Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake Recipe
This is a lovely light cake with fresh strawberries baked into the batter. The batter is scented with lemon zest, vanilla and almond extract which all work so nicely with strawberries. Since the cake is so flavorful, we love serving it simply. Try a dusting of powdered sugar on top or next to a bowl of whipped cream. Ice cream would work too
This is a lovely light cake with fresh strawberries baked into the batter. The batter is scented with lemon zest, vanilla and almond extract which all work so nicely with strawberries. Since the cake is so flavorful, we love serving it simply. Try a dusting of powdered sugar on top or next to a bowl of whipped cream. Ice cream would work too
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons (115 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar plus 1 teaspoon for
- 2 large eggs separated, see notes
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) sour cream or plain yogurt
- 8 ounces fresh strawberries hulled and halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
- powdered sugar for serving optional
- Carbohydrate 3.64167608042921 g
- Cholesterol 106.56666666501 mg
- Fat 2.75362398560215 g
- Fiber 0.706277961427795 g
- Protein 4.02511097006559 g
- Saturated Fat 0.89170701157134 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (75g)
- Sodium 94.6153576875067 mg
- Sugar 2.93539811900142 g
- Trans Fat 0.452586960078361 g
- Calories 56 calories
Step-by-step
- Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Butter and flour an 8-inch by 2-inch round pan. Place the pan on an insulated baking sheet or on two regular baking sheets stacked on top of the other (this helps even baking).
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks, lemon zest, vanilla and almond extract. Beat until smooth and blended. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl then beat in the cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
- Mix in a third of the flour until only a few streaks of flour remain then mix in the remaining flour. Add the egg whites and sour cream and mix on medium low speed just until smooth.
- Spread the cake batter into an even layer in the baking pan. Gently press strawberries into the top of the batter in a circular pattern so that the strawberries are covering most of the top of the cake. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar over the strawberries.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes.
- Cool cake in the pan for 5 minutes then run a knife around the edges and remove from the pan. Place strawberry-side-up on the cooling rack and allow to cool.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
My Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake: A Simple Delight
As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I need recipes that are both delicious and efficient, and this Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake perfectly fits the bill. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists; this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, delivering a burst of summery flavor without sacrificing quality. The delicate lemon zest and almond extract beautifully complement the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. I particularly love the simplicity of the serving suggestions – a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is all it needs to elevate this cake to a truly special treat.
The best part? This cake is unbelievably forgiving. Even if your baking skills are a little rusty (like mine sometimes are!), you'll end up with a moist, tender cake that's sure to impress. The process is so simple, even my kids can help with some of the steps – measuring ingredients, gently pressing the strawberries into the batter. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create special memories in the kitchen, making the baking process just as enjoyable as the eating! I often find myself adapting this recipe, sometimes using other berries depending on what’s in season or adding a layer of homemade whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The possibilities are endless, yet the foundation remains effortlessly simple and consistently delicious.
This recipe has become a staple in my household, a go-to dessert for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. It's the perfect balance of ease and elegance, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most satisfying. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do!
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; the ingredients are easily accessible, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry. If you're struggling to find kosher salt, you can easily substitute regular table salt. The quality of your strawberries will greatly impact the final taste, so try to opt for the freshest, ripest ones available.
Baking Tips:
Baking is all about precision; take your time and follow the instructions carefully for the best result. Ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature – this will guarantee that it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Don't overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Lastly, use a good quality baking pan and pay attention to the baking time - a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean when it's done.
Serving Suggestions:
The possibilities for serving this strawberry cake are endless. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all it needs, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of your favorite fruit sauce or balsamic glaze. Get creative and find what complements your taste buds best!
Make it Your Own:
Feel free to experiment and personalize this recipe to suit your own preferences. You could add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of cream cheese frosting. You could also use different types of berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a unique twist. The variations are endless! This cake is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Conclusion:
This Easy Fresh Strawberry Cake recipe has become more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to the joy of simple, wholesome baking. It's a recipe that connects me to my family, allows me to share my love of cooking, and always delivers a taste of summer sunshine, no matter the season. I encourage you to give it a try – you won't be disappointed.
