There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly soft strawberry cake that instantly transports me back to lazy summer afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. The sweet aroma of fresh strawberries mingling with vanilla would fill the entire house, creating memories that still make my mouth water today. This delightful dessert has become my go-to recipe whenever I want to capture the essence of summer in a single, heavenly slice.
Total Time: 55 minutes | Yield: 8 servings | Diet: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Perfect Texture Every Time
This strawberry cake delivers an incredibly moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Unlike dense, heavy cakes that leave you feeling overly full, this recipe creates a light and airy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
Bursting with Fresh Fruit Flavor
Fresh strawberries aren’t just mixed into the batter—they’re the star of the show. Each bite delivers juicy bursts of natural sweetness that perfectly complement the vanilla-scented cake base. Moreover, using seasonal strawberries ensures maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
Simple Yet Elegant
While this cake looks impressive enough for special occasions, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Additionally, the ingredient list consists of basic pantry staples, making it an accessible treat for bakers of all skill levels.
Essential Ingredients
Main Components
- 250g wheat flour – provides structure and tender crumb
- 200g sugar – adds sweetness and helps create moisture
- 10g baking powder – ensures perfect rise and fluffy texture
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors beautifully
- 3 eggs – bind ingredients and add richness
- 200ml milk – creates moisture and tender texture
- 100g butter (melted) – adds richness and flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – complements strawberry flavor perfectly
- 300g fresh strawberries (sliced) – the star ingredient
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special presentation, consider serving with:
- Fresh whipped cream dolloped on each slice
- A drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce
- Vanilla ice cream for contrast
- Fresh mint leaves as garnish
- Powdered sugar dusted over the top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a baking tin with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
Mixing the Batter
- Create the wet mixture in a separate bowl. Beat the eggs thoroughly, then gradually add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients by pouring the liquid mixture into the flour mixture. Gently fold together using a wooden spoon—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
Adding the Star Ingredient
- Incorporate strawberries by gently folding the sliced berries into the batter. Distribute them evenly throughout while being careful not to break them apart.
Baking to Perfection
- Transfer and bake by pouring the batter into your prepared pan and smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool properly by removing the cake from the oven and letting it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Garnish beautifully before serving with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an elegant finish.
Creative Serving Ideas
Classic Presentations
Serve this cake at room temperature with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for everyday enjoyment. Alternatively, warm slices pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Special Occasion Styling
Transform this simple cake into an elegant dessert by layering it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Furthermore, a glossy strawberry glaze can elevate the presentation for dinner parties or celebrations.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Berry Medley Version
Replace half the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry sensation. This variation adds complexity while maintaining the cake’s signature softness.
Lemon-Strawberry Twist
Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the strawberries beautifully. The lemon enhances the fruit flavors without overpowering them.
Chocolate Chip Addition
Fold in 100g of white chocolate chips along with the strawberries for an indulgent variation. The creamy chocolate creates a delightful contrast with the tart berries.
Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Solutions
This cake actually improves in flavor after resting overnight in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and allow the strawberry flavors to permeate the entire cake.
Freezing Instructions
The unfrosted cake freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Preparation Timeline
You can mix the dry ingredients up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Additionally, strawberries can be sliced and stored in the refrigerator the night before baking.
Important Notes
Ingredient Quality Matters
Always use fresh, in-season strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can be substituted but should be thawed and drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Temperature Considerations
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this creates a more homogeneous batter. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly.
Mixing Technique
Avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added, as this develops gluten and creates a tough, dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for optimal tenderness.
Doneness Testing
Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking will result in a dry cake.
Storage Guidelines
Store the finished cake in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the strawberries from spoiling. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? A: Absolutely! However, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding to the batter. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
Q: Why did my cake turn out dense instead of fluffy? A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Mix just until combined and ensure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before starting.
Q: How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked? A: The cake should spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I make this cake without eggs for vegan guests? A: Yes! Replace each egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before using. Also substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.
Q: How long will this cake stay fresh? A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake stays fresh for up to 5 days. The strawberries actually help keep the cake moist, but consume within this timeframe for food safety.
Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? A: Certainly! Double all ingredients and use two 9-inch pans or one large sheet pan. Baking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-inspired
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g (Saturated: 5g, Unsaturated: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg