Strawberry Cake Recipes: From Classic to Creative
Are you ready to bake a deliciously moist and flavorful strawberry cake? This guide dives into a variety of strawberry cake recipes, catering to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll find inspiration here to create the perfect strawberry cake for any occasion.
Classic Strawberry Cake Recipe
This recipe provides a foundational understanding of creating a delightful strawberry cake. It's simple, straightforward, and perfect for those starting their baking journey.
Ingredients:
- 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 buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- 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.
- Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Strawberry Filling: While cakes cool, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until strawberries soften and release their juices. Let cool.
- Make Frosting: Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla and sliced strawberries.
- Assemble Cake: Once cakes are completely cool, level tops if necessary. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over one cake layer. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This delightful twist on a classic combines the best of both worlds: the lightness of shortcake and the juicy sweetness of strawberries.
Key Differences from Classic Recipe:
- Cake: Use a shortcake recipe as the base. This often involves a higher butter-to-flour ratio for a tender crumb. You might also consider adding a touch of baking powder for extra lift.
- Frosting: A whipped cream frosting pairs perfectly with the shortcake texture, complementing the fresh strawberries. Consider adding a touch of vanilla bean paste for extra flavor depth.
- Presentation: Consider using macerated strawberries (strawberries soaked in sugar and liqueur) for an elevated presentation.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Strawberry Cake
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will yield the best flavor.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Cool Completely: Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Use fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers to decorate your cake.
By following these recipes and tips, you can confidently bake a stunning and delicious strawberry cake that will impress your friends and family. Remember to adapt and experiment to find your perfect strawberry cake recipe!