Best Homemade Strawberry Cake
Introduction
There’s something special about a homemade cake, especially when it’s made with fresh, juicy strawberries. The sweet aroma that fills the kitchen as the cake bakes in the oven is simply irresistible. In this recipe, I will share with you my family’s all-time favorite strawberry cake. It’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries. So, let’s get baking and create a cake that will impress your loved ones!
How I Discovered this Recipe
A few years ago, during a family gathering, my aunt brought over a homemade strawberry cake that left everyone speechless. It was the perfect combination of lightness and fruity goodness. I couldn’t resist asking her for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. Since then, it has become a staple in our family, especially during special occasions and celebrations.
Preparing the Cake
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients: fresh strawberries, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Gently fold in 1 and 1/2 cups of mashed strawberries. The batter should be smooth and well-combined.
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finally, your homemade strawberry cake is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as is or frost it with your favorite cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of decadence.
Variations
This strawberry cake recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a delightful chocolate twist to your strawberry cake.
2. Lemon Strawberry Cake: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the batter to give your cake a refreshing citrus flavor that beautifully complements the strawberries.
3. Almond Strawberry Cake: Replace 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour to add a nutty undertone to your cake. You can also sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for added texture.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and let your creativity shine!
Keto Version
If you’re following a keto diet or simply prefer a low-carb option, you can still enjoy a delicious strawberry cake. Here’s a keto-friendly version of the recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of almond flour
– 1/2 cup of granulated erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
– A pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
– 1 and 1/2 cups of mashed strawberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a round cake pan by greasing it.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated erythritol, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond milk.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well-incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the mashed strawberries.
6. Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy your keto strawberry cake guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing and incorporating them into the batter.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer to frost the cake, it’s best to do that on the day you plan to serve it.
3. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Of course! While cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with strawberry cake, you can also try whipped cream, buttercream, or even a chocolate ganache for a decadent twist.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the joy that a homemade strawberry cake brings. With its vibrant color and luscious flavor, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So put on your apron, gather those fresh strawberries, and let the baking adventure begin!
