The Best Strawberry Cake

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a homemade strawberry cake. Whether it reminds you of childhood birthdays, warm summer picnics, or festive family gatherings, the sweet, tangy taste of fresh strawberries paired with a light, fluffy cake is simply irresistible. This recipe is designed to give you the most flavorful and moist strawberry cake you’ve ever had, with real strawberries in every bite.

Unlike store-bought strawberry cakes that often rely on artificial flavors, this recipe uses fresh and freeze-dried strawberries to achieve a deep, natural strawberry taste. The result? A cake that bursts with fruity goodness, perfectly complemented by a creamy, rich strawberry buttercream frosting. If you love strawberries, this is the cake for you!

Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. The vibrant pink hue from the berries adds a lovely touch, making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

This strawberry cake recipe is all about balance. The natural sweetness of the berries pairs perfectly with the light, moist texture of the cake. The frosting, with its silky smooth consistency, enhances the strawberry flavor without overpowering it. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.

If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers an authentic strawberry experience, this is it. The key to success is using high-quality ingredients and following the steps carefully. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become your go-to recipe for every special occasion.

So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake the best strawberry cake you’ve ever had. Get ready for a dessert that will quickly become a household favorite!

Serving Size & Time

• Serving Size: 12 slices
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
• 1 1/4 cups (200g) fresh strawberry puree (from about 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries)
• 1/2 cup (10g) freeze-dried strawberries, ground into powder

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh strawberry puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the strawberry puree and freeze-dried strawberry powder.
6. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk/buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream over the top.
2. Add the second cake layer and repeat with frosting.
3. Place the final cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
4. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
5. Slice and enjoy!