost the cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Handy Tips

Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
Don’t open the oven door during the baking time, as this can cause the cake to sink.
For an extra moist cake, brush the top with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and granulated sugar dissolved, once the cake is cooled.

Heat Control

Keeping an eye on the temperature and baking time is crucial. The ideal temperature for baking this cake is 350°F (175°C), and it should be baked for 35-40 minutes. Signs of doneness include the cake being golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of underbaking slightly, as the cake will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

This cake is designed to be moist and tender, rather than crunchy. To achieve this texture, make sure not to overbake, and consider brushing the cake with a simple syrup once it’s cooled. If you prefer a crunch on top, you could sprinkle a layer of sliced almonds or granola before baking, but this is optional and depends on personal preference.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients for a lighter cake. This ensures that your butter and eggs mix smoothly and evenly.
Don’t overfill your cake pan. Leave about an inch at the top for the cake to rise during baking.
For easy cleanup, line your cake pan with parchment paper before greasing and flouring it.

Storage Tips

Store your cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freezing is also an option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Frozen cake can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting your Easy Strawberry Cake, presentation is key. Wrap the cake in a decorative cake box or a sturdy cardboard box lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap slices individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift basket filled with fresh strawberries and greenery for a beautiful and edible gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices! Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a unique twist.
🌟 Creative toppings! Instead of traditional frosting, top your cake with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of honey.
🌟 Ingredient swaps! Replace strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. You can also use different types of milk or substitute some of the flour with oat flour for added texture.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing. If it’s too dry, it could be overbaked. Adjust your mixing and baking times accordingly in your next attempt.
Ingredient replacements: Always try to use the ingredients listed for the best results. However, if you need to substitute, do so with similar ingredients. For example, you can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a different flavor, but keep in mind it will affect the texture slightly.
Over/undercooking signs: An undercooked cake will be soggy in the center, while an overcooked cake will be dry and possibly cracked on top. Adjust your baking time based on your oven’s performance and the cake’s appearance.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Is it gluten-free? Not in its original form, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have a large enough cake pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Making an Easy Strawberry Cake is a rewarding experience that combines the joy of baking with the satisfaction of creating something delicious and beautiful. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a weekday treat, this recipe is versatile and sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the recipe your own, and share your creations with friends and family to spread the joy. Happy baking, and we look forward to hearing about your baking adventures!

Moist Easy Strawberry Cake with Frosting