Strawberry cake is a delightful and refreshing treat that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of strawberries with the soft, moist texture of a classic cake. Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to summer barbecues, strawberry cake offers a burst of freshness that is sure to delight everyone. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making a delicious strawberry cake from scratch, ensuring you have all the tips and tricks to create a perfect dessert.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the steps, let’s list out all the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or canned, unsweetened)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries (for flavor and decoration)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant color)
Equipment
Here’s what you’ll need in terms of equipment:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Two 9-inch round cake pans (greased and lined with parchment paper)
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
- Piping bag and tips (optional, for decorative frosting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the steps to make your strawberry cake.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cakes bake evenly and rise properly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
Fold in Strawberries and Puree: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries and strawberry puree into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to crush the strawberries too much, as you want to retain some texture in your cake.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
Bake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes to avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.
Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This is crucial for easy handling and frosting.
Make the Frosting
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter until it’s smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes on medium speed.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add Cream, Vanilla, and Strawberries: Beat in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the finely chopped strawberries. If you want a pinker frosting, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring until you reach your desired shade.
Chill (Optional): If you find the frosting too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm it up. This makes it easier to spread and decorate.
Assemble and Frost the Cake
Level the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if they are uneven. This ensures a flat surface for frosting.
Place the First Layer: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
Add Frosting: Spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Be generous but not too thick, as you’ll need some frosting for the sides and the second layer.
Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting, gently pressing down to adhere.
Frost the Top and Sides: Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Use an offset spatula for a smooth, professional finish.
Decorate (Optional): For added decoration, you can pipe some frosting around the edges, add fresh strawberries, or sprinkle some edible glitter.
Conclusion
Making a strawberry cake from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and detailed instructions, it becomes a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The combination of fresh strawberries and moist cake results in a dessert that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to indulge in a delicious treat, a strawberry cake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking your way to a sweet and fruity delight!
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