Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake: A Recipe for Nostalgia and Deliciousness
This isn't just a cake; it's a trip down memory lane. This old-fashioned strawberry cake recipe captures the essence of simpler times, delivering a moist, delicate crumb bursting with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh strawberries. Get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness that's sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake Recipe Stands Out
Forget overly complicated recipes and artificial flavorings. This recipe focuses on quality ingredients and classic techniques to create a truly unforgettable strawberry cake. We're talking:
- Real strawberries: The star of the show! We'll use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor impact.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: No need for fancy extracts or obscure flours. Just simple, everyday ingredients that work together beautifully.
- A moist, tender crumb: The secret lies in the careful balance of wet and dry ingredients, resulting in a cake that's soft and delightful.
- Easy-to-follow instructions: Even beginner bakers can achieve amazing results with this straightforward recipe.
- Perfect for any occasion: From birthdays to picnics to simple weeknight treats, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons strawberry juice (from the pureed strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more, as needed)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers will release easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, gently mash about 1 cup of the sliced strawberries to create a puree. This adds extra strawberry flavor to the cake.
- 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.
- Gently fold in the remaining sliced strawberries and the strawberry puree.
Baking the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Strawberry Glaze:
- While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry juice, and milk until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost the top of one layer with the strawberry glaze.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining glaze.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The flavor will be significantly better.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Get creative with the decoration: Add fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Enjoy Your Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake!
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients and classic baking techniques. It's a cake that's both delicious and deeply satisfying, a perfect treat for any occasion. Share your baking adventures with us! Let us know how your old-fashioned strawberry cake turned out in the comments below.
