Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake Delightful and Simple Recipe

Are you ready to sweeten your day with a delightful treat? This Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a warm memory waiting to be made. With bright strawberries and simple steps, you’ll impress family and friends in no time. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and create something delicious that tastes like a smile on a plate!

Ingredients

To make an Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake, you will need these simple ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1 cup milk

– 3 large eggs

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 2 tablespoons cream cheese

– 2 tablespoons heavy cream

– Additional fresh strawberries for garnish

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a moist and flavorful cake. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. The butter brings richness and moisture. Milk helps to bind all the ingredients together, and the eggs add fluffiness. The baking powder makes the cake rise and become light.

Using fresh strawberries is vital for great flavor. Diced strawberries add bursts of sweetness in every bite. Cream cheese and heavy cream create a smooth frosting that complements the cake perfectly.

You can find the Full Recipe with detailed steps to create this delightful cake!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.

2. Preparing Cake Pans

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter. Dust them with flour to stop sticking. This easy step helps your cake come out cleanly.

Mixing and Baking

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry mix is even. Next, add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mix. Mix well after each egg. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Adding Strawberries and Baking

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined. Then, gently fold in diced strawberries with a spatula. Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Frosting and Assembling

1. Cooling the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step keeps the cake light.

2. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Use a hand mixer or whisk for the best texture.

3. Assembling the Cake Layers

Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Gently add the second layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful finish.

For the full recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Baking Tips

– Ensuring Even Bake

To bake your cake evenly, use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients can cause uneven mixing. I recommend rotating your cake pans halfway through baking. This helps them cook evenly.

– Testing for Doneness

Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer.

Strawberry Selection Tips

– Choosing Ripe Strawberries

Look for bright red strawberries with a fresh green top. They should be firm and smell sweet. Avoid any that have bruises or dull spots. Ripe strawberries will add great flavor to your cake.

– Proper Washing and Hulling

Rinse strawberries under cool water to remove dirt. Use your fingers or a small knife to hull them. This means removing the green leafy top and the white core. Clean strawberries will taste better in your cake.

Frosting Techniques

– Creating Smooth Finishes

To get a smooth frosting layer, use room temperature cream cheese. Beat it well with powdered sugar and heavy cream. Keep mixing until it’s creamy and smooth. This helps it spread easily on the cake.

– Decorating with Fresh Strawberries

After frosting your cake, add fresh strawberries on top. Arrange them in a pattern you like. This not only looks pretty but adds extra flavor. Enjoy the vibrant colors and tasty bites!

Variations

Flavor Variations

Adding lemon zest brings a fresh, bright taste to your cake. Just mix in a tablespoon of fresh zest with the butter and sugar. This adds a lovely citrus note that pairs well with strawberries.

You can also use different berries for unique flavors. Try blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Each berry gives the cake a different taste and color. Just make sure you chop them up like the strawberries.

Dietary Alternatives

For a gluten-free cake, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that works well in baking. This keeps the texture light and fluffy.

If you need a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of regular milk. You can also use dairy-free butter and cream cheese. These swaps keep the cake rich and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing the cake with ice cream makes a delightful treat. Vanilla or strawberry ice cream works great. It adds a cool, creamy touch to the cake.

Serving with fresh whipped cream is another tasty idea. It adds a light and airy texture to each slice. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until it’s fluffy.

Try these variations to make your Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake even more enjoyable! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.

Storage Info

Short-Term Storage

To keep your Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to avoid drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and tasty for up to five days.

Long-Term Storage

If you want to enjoy the cake later, freezing is a great option. Slice the cake into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. The cake can last up to three months in the freezer.

Thawing is simple. Just take the desired slice out and leave it in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.

Best Container Practices

Using the right container is key. Airtight containers are great for keeping moisture in. Cake domes also work well, giving your cake room to breathe.

To prevent your cake from drying out, avoid storing it in a regular cake box. Those boxes can let air in and dry the cake out fast. Always check the seals on your containers to ensure they are tight.

The Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake is truly delightful, and proper storage helps you enjoy it longer. For the full recipe, check out the details above!

FAQs

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

To stop your cake from sticking, grease your pans well. Use butter to coat the inside. Then, dust the pans with flour before adding the batter. This method creates a non-stick surface. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra safety.

Can I use frozen strawberries in my cake?

You can use frozen strawberries, but there are some tips. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid. This keeps the batter from becoming too wet. Fresh strawberries taste best, but frozen ones work in a pinch.

What’s the best way to frost a layered cake?

Start with a cooled cake. Place the first layer on a plate. Spread frosting on the top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly. Use a spatula for smooth edges. For a fun look, create swirls or peaks.

How long will the Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake last?

The cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead. Let it cool completely before wrapping it. Store it in the fridge for a few days. You can frost it on the day you plan to serve. This keeps it fresh and tasty. For the Full Recipe, check the main section.

This blog post covered how to make an old-fashioned strawberry cake from scratch. We explored the key ingredients, detailed instructions, and helpful tips to ensure success. Remember to choose ripe strawberries and follow the baking steps for the best results. With these easy methods, you can create a delicious cake that impresses anyone. Don’t forget to try variations and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy the process and share your cake with others. Happy baking!

Old Fashioned Strawberry Cake

Get ready to indulge in a slice of nostalgia with this Vintage Strawberry Bliss Cake! With layers of fluffy cake infused with fresh strawberries and dreamy cream cheese frosting, this delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to create this irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup milk, at room temperature

3 large eggs, preferably at room temperature

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Additional fresh strawberries, for garnish

Instructions

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and lightly dusting them with flour. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Once fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract until evenly mixed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three portions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Carefully fold in the diced strawberries using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.

Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula if needed.

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps maintain a light texture.

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting: in a small mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Use a hand mixer or a whisk for best results.

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Generously spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Carefully place the second layer on top of the frosted base.

Use the remaining cream cheese frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake, ensuring it's coated evenly. For a rustic look, you can create swirls or patterns with a spatula.

For a beautiful finish, decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries, arranging them artfully as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 10

- Presentation Tips: Consider serving the cake on a beautiful cake stand. For an extra touch, dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before adding the strawberries for an elegant finish. Enjoy!