Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Cake recipe is a great choice for those who love fruity desserts without the hassle of complicated steps. It uses fresh strawberries to create a naturally sweet and vibrant cake. The batter is simple to put together, and it bakes up into a soft, airy cake that’s perfect for a birthday party, picnic, or an afternoon treat. You can even dress it up with a layer of whipped cream or frosting for a little extra indulgence. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings!

Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, toss the chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the prepared strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Strawberry Frosting: For an extra sweet touch, top the cake with homemade strawberry frosting or whipped cream.
Mixed Berries: Try substituting the strawberries with a mix of other berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor twist.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter to enhance the strawberry flavor with a fresh, citrusy kick.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond milk to make the cake vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or wrap it in foil and heat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Tossing the chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding them to the batter will help keep them suspended throughout the cake while baking.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are best for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will taste just as delicious the next day!

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version. Just make sure to check the ratio of the blend you use, as it might differ slightly from all-purpose flour.

How can I make the cake more moist?

The addition of buttermilk helps keep the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to make a quick substitute.

What kind of frosting works well with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple whipped cream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a light buttercream. Strawberry frosting or a glaze would also complement the flavors.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the cake healthier, you can substitute half the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can be added to the batter for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing.

How can I make this cake fluffier?

To achieve a fluffier texture, ensure that the butter and sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy. Also, don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?

Yes, you can easily turn this into a cupcake recipe by dividing the batter into a cupcake tin. Bake at the same temperature for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a light, airy cake base. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the result is a beautiful, moist cake that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress!