Are you craving a delightful dessert that bursts with the flavors of fresh strawberries? Look no further than this easy and mouthwatering Strawberry Cake recipe. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious taste.

When it comes to dessert lovers, the strawberry cake recipe is a classic favorite that never fails to delight. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, this sweet treat is a must-have in every baker’s repertoire.

Strawberry Cake Recipe

Ingredients	Instructions
2 cups all-purpose flour	1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar	2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
1 tablespoon baking powder	3. Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
½ teaspoon salt	4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened	5. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
½ cup whole milk	6. Fold in strawberry puree until evenly incorporated into the batter.
4 large eggs	7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and use a spatula to smooth the tops with the tops.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract	8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed	9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Ingredients	Frosting Instructions
8 ounces cream cheese, softened	1. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened	2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, beating until fluffy.
4 cups powdered sugar	–
1 teaspoon vanilla extract	–
½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed	–

Assembly Instructions:

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter.
2. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.

Problems with Solutions

Making a strawberry cake can sometimes be challenging. Here are some common problems and tips on how to solve them:

1. Strawberry Flavor Not Prominent Enough

Problem: Fresh strawberries can lose some of their flavor during baking.
Solution:

• Use Strawberry Puree or Concentrate: Incorporate strawberry puree or a bit of strawberry concentrate into the batter for a more intense flavor.
• Strawberry Extract: Adding a few drops of strawberry extract can enhance the flavor.
• Roast Strawberries: Roasting strawberries before adding them to the batter can intensify their flavor.

2. Cake Too Dense

Problem: Strawberry cakes can turn out dense instead of light and fluffy.
Solution:

• Proper Creaming: Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid developing too much gluten.

3. Cake Sinks in the Middle

Problem: The cake sinks in the center as it cools.
Solution:

• Proper Leavening: Ensure you’re using the right amount of baking powder or baking soda.
• Don’t Overfill Pans: Fill cake pans no more than two-thirds full to allow proper rising.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is correctly calibrated. An oven thermometer can help with accuracy.

4. Cake Too Moist or Soggy

Problem: Strawberries add moisture, which can make the cake soggy.
Solution:

• Pat Dry Strawberries: Dry the strawberries thoroughly before adding them to the batter.
• Use Strawberry Powder: Consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder to avoid adding extra moisture.
• Proper Baking Time: Ensure the cake is baked thoroughly by checking with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

5. Strawberries Sink to the Bottom

Problem: Strawberries tend to sink to the bottom of the cake during baking.
Solution:

• Toss in Flour: Toss strawberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter to help them stay suspended.
• Layering: Spread a thin layer of batter, add strawberries, then add more batter on top.

6. Uneven Baking

Problem: The cake is unevenly baked, with some parts undercooked and others overcooked.
Solution:

• Even Distribution: Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
• Proper Pans: Use light-colored, non-stick baking pans for even heat distribution.
• Rotate Pans: If baking multiple layers, rotate the pans halfway through baking.

7. Frosting Issues

Problem: Frosting can be too sweet or not complement the strawberry flavor.
Solution:

• Balance Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the frosting to balance with the cake.
• Flavor Matching: Consider using cream cheese frosting, which pairs well with strawberries and adds a tangy contrast.
• Whipped Cream Frosting: Light and airy whipped cream frosting can complement the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.

Additional Tips:

• Freshness: Use the freshest strawberries available for the best flavor.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of strawberries (e.g., wild, organic) or add other complementary flavors like lemon or mint.