Classic Homemade Strawberry Cake
A homemade strawberry cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfectly moist, and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for celebrations or a delightful dessert.
Equipment
- Oven
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Blender or food processor
- Large bowls
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed (about 1 cup puree)
- Red food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant pink)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree
- salt Pinch
For the Filling/Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Hull and puree 1 ½ cups of strawberries until smooth and set aside.
Mixing the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of strawberry puree and add red food coloring if a more vibrant pink is desired.
Baking and Cooling
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
- While cakes cool, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
- Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with one-third of the frosting, and arrange half the sliced strawberries.
- Top with the second cake layer, then spread remaining frosting over the top and sides, garnishing with the remaining sliced strawberries.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting. Do not overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and vibrant color. The cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.