Description

This homemade strawberry cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a masterpiece bursting with real strawberry flavor in every bite. Unlike traditional shortcuts that rely on artificial flavors, this cake celebrates fresh, ripe strawberries to create vibrant pink layers swirled with natural fruit. From the tangy, homemade strawberry puree to the delicate, fluffy cake, each element is crafted to highlight the taste of summer. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or as a showstopper for any occasion, this strawberry cake will impress your guests and have them asking for seconds. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 1 ½ cups (12 oz.) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large egg whites
• 1 cup milk
• 3 ½ cups (14 oz.) cake flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• For the Strawberry Glaze:
• Strawberry puree (reserved from 1 pound of berries)
• ¼ cup strawberry juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Optional Frostings:
• Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting:
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup strawberry puree
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Method

Make the Strawberry Puree:
The key to this cake’s vibrant flavor lies in the homemade strawberry puree. Here’s how to make it:

Wash and hull 1 pound of fresh strawberries, then slice them into quarters. Reserve any excess juice.
Transfer the strawberries to a saucepan with ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Heat over medium, stirring often, until the berries soften and release their juices. Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher.
Simmer uncovered for 15-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half into a thick, jam-like consistency. For a smoother puree, blend with an immersion blender.
Let the puree cool completely before using. This yields about 1 cup of concentrated strawberry puree.
Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until light and airy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using. Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients in three parts and the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Gently fold in ½ cup of the cooled strawberry puree, leaving delicate streaks for a marble effect.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
Assemble the Cake:

Trim the tops of the cake layers if needed for an even surface.
Place the bottom layer on a serving platter, cut-side up. Brush generously with the strawberry glaze to infuse extra moisture and flavor.
Spread a layer of frosting or whipped cream evenly over the soaked layer, then add a dollop of strawberry puree for an extra burst of fruitiness.
Repeat with the remaining layers, glazing, frosting, and stacking. Finish with a thin crumb coat to seal in crumbs, then chill for 30 minutes.
Frost the cake with a final layer of strawberry frosting or whipped cream. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a stunning presentation.

Tips and Conclusion

For a bakery-worthy touch, use a piping bag to add decorative swirls or rosettes of frosting around the edges. This cake pairs beautifully with a glass of sparkling rosé or a hot cup of tea. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days—if there are any!

This homemade strawberry cake is a labor of love, but the vibrant flavor and tender, moist crumb are more than worth the effort. With its fresh strawberry puree and customizable frosting options, this cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your love for strawberries, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Ready for more inspiration? Check out our other crowd-pleasing cake recipes and desserts to sweeten your day! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us—we love seeing your culinary masterpieces! 🍓