If you’re craving a dessert that bursts with sunshine and sweetness, this Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe is the one to try. It’s a wonderfully simple cake, made with fresh strawberries layered right on top, creating a moist, tender crumb and a dazzling ruby finish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour. The balance of vanilla, sugar, and butter complements the juicy strawberries perfectly, making every bite feel like a celebration of berry season. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become your go-to recipe for when you want something fresh, comforting, and impressively delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few straightforward ingredients is all it takes to whip up this Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe. Each component plays a special role: the butter for richness, sugar for sweetness, and fresh strawberries for that vibrant pop of flavor and color.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): Bring it to room temperature for creamy, smooth mixing that ensures a tender cake texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup plus 2 teaspoons): The bulk sweetener in the batter, with a little extra sprinkled on top for a delightful caramelized crunch during baking.
- Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients together while adding structure and moisture.
- Skim milk (½ cup): Keeps the cake light and moist without overwhelming richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the batter with aromatic warmth and depth.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The backbone of the cake, provides structure and fluffiness when combined with baking powder.
- Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): The leavening agent that ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors by balancing sweetness.
- Sliced fresh strawberries (2 cups): The star ingredient, adding vibrant color, juicy bursts, and a naturally fresh sweetness.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing a 9-inch cake pan thoroughly. This crucial step ensures your cake comes out effortlessly once baked and that the strawberries sit proudly on top without sinking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the room temperature butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes. This process aerates the mix, giving you a pale and fluffy base that translates into a soft, light cake.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add your egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until everything is just combined; this keeps the batter silky and smooth, setting the stage for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually fold half of this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, stirring gently but thoroughly. Then add the remaining dry mix and beat for an additional minute until the batter is fluffy and homogenous. This method builds a tender crumb without overworking the batter.
Step 5: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the well-mixed batter into your prepared 9-inch cake pan. Spread it into an even layer so the cake bakes uniformly, ensuring that lovely even texture throughout.
Step 6: Top with Strawberries and Sugar
Now comes the best part: scatter the sliced fresh strawberries in a single layer over the top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar over the strawberries to create a sweet crust that complements the soft cake beneath.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake your cake for 50 to 60 minutes. The time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so insert a wooden skewer or cake tester into the center after 50 minutes; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly done.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before removing it. Cooling helps the cake set, making it easier to slice without sticking or crumbling. Then cut into 8 or 8 generous slices and enjoy!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds just the right touch. For an extra touch of elegance, fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced strawberries arranged on top enhance the visual appeal and boost freshness.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of berry compote. Light beverages like champagne or a floral tea make a lovely accompaniment without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cake on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh strawberry halves and edible flowers for a charming garden party vibe. Alternatively, cut into small squares and serve with toothpicks as bite-sized treats for casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The strawberries will stay moist and the cake will retain its fresh flavor and texture when stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, you can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw refrigerated overnight before serving to enjoy the cake almost as fresh as the day it was baked.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back the tender, buttery softness without drying out the cake. This quick reheating makes it taste freshly baked and heavenly all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if you thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could affect the cake’s crumb and baking.
Is skim milk the only option?
Feel free to substitute with any milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond, or oat milk. Each will add a slightly different richness or flavor but will work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The classic wooden skewer test works best: insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?
This recipe shines with fresh strawberries, but you can experiment with blueberries or raspberries for a twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content and bake times as they may vary.
Does the cake freeze well after baking?
Yes! Freezing baked cake slices is an excellent way to enjoy the Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe later, and proper wrapping ensures it stays moist and delicious after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate simple ingredients and the natural sweetness of fresh berries. It’s foolproof, delicious, and has a lightness that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether a casual afternoon treat or a centerpiece dessert. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
