Savor the Sweetness: Best Homemade Strawberry Cake
Indulge in the divine sweetness of homemade desserts with our Best Homemade Strawberry Cake recipe. Bursting with the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea gatherings. Made with simple ingredients and filled with luscious strawberry goodness, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Join us as we explore the art of baking and uncover the secrets to creating this irresistible dessert that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients
Let’s gather all the ingredients needed to create this heavenly Strawberry Cake:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- 1 1⁄2 cups (12 oz.) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 cup milk
- 3 1⁄2 cups (14 oz.) cake flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- Glaze:
- Strawberry puree (reserved from the 1 pound of berries)
- 1⁄4 cup strawberry juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional)
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Lemon juice
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Best Homemade Strawberry Cake:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries and remove the stems. Reserve a portion of the strawberries for the cake batter and the remaining portion for the glaze. Puree the strawberries for the glaze using a blender or food processor. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, tapping out any excess flour.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold in the reserved strawberries (diced or pureed, depending on your preference) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the strawberry puree, strawberry juice, powdered sugar, and a splash of lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of the glaze on top of the cake, then repeat with the remaining layers. Use the remaining glaze to drizzle over the top of the cake for added flavor and decoration.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Best Homemade Strawberry Cake, and savor every delicious bite!
Cook Notes and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations to consider when making your Best Homemade Strawberry Cake:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: While fresh strawberries are preferred for this recipe, you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw the frozen strawberries and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the cake batter and glaze. Taste the strawberries before using them and adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Adding Almond Extract: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding almond extract to the cake batter. Almond extract pairs beautifully with strawberries and adds a subtle nutty flavor to the cake.
- Coloring the Cake: If you want to enhance the pink color of the cake, you can add a few drops of pink food coloring to the batter. This is optional but can add a vibrant pop of color to your cake.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this Strawberry Cake recipe to fit your dietary preferences:
- Almond Flour: Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the cake flour to reduce the carb content of the cake. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.
- Sugar Substitutes: Use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar. Be sure to adjust the amount of sweetener to taste, as some keto sweeteners are sweeter than sugar.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Instead of the traditional glaze, consider topping the cake with a keto-friendly whipped cream made with heavy cream and keto sweetener. This will add a creamy and indulgent finish to the cake without the added sugar.
In conclusion, Best Homemade Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fresh strawberry flavor, moist crumb, and luscious glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a sweet treat, this Strawberry Cake is a delicious choice that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible sweetness of this homemade masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you!
