Indulge in the delightful simplicity of the easiest Strawberry Cake, boasting a soft and moist crumb infused with the vibrant essence of fresh strawberries. Don’t forget to savor the luscious strawberry sauce. Watch our video tutorial and discover why this is an enduring favorite in our collection of strawberry recipes.
Fresh strawberries are a revelation in desserts, elevating classics like our beloved No-Bake Cheesecake, Strawberry Pretzel Salad, and Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes. We trust this Easy Strawberry Cake will soon become your new favorite.
Strawberry Cake Recipe
Every aspect of this strawberry cake is a triumph: it boasts simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and a mouthwatering taste that is perfect for entertaining. This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, but be forewarned – it tends to vanish in no time!
This recipe is inspired by our immensely popular Blueberry Cake, a sensation that continues to top the charts on our website. Just as fresh strawberries shine on their own, when they are baked into a cake, their flavor is intensified, ensuring each bite overflows with delightful strawberry goodness.
Fresh Strawberry Cake Video
One of the beauties of this cake is its simplicity; it requires no frosting or layering, yet its flavor is undeniably impressive. This is especially true when you generously drizzle each slice with the super-easy 2-ingredient strawberry sauce. Trust us, it’s so good that you’ll be tempted to lick your plate clean. Moreover, it’s remarkably versatile and can be enjoyed with Dutch Baby Pancakes, Waffles, Crepes, and even French Toast.
Ingredients
Our ingredient list consists of pantry staples, but the star here is undoubtedly fresh strawberries. You’ll need nearly 2 pounds of strawberries for both the cake and the sauce.
The simple strawberry sauce calls for just 2 ingredients: strawberries and sugar. It comes together swiftly in a food processor or blender. To craft this delectable strawberry cake, gather these essential ingredients:
- Eggs (ensure they’re at room temperature)
- Granulated sugar (for both the cake and the strawberry sauce; adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your strawberries)
- Sour cream (adds flavor and richness)
- Oil (best results with extra light olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Vanilla extract (homemade vanilla extract is preferred for superior quality and flavor)
- All-purpose flour (creates a soft, non-dense crumb)
- Baking powder (leavening agent for rise)
- Salt (balances the flavor; fine sea salt is our go-to)
- Fresh strawberries (12 oz for the cake, 16 oz for the strawberry sauce; fresh is preferred for the cake)
How to Buy Strawberries
When shopping for strawberries, consider these helpful tips, and take note of the last one, a personal favorite – always give them a whiff!
- Color: Seek out bright, vibrant red strawberries. Dull or strawberries with white or green patches are either underripe or no longer fresh.
- Stems: Inspect the stems; they should appear fresh and green, not brown or dry.
- Firmness: Fresh strawberries should feel firm to the touch. If the packaging is clear, examine the bottom of the container for any signs of softness, mushiness, or leakage.
- Aroma: Always give the package a sniff – it’s the best way to gauge their tastiness. High-quality strawberries emit a sweet and fragrant aroma.
Tools for Baking
This recipe comes together swiftly with straightforward ingredients and basic kitchen tools. For the best results, employ an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar to perfection.
Pro Tip: Rinse your strawberries just before using them. Wash under running water and avoid soap or commercial produce wash (these can be absorbed by strawberries and are not recommended according to the FDA). Once rinsed, set on cloth or paper towels and pat dry.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake
- To bring eggs to room temperature: Place cold eggs in a bowl of warm water (not hot) for 5-7 minutes, then dry them with paper towels before incorporating them into the recipe.
- Do not over-mix: This is crucial! Once the flour is integrated, cease mixing to prevent a dense cake.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into a dry ingredient measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. This ensures accuracy and avoids over-packing flour. For guidance, watch our video tutorial on how to measure ingredients correctly.
