How to Make an Easy Strawberry Cake! -

introduction

Strawberry cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, natural sweetness, and vibrant color, it’s a favorite among cake lovers. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a summer gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, a homemade strawberry cake is always a great choice.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the best strawberry cake from scratch. From choosing the right strawberries to the perfect frosting pairings, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to achieve a fluffy, flavorful cake.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Cake

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour + cornstarch substitute)
1 cup fresh strawberry puree (made from blended strawberries)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + lemon juice substitute)

For the Frosting (Optional):

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons strawberry puree

For Garnish:

Fresh strawberries, sliced or whole
A drizzle of strawberry syrup (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Wash and hull fresh strawberries.
Blend them until smooth, then simmer the puree in a saucepan over low heat for 10-15 minutes to reduce excess moisture.
Let it cool completely before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Two round cake pans lined with parchment paper, ready for baking

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter, Sugar & Oil

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, vegetable oil, and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
This step helps create a soft cake texture.

Step 5: Add Eggs & Vanilla Extract

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 6: Incorporate Strawberry Puree & Buttermilk

Add the cooled strawberry puree and mix until well combined.
Gradually mix in buttermilk to keep the cake moist.

Freshly mixed strawberry cake batter in a glass bowl with a wooden spatula.

Step 7: Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Two freshly baked strawberry cake layers cooling on a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting (If using)

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract and strawberry puree for extra flavor.

Step 10: Assemble & Decorate the Cake

Place one cake layer on a plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake evenly.
Decorate with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry syrup if desired.

A slice of homemade strawberry cake with creamy strawberry frosting, served on a yellow plate with fresh strawberries.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cake

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries

Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them first to remove excess moisture.

2. Reduce the Strawberry Puree for a Stronger Flavor

Simmering the puree removes excess water and concentrates the strawberry flavor.
Let it cool completely before adding it to the batter to prevent curdling.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake.
Mix the ingredients until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.

4. Use Cake Flour for a Softer Texture

Cake flour results in a more tender crumb compared to all-purpose flour.
If you don’t have cake flour, make your own by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup.

5. Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature

Cold ingredients don’t mix well and can result in a dense cake.
Let eggs, butter, and buttermilk sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.

6. Avoid Overbaking

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Overbaking can make the cake dry, so keep an eye on the oven in the last few minutes.

7. Chill the Cake Before Frosting

A slightly chilled cake is easier to frost and prevents crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
Refrigerate the cake layers for 30 minutes before assembling.

Reheating and Storing Strawberry Cake

How to Store Strawberry Cake Properly

1. Storing at Room Temperature (For Unfrosted Cake)

If the cake is unfrosted, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place.

2. Refrigerating Frosted Strawberry Cake

Since strawberry cake often contains cream cheese or buttercream frosting, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
It stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

3. Freezing for Long-Term Storage

To freeze whole cakes, wrap them in two layers of plastic wrap, then in foil.
For slices, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Frozen strawberry cake lasts up to 3 months.
To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

How to Reheat Strawberry Cake

1. Bringing It to Room Temperature

If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving for the best texture.

2. Using the Microwave (For Individual Slices)

Place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Heat for 10-15 seconds on low power, checking frequently.

3. Using the Oven (For Whole Cakes or Multiple Slices)

Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
Wrap the cake loosely in foil to prevent drying out.
Warm for 10-15 minutes, then let it cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Strawberry Cake

Even experienced bakers can run into issues when making homemade strawberry cake. Avoid these common mistakes to achieve a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured cake every time!

1. Using Too Much Liquid from Strawberries

Fresh strawberries contain a lot of water, which can make the cake dense and soggy.
Solution: Always reduce the strawberry puree by simmering it for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

2. Overmixing the Batter

Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake.
Solution: Mix just until combined—stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.

3. Not Using Cake Flour

All-purpose flour makes the cake heavier compared to cake flour.
Solution: Use cake flour for a softer, fluffier texture or make your own by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup.

4. Skipping the Buttermilk

Buttermilk adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Solution: If you don’t have buttermilk, make a DIY substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 10 minutes.

5. Not Prepping Strawberries Properly for Garnish

Fresh strawberries on top can release juice and make the frosting runny.
Solution: Pat strawberries dry before adding them, and lightly coat them with a thin layer of melted apricot jam to keep them fresh.

6. Overbaking the Cake

Leaving the cake in the oven for too long results in a dry, crumbly texture.
Solution: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

7. Frosting a Warm Cake

If the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.
Solution: Always let the cake cool completely (about 1-2 hours) before frosting.

Strawberry Cake FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Does a Strawberry Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, if your strawberry cake contains fresh strawberries, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream, it should be refrigerated. The moisture in fresh fruit and dairy-based frostings can lead to spoilage if left at room temperature. To keep your cake fresh:
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If unfrosted, the cake layers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days when wrapped tightly.

What Are 5 Interesting Facts About Strawberries?

Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside—a single berry can have up to 200 seeds!
Strawberries belong to the rose family (Rosaceae), making them botanical relatives of roses.
They aren’t technically berries—botanically, strawberries are aggregate fruits since they develop from multiple ovaries of a single flower.
The U.S. is one of the largest strawberry producers, with California growing over 90% of the country’s strawberries.
Strawberries have been enjoyed for thousands of years—ancient Romans believed they had medicinal properties and used them to treat ailments.

Who Made the First Strawberry Cake?

The first known strawberry cake recipes appeared in American cookbooks in the 19th century. However, the earliest strawberry-based desserts date back even further, with strawberries and cream being a common pairing in European cuisine for centuries. The modern layered strawberry cake we enjoy today became popular in the early 1900s, especially in the U.S., where fresh strawberry farming flourished.

What Frosting Goes Best with Strawberry Cake?

Strawberry cake pairs well with several types of frosting, depending on your preference:
Cream Cheese Frosting – The slight tanginess balances the sweetness of the cake.
Whipped Strawberry Buttercream – Light, airy, and infused with real strawberries for extra flavor.
White Chocolate Ganache – A rich and decadent option for a luxurious touch.
Vanilla Buttercream – A simple, classic choice that enhances the natural strawberry flavor.
Whipped Cream Frosting – A lighter alternative that keeps the cake fresh and airy.

How Do You Keep Strawberries from Getting Soggy on Cakes?

Fresh strawberries can release moisture, making your cake soggy. Here’s how to prevent that:
Pat strawberries completely dry with a paper towel before placing them on the cake.
Glaze them with a thin layer of melted apricot jam or a light gelatin coating to seal in freshness.
Add strawberries just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Use whole or halved strawberries instead of sliced ones, as they hold moisture better.

Conclusion

Strawberry cake is a delightful, fresh, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, a homemade strawberry cake stands out with its natural sweetness, moist texture, and vibrant color.

By using fresh strawberries, high-quality ingredients, and the right techniques, you can create a soft, fluffy, and delicious cake every time. From choosing the best frosting to learning how to store and reheat it properly, this guide has covered everything you need to know.

Remember these key tips for success:
✔ Reduce the strawberry puree to enhance flavor.
✔ Use cake flour and buttermilk for a tender texture.
✔ Avoid overmixing and overbaking to keep the cake light and moist.
✔ Store properly to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Now that you have all the expert knowledge, it’s time to bake your own strawberry cake and enjoy every delicious bite!

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The Best Homemade Strawberry Cake

This homemade strawberry cake is made with fresh strawberries, giving it a naturally sweet, fruity flavor. It’s soft, moist, and fluffy, perfect for any celebration or as a delightful dessert. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is a must-try for strawberry lovers!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 50

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 10 Slices

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
9-inch round cake pans
Spatula
Wire cooling rack