Homemade Strawberry Cake

The Homemade Strawberry Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to summer picnics. Its rich flavor comes from a unique method of reducing fresh strawberry puree, which infuses the cake with intense berry goodness. This delightful dessert is not only visually stunning with its pink hues but also incredibly moist and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The reduced strawberry puree adds a rich, concentrated flavor that sets this cake apart.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of ingredients ensures a soft, moist cake that everyone will love.
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the color to fit any theme or occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake looks as good as it tastes, making it an excellent centerpiece for any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious details of this recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These help you achieve a perfectly creamed butter and sugar mixture, crucial for the cake’s fluffiness.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking success. They ensure every ingredient is correctly proportioned.
• Mixing bowls: Having various sizes allows for organized preparation of different components without confusion.
• Wire rack: Cooling cakes on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air circulation around the cakes.

Ingredients

The one thing that sets this strawberry cake apart from others? Reduce fresh strawberry puree down and add to the best white cake batter.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
– 2 and 1/2 cups (285g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
– 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1/3 cup (75g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup reduced strawberry puree (see step 1)
– optional: 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring
– 1 cup (about 25g) freeze-dried strawberries
– 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1–2 Tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– salt, to taste

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

To start your Homemade Strawberry Cake, first make the strawberry puree:
1. Puree the rinsed and hulled strawberries in a blender until smooth.
2. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, simmer the puree while stirring occasionally. Cook until reduced to about ½ cup (approximately 135g) — this may take about 25–35 minutes.
3. Allow it to cool completely before use. For best results, prepare this the day before and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 3: Prepare Cake Pans

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line them with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper too.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl:
1. Beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on high speed until smooth—about 2 minutes.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add in egg whites one at a time on high speed until combined—about another 2 minutes.
4. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Milk and Strawberry Puree

With the mixer on low speed:
1. Slowly pour in whole milk until just combined—avoid overmixing.
2. Whisk in cooled reduced strawberry puree until no lumps remain.

Step 7: Bake Cakes

Pour equal amounts of batter into prepared pans:
1. Bake for approximately 24–25 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done!
2. Let them cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 8: Make Strawberry Frosting

Using a blender or food processor:
1. Process freeze-dried strawberries into powder—aim for about ½ cup.
In another bowl:
2. Beat cream cheese on high speed until smooth—about 1 minute.
3. Mix in softened butter until well combined.
4. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla—beat until creamy.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Once cakes are cooled:
1. Trim tops if domed for even layers.
2. Place one layer on your serving plate; spread frosting evenly on top.
3. Add second layer over it; frost top and sides of entire cake.
4. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes, then slice to serve!

Now you have an impressive Homemade Strawberry Cake that’s sure to delight everyone! Enjoy your baking!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake

Serving your Homemade Strawberry Cake can enhance the overall experience. Consider these delightful suggestions to impress your guests and elevate your dessert presentation.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Top each slice with fresh, sliced strawberries for a burst of color and flavor.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light, creamy texture that complements the cake.

Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pairing this cake with vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors, making each bite irresistible.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Add a few fresh mint leaves as a garnish to bring a pop of green and refreshing aroma, enhancing the visual appeal.

Drizzled with Strawberry Sauce

• A drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce over the top adds extra sweetness and makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Served on a Cake Stand

• Present your cake on an elegant cake stand to showcase its beauty during special occasions or gatherings.

How to Perfect Homemade Strawberry Cake

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Strawberry Cake, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh fruits provide the best flavor. Opt for ripe, sweet strawberries for pureeing.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar ensures the right texture. Use a kitchen scale when possible.
• Cool Ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain a light and airy cake. Overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to test the center of the cakes; they should come out clean when perfectly baked.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating your frosted cake briefly helps it hold its shape when slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Strawberry Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Strawberry Cake can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert contrasts beautifully with strawberry flavors while cleansing the palate.
3. Chocolate Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats echo the strawberry theme and add an indulgent touch.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can create a savory counterpoint to sweet cake slices.
5. Pistachio Crumble: The crunch from pistachios adds texture and an earthy flavor that complements strawberries well.
6. Herbed Yogurt Dip: A light yogurt dip infused with herbs offers a unique savory option that pairs nicely with dessert.
7. Coconut Macaroons: These chewy cookies provide a tropical twist that goes wonderfully alongside strawberry desserts.
8. Coffee or Tea: Serving hot beverages like coffee or tea can enhance the flavor profile while providing a comforting finish after dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Homemade Strawberry Cake can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your success. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect.

• Using unmeasured ingredients: Always measure your flour and sugar accurately. Too much or too little can affect the cake’s texture.
• Skipping the cooling process: Allow your reduced strawberry puree to cool completely before adding it to the batter. This prevents cooking the eggs in the mixture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cakes tough.
• Not preparing cake pans properly: Grease and line your pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release of the cakes after baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven before baking. An unheated oven can result in uneven baking.
• Frosting a warm cake: Ensure that your cakes are completely cooled before frosting. Frosting on warm layers can cause melting and sliding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Homemade Strawberry Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If possible, keep it covered with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.

Freezing Homemade Strawberry Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Homemade Strawberry Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices for about 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.
• Stovetop: For a warm slice, place it in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Homemade Strawberry Cake.

What makes this Homemade Strawberry Cake special?

This cake is unique because it uses reduced fresh strawberry puree, intensifying the flavor and creating a moist texture that you won’t find in typical recipes.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before pureeing.

How do I customize my Homemade Strawberry Cake?

You can add lemon zest or almond extract for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, consider mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations that lead to sinking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the reduced strawberry puree a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Strawberry Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With its rich strawberry flavor and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress friends and family. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings for a unique twist!