Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe: A Delightfully Simple Dessert
Are you craving a delicious strawberry cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This easy strawberry cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's quick, simple, and delivers a moist, flavorful cake that's sure to impress. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
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 Filling & Frosting:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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 a clean release.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for even baking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- 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 – overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Vanilla Extract: 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.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Strawberry Filling & Frosting:
- Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes). Let cool completely.
- Strawberry Frosting: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer & Frost: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the cooled strawberry filling over the cake layer. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the strawberry frosting.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes to personalize your cake!
This easy strawberry cake recipe is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of your baking efforts! Remember to share your creations with us – we'd love to see your beautiful strawberry cakes!
