Fresh strawberries, a fluffy crumb, and a light, sweet aroma this cake delivers bakery taste with beginner-friendly steps. You’ll mix everything in minutes, bake once, and finish with a simple frosting or whipped cream. No complicated techniques, just real strawberry flavor and a tender, moist slice every time.
This guide gives you a clean, step-by-step path, smart tips to keep the crumb soft (never soggy), and easy decoration ideas so your cake looks as good as it tastes perfect for birthdays, tea time, or weekend treats.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake
This strawberry cake has all the qualities of a perfect homemade dessert:
- Fresh, fruity flavor → Real strawberries baked into the batter give every bite a juicy sweetness.
- Beginner-friendly → Simple steps, no fancy equipment required.
- Versatile → Works for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a weekend treat.
- Bakery-style results → Soft, moist crumb with a rich strawberry aroma that feels gourmet.
It’s the kind of cake you’ll want to keep in your recipe box because it works for every season and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this strawberry cake doesn’t require anything complicated. Here’s a simple breakdown:
For the Cake Batter
- Fresh strawberries – washed, hulled, and chopped (the star of the recipe)
- All-purpose flour – for a soft yet sturdy crumb
- Granulated sugar – sweetness that balances the berries
- Unsalted butter or oil – keeps the cake moist
- Eggs – for structure and richness
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise perfectly
- Milk – adds tenderness and lightness
- Vanilla extract – boosts the flavor
For the Frosting (Optional but Recommended)
- Cream cheese or whipped cream – creamy, light topping
- Powdered sugar – to sweeten the frosting
- Vanilla extract – a touch of flavor
- Extra fresh strawberries – for decoration
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they don’t release too much water into the batter.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This keeps the cake light and evenly risen.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air, giving the cake a soft crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently until smooth.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Carefully fold the chopped strawberries into the batter so they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool & Frost
Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting or whipped cream. Decorate with fresh strawberries on top.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cake
- Use fresh ripe strawberries → They add the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Pat strawberries dry → Too much moisture can make the cake soggy.
- Don’t overmix the batter → Mix just until combined for a soft, fluffy crumb.
- Room temperature ingredients → Butter, eggs, and milk blend better and create a smoother batter.
- Check doneness early → Every oven is different; start testing at the 28-minute mark.
- Cool before frosting → Always let the cake fully cool so your frosting stays firm and neat.
These simple tips make sure your cake comes out bakery-worthy every single time.
Frosting & Decoration Ideas
A strawberry cake looks and tastes even better with the right finish. Here are a few easy options:
- Classic Cream Cheese Frosting → Smooth, tangy, and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
- Whipped Cream Topping → Light and airy, perfect for a summertime vibe.
- Strawberry Buttercream → Blend fresh strawberry puree into buttercream for extra flavor and a natural pink color.
- Fresh Fruit Garnish → Top the cake with halved or whole strawberries for a simple but elegant look.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar → If you’re keeping it minimal, a light dusting makes the cake instantly prettier.
Serving Suggestions
A cake this fresh and light deserves to be served in style:
- Chilled for Summer → Keep the cake in the fridge before serving; it tastes extra refreshing on a hot day.
- With Ice Cream → A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes it a dreamy dessert.
- Paired With Drinks → Serve with tea, coffee, or even a chilled glass of lemonade for balance.
- As a Celebration Cake → Dress it up with layers, frosting, and berries for birthdays or parties.
- Simple Slices → Sometimes, a plain slice with just a dusting of sugar is the perfect afternoon treat.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt:
- Gluten-Free Version → Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Twist → Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber, and replace half the sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
- Dairy-Free Option → Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy.
- Strawberry Shortcake Style → Bake as cupcakes or small rounds, then layer with whipped cream and berries.
- Extra Berry Flavor → Add blueberries or raspberries alongside strawberries for a mixed-berry cake.
Storage Tips
One of the best parts about this strawberry cake is that it stores well, so you can enjoy it over a few days:
- Room Temperature → If unfrosted, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerated → With frosting, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freezer-Friendly → Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Frosting Storage → Extra cream cheese or buttercream frosting can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
