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Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 55 reviews

This homemade strawberry cake is a delightful and moist treat made with fresh strawberries incorporated into a tender cake batter and topped with luscious strawberry frosting. Perfect for any occasion, the cake combines the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries with a creamy, fluffy buttercream that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 ½ cups cake flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
  • ½ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries until smooth)

For the Strawberry Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup strawberry puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, if needed
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create an even mixture. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Milk and Sour Cream: In a small bowl, mix the whole milk and sour cream. This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
  6. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
  7. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the strawberry puree and finely chopped fresh strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
  8. Portion and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting on contact.
  10. Make the Frosting: Beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  11. Add Flavor and Adjust Consistency: Pour in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  12. Finish the Frosting: Add a pinch of salt and beat the frosting on high for 2 minutes to make it light and fluffy.
  13. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  14. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting.
  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
  • Cooling the cake completely before frosting is crucial to prevent melting.
  • Adjust frosting consistency by adding cream or powdered sugar as needed for easier spreading.
  • Store the finished cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: strawberry cake, homemade cake, strawberry frosting, fresh strawberries, baking, dessert, moist cake, buttercream frosting