Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipe for Summer

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we believe that a perfect strawberry cake embodies the essence of summer—bright, fresh, and irresistibly delicious. This recipe offers a harmonious balance between moist, fluffy cake and a lightly sweetened, creamy strawberry icing. The use of frozen strawberries in the batter ensures a burst of berry flavor in every bite, while the simple yet luscious icing provides the perfect finishing touch without overpowering the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Whether it’s a celebration, a casual afternoon tea, or a delightful treat to brighten your day, this strawberry cake is designed to impress both visually and gastronomically. The blend of textures and flavors makes it a versatile dessert that appeals to all ages and dietary preferences, crafted with care and precision to meet the highest standards of home baking. As featured on Love With Recipes, this cake promises to be a showstopper in your dessert repertoire.

Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Oven (capable of maintaining 350°F / 175°C)
• 9×13 inch baking pan (preferably glass or metal)
• Mixing bowls (preferably large and medium-sized)
• Electric hand or stand mixer (or a whisk if you prefer manual mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Knife and cutting board (for strawberries)
• Grater or food processor (optional, for finely chopping strawberries)
• Small saucepan (for preparing icing, if needed)
• Serving platter or cake stand
• Piping bag and tips (optional, for decorative icing)

Tags

dessert, cake, strawberry, berries, fruit, quick, homemade, easy, summer, celebration

Serving Size

Serves approximately 12 generous slices

Difficulty Level

Moderate—requires some baking experience, but straightforward enough for home bakers with basic skills

Allergen Information

• Contains gluten (cake mix, flour)
• Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese)
• Contains eggs
• Contains strawberries (fruit allergen)

Dietary Preference

Not suitable for vegan or dairy-free diets without modifications. For gluten-free options, substitute the cake mix and flour with gluten-free alternatives.

Course

Dessert, Sweet Course

Cuisine

American, Summer, Contemporary Baking

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Instructions

Preparation

Begin by setting up your workspace. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking and a light, fluffy crumb. Grease your 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and lightly dust it with flour or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Create the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the cake mix, all-purpose flour, and strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert powder. Use a whisk or a fork to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly. This step is crucial because it ensures even distribution of the gelatin, which contributes to the strawberry flavor and the cake’s moisture.
2. Add the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter, and the chopped frozen strawberries. If you prefer, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor, although the strawberries will provide sufficient aroma and sweetness.
3. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly. The batter should be thick but pourable, with bits of strawberry distributed uniformly.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles and to level the surface.

Baking the Cake

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration and the moisture content of the strawberries.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely—this may take about 20-30 minutes. Proper cooling is essential for the icing to set properly and prevent melting.

Prepare the Strawberry Icing

1. While the cake cools, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This creates a rich, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, beating continuously. Adjust the sweetness to your preference—adding more powdered sugar for a thicker, sweeter icing or less for a lighter flavor.
3. Chop fresh strawberries finely or blend them briefly in a food processor to create a puree. Gently fold the strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, incorporating them evenly. The fresh strawberries will add a natural fruitiness, a slight texture, and a beautiful color to the icing.
4. If the icing seems too soft, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm up before spreading.

Decorate and Serve

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, use a spatula to evenly spread the strawberry icing over the top. For a more decorative presentation, you can pipe the icing using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip and garnish with additional fresh strawberries or mint leaves.
2. Slice the cake into individual portions—generous slices are recommended to savor the moist crumb and luscious frosting.
3. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For best flavor, allow the cake to come to room temperature about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Preparation Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh or frozen strawberries should be ripe and flavorful. The quality of butter and cream cheese directly impacts the richness of the icing.
• Chill your tools: For a smoother icing, chill your mixing bowls and beaters beforehand.
• Uniform strawberry pieces: Chop strawberries uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent texture in the icing.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the icing before applying and adjust powdered sugar accordingly to match your sweetness preference.
• Layering: For a layered effect, you can cut the cooled cake horizontally into two layers and spread the icing between them, then top with more icing and decorations.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Use frozen strawberries: They add moisture and flavor without making the batter too runny. Thaw and drain excess liquid before chopping.
• Enhance flavor: Adding a splash of strawberry extract or vanilla can intensify the fruity aroma.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese and butter with coconut cream and dairy-free margarine for a vegan variation.
• Extra decoration: Fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, or a drizzle of strawberry glaze can elevate presentation.
• Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Add-ons

• Chocolate chips or chunks mixed into the batter for a chocolate-strawberry flavor
• Whipped cream topping for extra indulgence
• Layered with fresh fruit compote for added texture and flavor complexity
• Garnished with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad with berries, kiwi, and citrus segments
• Light vanilla ice cream or strawberry sorbet
• Herbal tea or coffee to complement the sweetness of the cake
• Mint-infused water for a refreshing palate cleanser

Improvements

• Incorporate mascarpone or Greek yogurt into the icing for added creaminess and tang
• Add a layer of strawberry jam or preserve between the cake layers for an intensified berry flavor
• Use a fruit-based glaze or coulis to drizzle on top for a glossy finish
• Experiment with different berry combinations, such as raspberry or blueberry, for varied flavor profiles

Save and Store

To preserve the freshness and flavor of your strawberry cake, store it in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days, but for best results, consume it within 24-48 hours. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to enhance the flavors and texture. If you wish to freeze the cake, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, vegan margarine, or plant-based cream cheeses. Adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh strawberries can be used, but make sure they are ripe, sweet, and chopped finely. Reduce moisture by draining excess juice to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the cake a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerated. Apply the icing just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, by replacing the cake mix and flour with gluten-free options such as almond flour, coconut flour, or a certified gluten-free cake mix.

How can I make the icing more stable for decorating?

Chill the icing for 15-20 minutes before piping, or add a small amount of gelatin dissolved in water to stabilize it. Using a piping bag with a star or rosette tip adds professional flair.

Conclusion

This strawberry cake recipe combines the lightness of a well-made sponge with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries, complemented by a creamy, subtly sweet icing. Its straightforward preparation process makes it accessible for bakers of various skill levels, yet its delightful flavors and attractive presentation elevate it to special occasion status. Whether for a summer picnic, birthday celebration, or just because you crave something sweet and refreshing, this cake delivers on all fronts. Remember, quality ingredients and patience in cooling and decorating are key to achieving the best results. We encourage you to experiment with the add-ons and presentation styles to make this recipe uniquely yours. For more inspiring recipes and culinary tips, visit Love With Recipes, your trusted platform for home baking excellence.

References

• “Strawberry Cake Recipes,” Allrecipes.com, 2022.
• “The Science of Baking,” Cook’s Illustrated, 2020.