Description
This delightful Strawberry Cake with Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh strawberry puree blended into a tender cake, topped with a luscious strawberry-infused buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, this recipe yields a beautifully pink cake layered with creamy frosting and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 6-8 medium strawberries)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh strawberry puree (or more, depending on your desired flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (for consistency, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside to combine the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This step aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine the fresh strawberry puree, milk, and vegetable oil. Slowly pour this mixture into the butter and sugar mixture while beating continuously to ensure an even batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture in the baked cake.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean, indicating they are fully baked.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and prepares the cake layers for frosting.
- Make the Strawberry Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Flavor to Frosting: Mix in the fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the buttercream. Continue beating until the frosting is light, creamy, and evenly colored.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick to spread, add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency for easy spreading and piping.
- Frost the Cake Layers: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of strawberry frosting evenly on top.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing or decorating as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the fully frosted cake to serve. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh strawberries or extra frosting. Enjoy the fresh, homemade strawberry cake with friends and family!
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If you prefer a richer cake, substitute buttermilk for whole milk.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- Chill frosting slightly if it becomes too soft before spreading.
- For extra decoration, consider adding sliced strawberries between the cake layers.
