Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
This easy strawberry cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and anyone looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss. This recipe prioritizes simplicity and flavor, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake that's sure to impress. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it super convenient.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (about 8-10 fresh strawberries)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly baked strawberry cake:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter cake.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Vanilla Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Strawberry Frosting:
- Strawberry Puree: While the cake is baking, prepare the strawberry puree. Blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain if desired to remove seeds.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Strawberry Puree: Gradually add the strawberry puree, mixing until well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Vanilla Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembling Your Cake:
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frosting Time: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of strawberry frosting.
- Layer & Frost: Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through.
- Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
Serving & Storage:
This easy strawberry cake is best served at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious homemade strawberry cake! This recipe is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or any occasion where a simple yet impressive dessert is desired. Remember to share your baking creations with your friends and family!