Name: Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup strawberry frosting

Hey y'all! If you're craving a sweet slice of pure, berry bliss, this homemade Strawberry Cake is just the treat for you. With its moist crumb, vibrant pink hue, and fresh strawberry flavor packed into every bite, it's a showstopper for birthdays, picnics, or just because! This crowd-pleaser is easy to make and tastes like summer in every forkful. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Cake

Fresh strawberries infuse every layer with natural sweetness and color.
Super moist and tender crumb, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
Easy-to-follow recipe that's great for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any festive occasion.
Customizable with your favorite frostings and toppings.

Strawberry Cake Ingredients

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, room temperature
Pink or red food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)

How to Make Strawberry Cake: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
Puree the chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. You should have about ¾ cup of puree.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Sugar & Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the oil, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk and strawberry puree. Start and end with the dry mixture.
If desired, add a drop or two of food coloring to enhance the pink color.

Step 5: Bake the Strawberry Cake

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Strawberry Cake Notes & Tips

For the freshest flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries. Learn how to select the best berries from Bon Appétit.
If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with ½ cup whole milk plus ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
Make sure your eggs and dairy are at room temperature for best cake texture.

Strawberry Cake Variations

Strawberry Lemon Cake: Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest to the batter for a zesty kick.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Strawberry Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Required Equipment for Strawberry Cake

Two 8-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Wire cooling rack
Spatula

Strawberry Cake Storage Instructions

Store the strawberry cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving Recommendations for Strawberry Cake

Serve chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade strawberry sauce.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Strawberry Cake Pro Tips

For a burst of strawberry flavor, add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the batter. Learn more about using freeze-dried fruit in baking at Sally's Baking Addiction.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding layers.
Level the cake layers with a serrated knife for a professional-looking finish.

Strawberry Cake FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?: Yes! Thaw and drain them well before pureeing to prevent excess moisture.
What frosting pairs best with strawberry cake?: Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting complement the cake's fruity flavor perfectly.
How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?: Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and don't overmix once you add the dry ingredients.

For more on cake baking basics, check out this helpful resource on King Arthur Baking.

Strawberry Cake