Oh my goodness, if you’re a fan of strawberries, you’re in for a real treat! This strawberry cake is a burst of sunshine in every bite, with a moistness that just melts in your mouth. I’m telling you, it’s like a slice of summer, no matter the season! The flavor is so vibrant and fresh, thanks to the generous amount of pureed strawberries mixed right into the batter. What makes this *the best strawberry cake ever*? It’s not just the taste; it’s the way it brings people together, whether it’s for a birthday, a picnic, or simply a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this cake, you’ll be dreaming of it long after the last crumb is gone!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed until smooth
How to Prepare *the best strawberry cake ever*
Okay, let’s dive into the magic of making *the best strawberry cake ever*! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our cake to bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grab two mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ones.
In your first bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This creates the perfect base for our cake. Now, in the second bowl, beat together the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s all nice and creamy. This step is crucial for that rich flavor, so don’t rush it!
Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents any lumps. Once you’ve got it all combined, gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of pureed fresh strawberries. Oh, the color is just gorgeous!
Next, pour the batter into a greased cake pan. I like to use a 9-inch round pan, but feel free to get creative with shapes! Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—no gooey batter stuck to it! Once it’s ready, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is key, as it helps maintain that moist texture. And there you have it—your cake is ready to be dressed up for whatever occasion you have in mind! Don’t forget to share the love (or keep it all for yourself)!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days!
- Deliciously moist and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
- Versatile for any occasion—birthdays, picnics, or just because!
- Impressive enough to serve at gatherings yet simple enough for a cozy night in.
- Great for customizing with toppings like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle.
Tips for Success
To ensure you whip up *the best strawberry cake ever*, here are my top tips! First, always use fresh strawberries for that vibrant flavor—frozen ones can work in a pinch, but they might change the cake’s texture. When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife; this prevents your cake from being too dense. Also, be sure to let your butter soften completely before mixing—this makes it easier to cream and leads to a lighter cake.
Keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking at the 30-minute mark. And when it comes to cooling, resist the urge to slice into the cake right away! Letting it cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan helps retain moisture. Follow these tips, and you’ll be a strawberry cake superstar!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up *the best strawberry cake ever*! One of my favorites is to add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist—trust me, it brightens the flavor beautifully! You can also try mixing in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful berry medley; just make sure to adjust the puree amount accordingly. For a richer cake, consider adding a half cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which makes it ultra moist!
And if you’re a chocolate lover, swirl in some cocoa powder or even chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combo. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your own perfect variation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover *the best strawberry cake ever* fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay good for about a week. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out!
If you have leftover cake that you want to keep for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a quick fix, you can microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds for a warm treat. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out! Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are approximate. For *the best strawberry cake ever*, one slice typically contains around 250 calories, 10g of fat (with 5g being saturated), and 3g of protein. You’ll also find about 36g of carbohydrates, including 20g of sugar. Enjoy this delightful treat, but remember to indulge in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries, but be aware that they might make the cake a bit more moist. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first, then puree until smooth.
What can I do if my cake doesn’t rise?
If your cake doesn’t rise well, it might be due to old baking powder. Always check the expiration date! Also, make sure you’re following the mixing instructions correctly—overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This cake actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How can I make a layered strawberry cake?
To create a layered cake, simply double the recipe and bake in two round pans. Once cooled, you can layer them with whipped cream or frosting in between for extra indulgence!
Is this cake suitable for special dietary needs?
This cake is vegetarian, but if you need it to be gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check the other ingredients for any hidden gluten!
The Best Strawberry Cake Ever: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A moist and flavorful strawberry cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Stir in the strawberry puree.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Uwagi
- For a richer flavor, use fresh strawberries.
- Serve with whipped cream or icing.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 20g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 36g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: the best strawberry cake ever
