When it comes to celebrating the vibrant flavors of fresh food, few fruits can match the sweet, juicy allure of ripe strawberries. Incorporating these luscious berries into a homemade strawberry cake elevates dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a moist and delectable fresh strawberry cake that captures the essence of summer.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need about 2 cups of ripe strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups for the cake batter.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to enhance flavor.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) at room temperature for a rich, buttery texture.
Granulated Sugar: 2 cups to sweeten the cake.
Eggs: 4 large eggs, also at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons to add a hint of sweetness.
Whole Milk: 1 cup for moisture and creaminess.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup for the frosting.
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups for the frosting.
Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): A handful of whole strawberries for decorating the cake.
Now, let’s embark on the journey of creating this delectable fresh strawberry cake.
Prepare the Strawberries
Start by washing, hulling, and slicing the fresh strawberries. Set aside a handful of whole strawberries for garnishing the cake later. Puree the remaining sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor until you have a smooth strawberry puree.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for now.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process will take about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
The butter and sugar mixture should be added the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Begin by adding about one-third of the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, followed by half of the strawberry puree. Repeat this process, alternating dry and wet ingredients, and ending with the remaining dry mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make the cake tough.
Bake the Cake
You can use two 9-inch round cake pans for a traditional layer cake. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Strawberry Cream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to prepare the strawberry cream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. Then, fold in the remaining strawberry puree, creating a luscious strawberry-flavored frosting.
Assemble and Decorate
Once the cakes have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble your strawberry cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of strawberry cream frosting on top, and add the second cake layer. Decorate with whole strawberries or strawberry slices for an eye-catching finish.
Serve and Enjoy
Your fresh strawberry cake is now ready to be enjoyed. Slice into it, and you’ll reveal layers of moist, strawberry-infused cake with a creamy strawberry frosting. This delightful dessert captures the essence of summer and showcases the deliciousness of fresh food.
Tips and Variations:
Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen strawberries if they are not in season. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
Whipped Cream Topping: For an even lighter finish, you can use whipped cream instead of a cream frosting.
Add Lemon Zest: Enhance the strawberry flavor with a touch of lemon zest in the cake batter or frosting.
Make Cupcakes: Turn this recipe into strawberry cupcakes by pouring the batter into cupcake liners and adjusting the baking time.
Strawberry Jam: If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, consider spreading a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers before frosting.
Creating a fresh cake is a delightful way to celebrate the natural sweetness and vibrant flavors of fresh food. From the first bite to the last, this moist and fruity dessert captures the essence of summer in a delightful package. So, gather your ripe strawberries and embark on this culinary journey to create a sweet masterpiece that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.