The Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe: Heavenly Sweet Delight

Crafting the most delectable strawberry cake ever is like painting a delicious masterpiece with vibrant, sweet flavors.

Sweet berries burst with natural brilliance in every single slice.

Summer’s bounty comes alive through carefully selected ingredients that sing with freshness.

Soft, moist layers promise a delightful experience that will make you smile.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe captures the essence of pure indulgence.

Passionate bakers understand that magical moments happen when quality ingredients dance together.

Gather Ingredients For The Ultimate Strawberry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor to complement the strawberry.

• Vanilla Extract, Lemon Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the cake's flavor profile.
• Strawberry Emulsion or Extract: Intensifies the strawberry flavor throughout the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's structure.

• Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's light and airy texture.

• Pink Food Color: Gives the cake a subtle strawberry-inspired hue.

• Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient that provides natural fruit flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to the strawberry reduction.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional): Enhances the sweetness of the strawberry reduction.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting base.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet flavor to the frosting.

How To Make The Best Strawberry Cake Ever

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm your oven to 350F.

Generously coat two round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale.

Blend in vanilla extract, lemon extract, and fresh lemon zest for vibrant flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg Whites

Gradually add egg whites, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, silky batter.

Step 5: Add Fruity Essences

• Strawberry emulsion
• Lemon juice
• Strawberry reduction

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture.

Start and end with flour.

Stir in pink food coloring for a beautiful blush tone.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.

Step 9: Create Strawberry Reduction

• Strawberries
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until strawberries break down and mixture reduces by half (20-30 minutes).

Step 10: Cool Reduction

Allow strawberry mixture to reach room temperature.

Step 11: Prepare Frosting

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks develop.

Step 12: Finish Frosting

Add butter gradually, beating after each addition.

Mix in vanilla extract and strawberry reduction until smooth and creamy.

Step 13: Assemble Cake

Frost cooled cake layers, creating a stunning strawberry masterpiece.

Tips For Moist And Flavorful Strawberry Cake

• Add extra strawberry extract or fresh pureed strawberries to intensify the fruity taste and create a more vibrant cake profile.
• Brush cake layers with simple syrup or strawberry reduction to keep the cake moist and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.
• Use natural food coloring like beet powder or strawberry powder for a soft pink hue instead of artificial food coloring.
• Drain excess liquid from strawberry reduction to prevent a soggy cake texture and ensure a perfect, consistent crumb.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use a clean, grease-free bowl for maximum volume and stability in the frosting.

Strawberry Cake Variations For Summer Baking

• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious strawberry flavor and tender texture.
• Vegan Strawberry Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg whites with aquafaba, and milk with almond milk to create a plant-based version that's equally moist and rich.
• Low-Sugar Strawberry Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie content while preserving the cake's natural strawberry essence and sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Strawberry Treat: Swap regular milk with coconut milk, use dairy-free margarine instead of butter, creating a luscious cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Ways To Serve This Best Ever Strawberry Cake

• Strawberry Summer Picnic Delight: Pack slices in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, perfect for backyard barbecues or park celebrations.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish Paradise: Top cake with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the strawberry cake's rich, fruity flavor profile.
• Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Create an elegant tea time experience by cutting cake into delicate triangles and pairing with chamomile or strawberry tea.

Storing The Best Strawberry Cake

• Store the strawberry cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the entire unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry emulsion?

Yes, you can puree fresh strawberries and use them, but the flavor might be less intense. Strawberry emulsion provides a more concentrated strawberry taste.

• How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and check the cake early. Use a toothpick test and remove the cake from the oven as soon as it comes out clean to maintain moisture.

• Is the lemon extract necessary for this recipe?

While not mandatory, lemon extract enhances the strawberry flavor and adds a bright, complementary citrus note. If you don’t have it, you can use lemon zest for a similar effect.

Why The Best Strawberry Cake Ever Is Loved

• Craft Stunning Flavor Combinations: Blend luscious strawberry, bright lemon, and delicate vanilla for a taste sensation that dances on your palate with incredible complexity.
• Master Bakery-Level Technique: Learn professional cake-making skills through a detailed process that transforms simple ingredients into a showstopping dessert with professional-quality results.
• Customize Color and Mood: Incorporate pink food coloring to create a visually stunning cake that's perfect for celebrations, adding a playful and festive touch to any gathering.
• Create Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance, like the strawberry reduction, allowing flexibility in your baking schedule and reducing last-minute stress during special events.

The Best Strawberry Cake Ever Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Heavenly Strawberry Cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its luscious layers of fruity bliss. Moist crumb, fresh strawberry frosting, and pure summer essence make this irresistible treat a sweet celebration of seasonal perfection you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 10 ounces (283 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 ounces (170 grams) egg whites, room temperature

Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) strawberry reduction, room temperature
• 6 ounces (170 grams) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Flavor and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 12 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 12 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 12 teaspoons strawberry emulsion or extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 12 teaspoon pink food color

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by heating oven to 350F and preparing two 9-inch cake pans with grease and flour.
2. Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture, then incorporate vanilla, lemon extract, and lemon zest.
4. Gradually introduce egg whites, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.
5. Blend strawberry emulsion, lemon juice, and strawberry reduction into the butter mixture.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the batter, mixing gently and incorporating pink food coloring until just combined.
7. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks for complete cooling.
9. Create strawberry reduction by combining strawberries, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and optional sugar in a saucepan.
10. Simmer reduction over medium heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring periodically until strawberries break down and liquid reduces by half.
11. Let strawberry reduction cool to room temperature.
12. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks develop.
13. Incrementally incorporate butter into the meringue, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
14. Finish frosting by blending vanilla extract and strawberry reduction until smooth and uniform.
15. Carefully assemble and frost cooled cake layers with prepared strawberry frosting.

Notes

• Prevent cake from sticking by using parchment paper rounds at the bottom of cake pans for guaranteed easy removal.
• Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature to create smoother, more uniform cake batter with better incorporation.
• Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to maintain a tender, light cake texture and prevent developing tough gluten strands.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg