Fresh Strawberry Cake
A light and luscious cake that captures the essence of summer with ripe strawberries and silky buttercream.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Sift before measuring for a lighter crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar Can be reduced for a less-sweet cake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Brings richness and tenderness.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature Helps the cake rise and stay moist.
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed slightly Sub with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tbsp baking powder For lift.
- 0.5 tsp salt Balances sweetness.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract Deepens flavor.
- 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries, plus extra for garnish Drained lightly to avoid a wet batter.
For the Strawberry Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter Softened.
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup pureed fresh strawberries Strained for smoothness.
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the warm milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped fresh strawberries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Buttercream
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with the pureed strawberries and a pinch of salt. Beat until silky and spreadable.
Assembly
- Assemble the cake by layering one cake, a smear of buttercream, sliced strawberries, then the second cake and a final coat of buttercream. Garnish with whole or halved strawberries.
Notes
Make it festive by adding edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar. For gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free mix.