This Easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that brings the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries to life. The soft and fluffy texture of the cake perfectly complements the juicy, burst-of-flavor strawberries in every bite. Topped with a light sugary crust, it’s the perfect combination of sweetness and texture.
Whether you serve it for a special occasion or just as an afternoon treat, this cake will impress your guests with its simple elegance. The vibrant red of the strawberries against the golden cake creates a stunning visual, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. You can also top it with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup whole milk
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
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Gently fold in the fresh strawberries.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
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Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon of sugar to help create a golden crust while baking.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 230 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Easy Strawberry Cake: A Delicious and Simple Dessert
The Charm of Easy Strawberry Cake
Strawberry cake has always been a popular choice when it comes to dessert. With its bright color and fresh flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, especially in the spring and summer when strawberries are in peak season. The Easy Strawberry Cake is a simple yet flavorful treat that brings out the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries while offering a light and fluffy texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this cake is simple to prepare, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. Unlike complex multi-layer cakes or those that require intricate decorations, the Easy Strawberry Cake is all about the fresh, pure flavor of strawberries. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and scrumptious. It’s the kind of cake that feels homemade but without the need for elaborate techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying dessert.
Why Choose Easy Strawberry Cake?
There are plenty of reasons to love Easy Strawberry Cake. For one, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own as a light dessert, or you can dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. It also pairs well with a variety of beverages, from a hot cup of tea to a refreshing glass of lemonade. The cake’s moist texture and subtle sweetness make it a great addition to summer picnics, birthday parties, and even casual family dinners.
Additionally, the Easy Strawberry Cake is a great way to make use of fresh strawberries when they’re in season. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so not only does this cake taste amazing, but it’s also a healthier alternative to some other indulgent desserts. By using fresh strawberries, the cake takes on a natural, fruity flavor that’s more refreshing and light than cakes that rely on artificial flavors or heavy syrups.
Preparation Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cake
While the Easy Strawberry Cake recipe is simple, there are a few tips that can help you perfect it every time. One of the most important factors is using fresh, ripe strawberries. The sweetness of the strawberries will directly impact the flavor of the cake, so make sure to choose strawberries that are in season and have a bright red color. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute frozen strawberries, but keep in mind that the texture of the cake may be slightly different.
Another tip is to properly measure the ingredients. For example, be sure to measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make the cake dense and dry, while too little can cause the cake to collapse. Always use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk to ensure they blend easily into the batter, creating a smooth and consistent texture.
When it comes to mixing the ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so only mix until the ingredients are just combined. This will give your cake the soft, airy texture that everyone loves. If you want to ensure even distribution of the strawberries in the batter, gently fold them in at the end to avoid breaking them up too much.
Customizing the Easy Strawberry Cake
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. While the cake is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can adapt it to suit your personal taste. For example, if you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter. The almond extract adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries, while the lemon zest provides a fresh, zesty contrast to the strawberries’ natural sweetness.
If you want to add a little crunch or texture to the cake, you can also sprinkle in some chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Alternatively, you could add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cake for a decadent treat. If you’re a fan of whipped cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can turn this cake into an even more luxurious dessert.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
While the Easy Strawberry Cake is delicious on its own, there are several ways to elevate its presentation. One simple idea is to serve it with a few fresh strawberries on the side, perhaps lightly dusted with powdered sugar. You can also add a touch of elegance by serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade strawberry syrup for an extra burst of flavor.
For a more festive occasion, you can turn this simple cake into an eye-catching centerpiece by decorating it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. You can either pipe the whipped cream on top in a decorative swirl or simply spread it over the cake in a smooth layer. Then, place halved or whole strawberries on top for a gorgeous visual effect. This makes the cake perfect for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or even casual get-togethers with friends and family.
Variations of the Easy Strawberry Cake
While the Easy Strawberry Cake recipe is already delicious, there are plenty of variations that can be made to suit different dietary preferences or flavor preferences. For instance, if you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if you’re looking to make the cake dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk instead of whole milk.
For those who prefer a bit of a twist on the classic recipe, consider incorporating other fruits alongside the strawberries. Raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries work wonderfully in this cake, adding depth and variety to the flavor profile. You can either mix these berries into the batter or scatter them on top for a more rustic, colorful look.
If you’re in the mood for a creamier dessert, you can also layer the cake with a rich cream cheese frosting or mascarpone cream. These additions will take the cake from a simple treat to a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.
Conclusion: A Cake That Never Fails to Impress
The Easy Strawberry Cake is the epitome of a simple yet delicious dessert. Its vibrant color, fresh flavors, and soft, moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re baking it for a summer picnic, a birthday celebration, or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Whether you stick with the classic version or add your own creative spin, this cake is sure to impress. So next time you’re craving a sweet, fruity dessert, give this Easy Strawberry Cake a try—you won’t be disappointed!