How to Make Strawberry Cake From Scratch
Imagine the smell of fresh strawberries filling your kitchen as you bake a cake so soft, flavorful, and vibrant that it could easily be the centerpiece of any dessert table. This homemade strawberry cake is the perfect way to celebrate the natural sweetness of strawberries. Whether you're making it for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you love a good dessert, this recipe will not disappoint.
What sets this cake apart? It’s made with real strawberry puree, giving it an authentic fruity flavor that’s hard to resist. The combination of light, fluffy cake and your choice of cream cheese frosting or strawberry buttercream creates a balance of sweetness and tanginess that will make every bite feel like a celebration. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners to try but impressive enough to wow your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cooking is like magic, and the ingredients are your spells. To make this cake, you’ll need both dry and wet ingredients carefully measured and prepared. Follow the list below, and let’s get started!
Dry Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour (7 oz): The backbone of the cake. Make sure to sift it for a smoother texture.
- Potato Starch (2 oz): This gives the cake a soft and light crumb.
- Baking Powder (1 ½ tsp) & Baking Soda (1/8 tsp): These make the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- Strawberry Puree (1 cup): Fresh or frozen strawberries blended into a thick, flavorful base.
- Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Natural Strawberry Extract (1 tsp, optional): Boosts the strawberry aroma and taste.
- Unsalted Butter (6 oz, softened): Makes the cake rich and tender.
- Extra-Fine Granulated Sugar (12 oz): Dissolves easily for a smooth batter.
- Large Eggs (4): The glue that holds everything together.
Optional Touch:
- Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring for a stunning strawberry-pink hue.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pans with parchment paper, or use cupcake liners if you prefer individual servings.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
Take your softened butter and sugar, and beat them together on low speed for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a light, fluffy texture in your cake.
3. Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour into a mixing bowl, then add the potato starch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk everything together to ensure it’s evenly combined.
4. Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add food coloring if you want a vibrant color.
5. Incorporate Eggs into Butter Mixture
One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well blended.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With your mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the strawberry mixture to the butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
7. Final Mix
Once everything is combined, give the batter a final quick mix on high speed for about 15–20 seconds to ensure smoothness.
8. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pans, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Ideas
While the cake is the star, the frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Try these options:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and creamy, it complements the fruity cake perfectly.
- Strawberry Buttercream: Sweet and bursting with even more strawberry flavor.
Tips for the Best Cake Ever
- Use fresh strawberries for the puree whenever possible. They add unbeatable flavor.
- Don’t skip sifting the flour. It ensures a smooth and fluffy cake.
- Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and airy.
Final Thoughts
Baking is about bringing joy to yourself and those you share your creations with. This homemade strawberry cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a labor of love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in your love for strawberries, this recipe is sure to impress. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of baking begin. You’ve got this, chef! 🍓