I can’t help but smile just thinking about this Best Ever Strawberry Cake! There’s something utterly magical about a cake that’s bursting with fresh strawberries, isn’t there? I mean, strawberries are basically nature’s candy, and when you bake them into a fluffy cake, they elevate everything to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe is a treasured heirloom that has been passed down in my family, with each bite reminding me of sweet summer afternoons spent under the sun, enjoying birthdays, and impromptu picnics in the backyard.
What makes this cake stand out is not just its beautiful color but that it’s both light and indulgent. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or even just as a midweek treat to brighten up your day. So, let’s dive right into what you’ll need to create this berry wonderful masterpiece!
What’s in Best Ever Strawberry Cake?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cake, providing structure. I prefer using a high-quality brand like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill for consistent results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here. This cake isn’t just mildly sweet; it’s like a hug in dessert form.
Baking Powder: This little agent is what’s going to make your cake rise and be fluffy!
Salt: Trust me, a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: The richer, creamier flavor from unsalted butter makes this cake utterly divine. Make sure to let it soften to room temperature!
Eggs: These act as a binding agent, adding to the cake’s moistness and richness.
Buttermilk: Oh, buttermilk! It not only adds moisture but also contributes a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of our show! Make sure to use ripe, juicy strawberries for that authentic flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla adds warmth and depth that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Is Best Ever Strawberry Cake Good for You?
So, here’s the scoop: while strawberry cake is, of course, a sweet treat to enjoy in moderation, it does come with some perks!
Strawberries: These luscious berries are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re actually great for heart health and can aid in digestion as well. Not too shabby for a dessert!
Buttermilk: It’s lower in fat than regular milk and is a good source of calcium. Plus, it adds tanginess that’s hard to resist!
However, keep in mind that this cake contains sugar and butter, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to save this one for special occasions or make a few adjustments, like cutting down on sugar or swapping some ingredients.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 240g)
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (about 300g)
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (about 115g)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk (about 240ml)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (about 300g)
*Serving Size: This recipe makes about 12 servings.*
How to Make Best Ever Strawberry Cake?
1. **Prep the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs:** One by one, add the eggs to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re incorporated fully.
5. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
6. **Dry Meets Wet:** Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the blend is smooth and lump-free.
7. **Fold in Strawberries:** Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the batter, being careful not to break them up too much.
8. **Bake:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool:** Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Frost:** Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting. I recommend a simple whipped cream or cream cheese frosting that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Strawberry Cake Tips & Tricks!
– **Frosting Variations:** Consider a lemon or almond extract in your frosting for an extra flavor kick.
– **Strawberry Topping:** Top the cake with extra sliced strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
– **Storage:** This cake tastes best the day it’s made but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
I truly hope you give this Best Ever Strawberry Cake a try! It’s a beautiful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends, and give you all the warm, fuzzy feeling of home. So, grab your apron, turn on some music, and let’s bake some memories together! If you do try it, I’d love to hear how your cake turned out—drop me a comment or share a photo! Happy baking!