Are you looking for a delicious dessert that brings a taste of summer to your kitchen? Look no further than this homemade strawberry cake! With its vibrant flavor and delightful texture, this cake can brighten any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this strawberry cake is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This strawberry cake recipe is not just tasty; it is also easy to prepare! The combination of freeze-dried and fresh strawberries gives it a unique flavor, while the moist cake and creamy buttercream frosting make it irresistible. Plus, making it at home means you can control the ingredients and make it just the way you like it!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered freeze-dried strawberries (about 2 ½ ounces before being crushed)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons powdered freeze-dried strawberries (about ½ ounce before being crushed)
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Slowly add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold in the diced fresh strawberries and powdered freeze-dried strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Strawberry Buttercream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
- Add the heavy whipping cream and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Finally, mix in the additional powdered freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, adding more strawberries on top for decoration if you like. Slice and serve to your guests!
How to Store Homemade Strawberry Cake
To store your homemade strawberry cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and label it.
Tips to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake
- For a stronger flavor, add more powdered freeze-dried strawberries to the cake batter or frosting.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting them to avoid melting the buttercream.
Variation
You can also try adding a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream instead of buttercream.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but the flavor may differ. Using freeze-dried strawberries concentrates the flavor and adds a unique texture.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just frost it when you are ready to serve.
3. Is this cake appropriate for special occasions?
Yes! This strawberry cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and spring or summer celebrations. Its beautiful color and delicious taste will delight your guests.
Homemade Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 cup powdered freeze-dried strawberries (about 2 ½ ounces before being crushed)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup diced fresh strawberries
- 3 tablespoons powdered freeze-dried strawberries (about ½ ounce before being crushed)
For the strawberry buttercream
- 1 cup softened salted butter
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Slowly add the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold in the diced fresh strawberries and powdered freeze-dried strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Strawberry Buttercream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully combined.
- Add the heavy whipping cream and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Finally, mix in the additional powdered freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor.
Serving
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream over the top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, adding more strawberries on top for decoration if you like. Slice and serve to your guests!
