This moist strawberry cake is a delicate, fruity delight packed with fresh strawberries and a light, fluffy texture. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries gives the cake a refreshing burst of flavor, making it perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply indulging in a homemade dessert. This recipe avoids artificial flavors by using real strawberries to create a beautifully moist and tender cake with a vibrant pink hue. Whether served plain or topped with whipped cream or strawberry glaze, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients:
For the Cake Batter:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) fresh strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries until smooth)
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, enhances strawberry flavor)
For the Strawberry Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer.
- Continue mixing for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Strawberry Puree
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and strawberry puree, blending until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add half of the dry mixture, stirring gently.
- Pour in buttermilk and mix until incorporated.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth—avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Strawberry Glaze (Optional)
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice and serve with whipped cream or fresh strawberry slices.
- Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Moist Strawberry Cake:
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Blend strawberries thoroughly for a smooth puree.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add strawberry extract or a thin layer of strawberry jam between cake layers.
This cake is soft, fruity, and utterly delicious! Want variations like a strawberry shortcake version or different frosting options? Let’s make it even more exciting.