Introduction to Homemade Strawberry Cake
Why Homemade Strawberry Cake is the Perfect Choice
There's something undeniably special about a homemade strawberry cake that makes it a delightful choice for any occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat for yourself! Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, fluffy cake layered with luscious, creamy strawberry frosting; it’s pure bliss. Using fresh, ripe strawberries elevates this dessert, infusing it with natural sweetness that store-bought cakes simply can't compete with.
Making this cake is not just a baking task; it’s an experience that engages all your senses. The vibrant pink hues from the strawberry puree create a stunning visual, while the aroma that wafts from the oven is enough to make anyone's mouth water. You’ll find that the process is not overwhelming, especially with a structured recipe like this one.
Plus, embracing the art of homemade baking is an opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether you're baking solo or with friends, you'll find joy in sharing your culinary labors. So grab some fresh strawberries, and let’s dive into the world of homemade strawberry cake—a delightful treat that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart!
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Essential Ingredients for the Cake
When crafting your homemade strawberry cake, the right ingredients are key for achieving that delightful flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound, rinsed and hulled, to create a luscious strawberry puree.
- Cake Flour: 2 and ½ cups for a soft, tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: ¾ cup, softened to room temperature, will ensure richness.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 and ¾ cups for sweetness.
- Egg Whites: 5 large ones, at room temperature, add volume and stability.
- Sour Cream: ⅓ cup for moisture and tang.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, to enhance flavor.
Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Nothing pairs better with a strawberry cake than a creamy, dreamy frosting. For the frosting, gather these ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened, for that rich texture.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: 1 cup, to infuse that fabulous strawberry flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, softened, to create a smooth frosting.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: 3 cups, for sweetness and structure.
- Milk: 1 tablespoon, to achieve the perfect consistency.
With these ingredients ready, you’re on your way to making an unforgettable homemade strawberry cake! For more tips, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction for expert guidance.
Preparing Homemade Strawberry Cake
When it comes to baking a delightful homemade strawberry cake, the process is as rewarding as the final product is delicious. So, let’s dive into this enjoyable journey of flavors and textures!
Create the Reduced Strawberry Puree
Start your cake adventure by making the heart of your homemade strawberry cake — the reduced strawberry puree. Gather about 1 pound of fresh, juicy strawberries, wash them thoroughly, and hull them. In your blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth. Transfer the puree to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir intermittently as it simmers, reducing the mixture down to approximately half a cup. This step intensifies the strawberry flavor, creating a concentrated essence that's essential for your cake. Allow it to cool completely, which you can do a day ahead for convenience.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven is heating, take two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them generously. This is an important step to ensure your layers come out perfectly. Don’t forget to line the bottom with parchment paper and grease that too. The parchment paper acts as a guardian for your cake, preventing any sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups of cake flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mixing these dry components well ensures that your cake layers rise evenly when they bake.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1.75 cups of granulated sugar. Blend until you achieve a light and fluffy texture, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Then, incorporate your egg whites and mix until combined. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract next, and continue beating until incorporated. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients followed by ½ cup of whole milk and lastly, the cooled strawberry puree. Make sure the batter is smooth but be careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 24–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake layers cool in the pans for about an hour, then remove them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Once your cake is cooling, it’s time to make the heavenly strawberry cream cheese frosting. In a blender, process 1 cup of freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Then, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually mix in your strawberry powder, confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla, giving your frosting a delightful flavor and creamy texture.
Assemble and Frost the Cake
Time to unveil your masterpiece! Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife for an even assembly. Place one layer on your cake stand, spread about ¾ to 1 cup of frosting on top, then place the second layer upside down on top of the frosting. Coat the entire cake in a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat, and chill it for 20 minutes.
Finish by generously frosting the top and sides with the remaining strawberry frosting. Allow the assembled cake to chill a little more before slicing into it — this helps keep the shape intact.
With each step, you’re on your way to creating a homemade strawberry cake that’s not just beautiful, but also packed with the seasonal flavors of fresh strawberries. Enjoy your baking, and you’ll likely find this cake becoming your new go-to for celebrations!
Variations of Homemade Strawberry Cake
Switching things up with your homemade strawberry cake can be fun and delicious! Here are a couple of creative variations to consider:
Adding Chocolate or Vanilla Layers
Why not elevate your cake by introducing chocolate or vanilla layers? Simply use a chocolate or vanilla cake recipe as an additional layer, then alternate between them for a stunning effect. The combination of flavors creates a delightful taste experience that your guests will love. Check out some great options for vanilla cake recipes and chocolate cake recipes.
Making a Gluten-Free Version
For those needing a gluten-free option, simply substitute the cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to replicate the texture of traditional cake flour. This way, everyone can enjoy your strawberry cake masterpiece! Opt for a reputable gluten-free flour like Bob's Red Mill for the best results.
With these variations, you can cater to different tastes while enjoying the sweetness of fresh strawberries!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Homemade Strawberry Cake
How to Ensure a Moist Cake
To achieve a moist homemade strawberry cake, be sure to use fresh, ripe strawberries for the puree. This enhances flavor and moisture content. Additionally, incorporating sour cream or yogurt into the batter helps keep the cake tender. Avoid overmixing—just combine the ingredients until they’re incorporated, as overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Tips for Making Ahead
Planning ahead? You can bake your cake layers a day in advance! Just cool them completely, wrap them tightly, and store them at room temperature. Want to prep the frosting too? It can be made the night before—just keep it covered in the fridge and let it soften for about 10 minutes before frosting. For more make-ahead tips, explore Sally's Baking Addiction for excellent ideas.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Pairing with Fresh Strawberries
To elevate your homemade strawberry cake, consider serving it alongside fresh strawberries. They not only boost the strawberry flavor but also add a refreshing, juicy element to every bite. A simple arrangement of whole or sliced strawberries drizzled with a little honey can be the perfect finishing touch. For an added contrast, try coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful balance of flavors.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
This beautiful cake is ideal for a variety of occasions:
- Birthdays: The vibrant color and delightful taste make it a hit at birthday parties.
- Picnics: It travels well, making it a perfect dessert for outdoor gatherings.
- Spring Celebrations: With its fresh strawberry flavor, it’s ideal for Easter brunch or Mother’s Day celebrations.
No matter the occasion, this homemade strawberry cake will surely impress your guests!
Time Breakdown for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Ready to whip up a delightful homemade strawberry cake? Here’s a convenient time breakdown to help you organize your baking adventure!
Preparation Time
Dedicate about 1 hour and 30 minutes to gather your ingredients, make the strawberry puree, and prepare your cake batter. Organizing your workspace and tools ahead of time can also streamline the process!
Baking Time
The baking stage is relatively quick, taking around 25 minutes. It’s just enough time to get that delectable aroma wafting through your kitchen. Make sure you keep an eye on your cakes as they bake to achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
Cooling and Assembly Time
Once baked, allow at least 1 hour for cooling before frosting. It’s crucial that your layers are completely cool to avoid melting the frosting. After cooling, plan for an additional 20-30 minutes to assemble and frost your cake.
With this clear time breakdown, you're well on your way to creating a stunning homemade strawberry cake that will impress friends and family alike. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! For more detailed steps on the recipe, check out Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Nutritional Facts for Homemade Strawberry Cake
Calories
A serving of homemade strawberry cake typically contains around 320 calories. This can vary slightly based on specific ingredient choices, particularly the frosting.
Sugars
The cake is delightful and not overly sweet, packing about 20 grams of sugar per slice. This includes sugars from both the cake and the frosting, giving it that irresistible flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Fats
You can expect about 14 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the butter and cream cheese frosting. Using full-fat ingredients can enrich the texture, while alternatives can help reduce the fat content.
For more insight into the nutritional aspects of baking, check out Nutrition Data for detailed breakdowns. Understanding the balance of ingredients can help make informed choices for your next baking adventure!
FAQ about Homemade Strawberry Cake
Can I substitute ingredients in the cake?
Absolutely! You can customize your homemade strawberry cake to suit your preferences. For example, if you're out of cake flour, try making your own using all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Feel free to swap out the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. As for the milk, buttermilk can also work beautifully.
How do I store leftover cake?
To keep your delicious cake fresh, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you notice it starting to dry out, consider placing a slice in an airtight container to maintain its moistness.
What are the best ways to serve the cake?
Serving your homemade strawberry cake can be as creative as you like! Pair it with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for a simple yet elegant touch. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates the experience. For an extra kick, drizzle a berry compote over each slice for a delightful burst of flavor.
Conclusion on Homemade Strawberry Cake
In conclusion, the homemade strawberry cake is a delightful dessert that combines the best of fresh flavors with a crowd-pleasing texture. With rich strawberry puree and a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe to impress your friends and family—they'll love it!
Homemade Strawberry Cake
Equipment
- blender or food processor
- medium bowl
- large bowl
- handheld or stand mixer
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling Rack
- parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 1 pound fresh strawberries rinsed and hulled
Cake
- 2.5 cups cake flour spooned & leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites at room temperature
- 0.33 cups full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 cups whole milk at room temperature
- 0.5 cups reduced strawberry puree from step 1
- 1-2 drops red or pink food coloring optional
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch salt to taste
Instructions
Making the Cake
- Make the reduced strawberry puree first, and let cool: In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries. Transfer the puree to a saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer until reduced to ½ cup. Cool completely before using.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add egg whites and beat until combined. Add sour cream and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients and slowly mix in the milk. Whisk in the reduced strawberry puree.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 24-25 minutes.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 1 hour before removing and cooling completely on a rack.
Making the Frosting
- Process freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla.
- Beat until creamy, adjusting with salt if needed. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Assembling the Cake
- Level the cakes with a serrated knife and place one layer on a cake stand.
- Spread frosting on the first layer, place the second layer on top, and apply a crumb coat.
- Refrigerate to set the crumb coat, then frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
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