Best strawberry cake with strawberries Tips
1. Use fresh and ripe strawberries for flavor,
2. If the strawberries are very juicy, mash them dry before adding to the batter.
3. add a few drops of strawberry extract to the batter if you need more strawberry flavor.
4. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to make the pieces.
There's nothing quite like the sweet, juicy burst of flavor that fresh strawberries bring to a cake. A strawberry cake made with real strawberries is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe for strawberry cake with fresh strawberries is sure to impress. Here’s everything you need to know about making this luscious, fruity dessert.
Ingredients You'll Need For the Strawberry Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup strawberry purée (made by blending fresh strawberries)
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry purée (strained to remove seeds)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (whole or sliced)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Strawberry Cake with Fresh Strawberries
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberry Purée To make strawberry purée, simply blend about 1 ½ cups of fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Depending on your preference, you may want to strain it to remove seeds for a smoother texture. Set this aside, as it will be used in both the cake batter and frosting.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 9-inch cake pans. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, fold in the strawberry purée to give your batter that signature flavor. Next, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Now, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for about 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Frosting While your cake layers cool, it’s time to make the strawberry frosting. Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well between each addition. Mix in the strawberry purée, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake Once your cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For extra elegance, decorate the cake with fresh, whole or sliced strawberries. This adds not only flavor but also a beautiful, vibrant pop of color.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Cut your strawberry cake into slices and watch everyone marvel at your creation. The fresh strawberries in the cake make each bite a heavenly delight, with the sweet frosting adding the perfect touch of richness.
