Name: Strawberry Cake Recipe: Moist and Sweet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Strawberry Cake:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup pureed fresh strawberries; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional); Strawberry Frosting:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup pureed fresh strawberries; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 –2 tbsp heavy cream; Optional: Fresh strawberries (mint leaves); Suggested Pairings: Sparkling wine (whipped cream)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Strawberry Cake is a classic dessert, perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or special occasions. This moist, flavorful cake, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a creamy frosting, delivers sweet, indulgent delight in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic cake stand, garnished with fresh strawberries or mint leaves, this Strawberry Cake recipe offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any celebration. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings summery charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup pureed fresh strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups whole strawberries)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

For the Strawberry Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup pureed fresh strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Serving:

Optional: Fresh strawberries, mint leaves
Suggested Accompaniments: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream
Suggested Pairings: Sparkling wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic cake stand
Suggested Equipment: Two 8-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, blender or food processor, electric mixer, spatula, knife, cooling rack, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add strawberry puree, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and food coloring (if using); mix until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
Bake Cake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, adding heavy cream as needed for a spreadable consistency. Taste the frosting and adjust with a pinch of powdered sugar or extra strawberry puree for a balanced flavor.
Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a white ceramic cake stand. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves. Serve on a white ceramic cake stand with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, sparkling wine, or iced tea.

Tips for Better Strawberry Cake

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in both cake and frosting.
Taste the frosting before spreading to balance sweet and tangy flavors; adjust cautiously.
Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
Puree strawberries smoothly for a consistent batter and frosting texture.
Present on a white ceramic cake stand to highlight the pink cake and vibrant garnishes.
Make ahead: Bake cakes up to 1 day in advance; wrap tightly and store at room temperature. Prepare frosting up to 2 days in advance; refrigerate and re-whip before use.
For a lighter texture, sift flour before measuring.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with halved strawberries or mint leaves on a white ceramic stand for a summery, elegant look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Vegan Strawberry Cake: Replace butter with vegan margarine, eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water), and buttermilk with plant-based milk + 1 tsp vinegar.
Low-Sugar Strawberry Cake: Reduce granulated sugar to 1 cup and powdered sugar to 3 cups; use a sugar substitute if desired.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cake: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top or dip strawberries for garnish.
Lemon-Strawberry Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and 1 tsp lemon juice to the frosting for a citrusy twist.
Strawberry Shortcake Style: Slice the cake into layers and add whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices between layers.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace butter in frosting with 8 oz cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
Berry Blend Cake: Mix 1/4 cup pureed raspberries with the strawberry puree for a mixed berry flavor.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store unfrosted cakes wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Use as a centerpiece dessert for celebrations or casual gatherings.
Pair with sparkling wine or iced tea to complement the sweet, fruity flavor.
Presented on a white ceramic cake stand with garnishes for an appetizing, elegant charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings:

Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 240mg
Total Carbohydrates: 78g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 58g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 20% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 6% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce sugars to ~40g). High in carbs; enjoy in moderation with fruit for balance.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Cake recipe delivers a moist, sweet dessert perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a summery classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The fruity cake and creamy frosting delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.