Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch

Craving a luscious homemade dessert? This Best Strawberry Cake from Scratch is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Unlike artificially flavored cakes, this recipe uses real strawberries to create a moist, tender crumb with a rich, fruity taste.

Whether for birthdays, special celebrations, or just a weekend indulgence, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients List

Creating a decadent strawberry cake requires a few key components to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break down the ingredients needed for each element of this delicious cake.

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (3-ounce) package strawberry-flavored gelatin
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• ½ cup strawberry puree (made from frozen sweetened strawberries)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing a homemade strawberry cake, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. Electric Mixer – A stand mixer or hand mixer will help cream the butter and sugar efficiently, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
2. Mixing Bowls – Use separate mixing bowls to properly combine dry and wet ingredients.
3. Cake Pans – Two 9-inch round cake pans work best for this recipe. Be sure to grease and flour them well to prevent sticking.
4. Spatula – A rubber spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
5. Cooling Rack – Proper cooling is essential for achieving the perfect texture. A wire rack allows air circulation around the cake for even cooling.

Cake Preparation

Preparing the cake batter is a crucial step in achieving a soft and flavorful strawberry cake. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and strawberry-flavored gelatin together using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft cake texture.
3. Add the Eggs – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth and even consistency in the batter.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture to achieve the perfect consistency.
6. Incorporate Strawberry Puree and Vanilla – Gently mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract to enhance the cake with natural strawberry flavor. Avoid overmixing, as it may lead to a dense cake.

Baking the Cake

1. Divide the Batter Evenly – Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake to Perfection – Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cooling Process – Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before assembling and decorating.

Frosting and Decoration

A delicious strawberry cake deserves an equally delightful frosting. Here’s how to make a smooth and creamy frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s fruity flavor.

Suggested Frosting

For a classic pairing, use strawberry buttercream frosting. It adds extra strawberry flavor while keeping the cake light and airy.

Ingredients for Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Beat the Butter – In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Incorporate Powdered Sugar – Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid mess.
3. Add Strawberry Puree & Vanilla – Blend in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth consistency.
4. Adjust the Texture – If needed, add heavy cream (1 tablespoon at a time) to reach a spreadable consistency. Beat for an additional 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

1. Level the Cake Layers – If needed, trim the tops of the cakes using a serrated knife to ensure even layers.
2. Layer with Frosting – Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream on top.
3. Stack and Frost – Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining buttercream. Use a spatula to smooth out the edges.
4. Decorate – Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, whole strawberries, or white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Serving and Storage

Now that your strawberry cake is beautifully frosted and decorated, it’s time to serve and store it properly to maintain its freshness.

Best Ways to Serve

• Serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• For special occasions, add a drizzle of strawberry sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Storage Instructions

Short-Term Storage

• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 1 day if you plan to serve it soon.
• If refrigerated, place the cake in an airtight container and store it for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• When ready to serve, thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and decorating.

Conclusion

Making a homemade strawberry cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that results in a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning dessert. With its rich strawberry flavor and creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

By following the step-by-step instructions, you can create a bakery-quality cake right in your kitchen.