Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a Fresh Strawberry Cake in the summertime! Bursting with juicy berries, delicate layers of vanilla-almond cake, and a swoop of luscious frosting, this cake captures the flavor of sunny afternoons and garden-fresh fruit in every bite. It’s a showstopper for birthdays, picnics, or just because you couldn’t resist those perfect strawberries at the market. This recipe combines a tender homemade cake with layers of fresh strawberry goodness, making it a true celebration of the season and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a basket of simple, classic ingredients that work together to create a Fresh Strawberry Cake with unforgettable flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, so use the best quality you can find for incredible results!

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft and tender crumb; be sure to measure carefully for a light cake.
• Baking powder: Adds that essential lift, ensuring your cake rises beautifully and isn’t dense.
• Salt: Just a little brings out the sweetness of the strawberries and balances every bite.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): Lends rich flavor and aroma; using it at room temp helps with even mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create that beautiful golden crust.
• Large eggs & egg whites: Create structure, tenderness, and a lovely airy texture in your cake layers.
• Whole milk: Contributes moistness and helps bring everything together for a smooth batter.
• Sour cream: Secret weapon for an ultra-moist crumb and a subtle tang to offset sweet berries.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor base that shines in combination with ripe strawberries.
• Almond extract: Just a splash gives your Fresh Strawberry Cake a depth that’s irresistible.
• Fresh strawberries (2-3 pounds): The star! Their vibrant color and juicy sweetness make this cake unforgettable.
• Frosting of choice: Use either the original recipe or a strawberry cream cheese version for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Strawberries

Start by greasing and flouring three 8 or 9-inch round cake pans so your cake layers slip out easily. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, wash and hull your strawberries, then slice about one-third into thin slices for layering and garnishing. Dice the rest into small pieces for that fresh burst in every bite.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and sift together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only prevents lumps but also ensures a beautifully even rise. Stir everything together—this simple step sets up the light and fluffy texture that’s a hallmark of a great Fresh Strawberry Cake.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar on medium until the mixture is ultra-light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving your cake lovely lift and softness. Scrape down the bowl as needed so nothing gets left behind.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

Add the whole eggs and the egg whites to your butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed after each addition. The extra egg whites make the cake wonderfully airy and tender—you’ll notice the difference with every forkful.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of your flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low just until combined. Next, pour in all the milk, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract, blending until the batter is smooth and rich. Finish by adding the rest of the flour mix, mixing gently one last time. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl for a fully incorporated batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The layers are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden. Cool the cakes in their pans for five minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely—this prevents them from steaming and getting soggy.

Step 7: Make Your Frosting

No Fresh Strawberry Cake is complete without a swoon-worthy frosting! You can choose between the classic original or a dreamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. If you opt for the original, some find chilling it for 20-30 minutes helps it firm up. If you love a tangy touch, go for cream cheese—and don’t worry, you’ll find both recipes easy and delicious.

Step 8: Assemble Your Fresh Strawberry Cake

Time for the fun part! Place your first cake layer on a serving plate. If you’re using the original frosting, sprinkle diced strawberries right on top before adding the frosting. With cream cheese frosting, simply frost each layer, then repeat with your second and third layers. Finish by covering the sides with frosting using an offset spatula for those bakery-style swoops.

Step 9: Decorate with Strawberries

For a true showstopper, scatter the remaining sliced strawberries over the top of your cake. Their bright color and glossy sheen instantly signal that something special awaits inside. Snap a picture—if you can wait that long—before slicing and serving this gorgeous Fresh Strawberry Cake!

How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

For an irresistible finish, garnish your cake with plenty of fresh strawberry slices, juicy whole berries, and maybe even a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint sprigs add a memorable color contrast and a hint of herbal aroma, making every slice look like a celebration.

Side Dishes

Fresh Strawberry Cake is delightful all on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream takes it from lovely to legendary. For a refreshing touch, serve with a tangy fruit salad featuring kiwi, pineapple, or blueberries.

Creative Ways to Present

Try assembling your cake as a naked cake, letting the edges peek out for a rustic look, or go all-out with a dramatic cascade of strawberries down the sides. Mini Fresh Strawberry Cakes or cupcakes are charming for parties, and individual slices layered into parfait glasses look stunning, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tightly cover leftover Fresh Strawberry Cake with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The cake stays beautifully moist, and the flavors meld together for an even richer experience the next day.

Freezing

If you need to make your cake ahead, freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then assemble with fresh strawberries and frosting just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

You don’t really need to reheat Fresh Strawberry Cake, but if you want to take the chill off a refrigerated slice, zap it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the cake and slightly warm the strawberries—the perfect cozy treat!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, they tend to be more watery and less vibrant. For the best texture and a beautiful presentation, fresh strawberries really make all the difference in this Fresh Strawberry Cake.

How do I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Greasing and flouring your cake pans is key. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds—just cut them to size and lift your layers out with zero sticking or breaking.

Can this be made as a sheet cake or cupcakes?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan for a simple sheet cake, or use muffin tins lined with papers for adorable Fresh Strawberry Cake cupcakes. Just watch the baking time, as smaller cakes will be done sooner.

What if I don’t like almond extract?

No problem—simply leave it out or reduce the amount to your taste. The Fresh Strawberry Cake will still have wonderful flavor thanks to the vanilla and luscious berries.

Which frosting should I use?

This really comes down to personal preference! The original frosting is light and creamy, highlighting the strawberries, whereas the strawberry cream cheese frosting adds a delightfully tangy twist. Try both and see which one your family loves most.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that captures the magic of the season, give this Fresh Strawberry Cake a try. It’s full of bright, fresh flavors and simple joys—and it’s sure to be requested again and again at your table!

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