Name: Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh strawberries (washed and hulled); 2 ½ cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs (at room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar or pure maple syrup; 1 cup strawberry puree; ½ cup plain full fat Greek yogurt; ¼ cup avocado oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries for topping (optional); 1 cup butter (softened to room temperature; vegan butter works); ¼ cup strawberry puree; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with fresh fruit flavor and is simple enough to whip up any day of the week, this Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with luscious strawberry puree in both the cake and frosting, it delivers a moist, tender crumb and a frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with the bright taste of strawberries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and fruity, this cake is guaranteed to bring a smile with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with fluffy white cake flour sits at the top left, next to a small white bowl with fine white baking powder and baking soda. A tiny white bowl with light salt is next to the baking soda. Below these, a white bowl holds three brown eggs. Near the eggs is a small white bowl of clear yellow avocado oil and a tiny white bowl of brown vanilla extract. Below to the left, a round white bowl holds white sugar or maple syrup, and next to it is a white cup filled with smooth Greek yogurt. At the bottom right, a large white bowl is filled with soft, pink strawberry frosting, and beside it, a clear measuring cup contains thick, red strawberry puree. All items rest on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient has been thoughtfully chosen to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully pink. From fresh strawberries that give natural sweetness and vibrant color, to Greek yogurt for a tender crumb, every element plays a key role in making this cake shine.

Fresh strawberries (1 lb): The star of the recipe, supplying natural sweetness and that unmistakable strawberry flavor.
Cake flour (2 ½ cups): Provides a soft and delicate texture, perfect for a light strawberry cake.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with yogurt to give an even lighter crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Bind ingredients together while adding richness.
Granulated sugar or pure maple syrup (½ cup): Adds sweetness, with maple syrup offering a gentle depth.
Strawberry puree (1 cup): Intensifies the strawberry flavor inside the cake.
Plain full fat Greek yogurt (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tangy note.
Avocado oil (¼ cup): Brings healthy fats and helps create a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a warm aroma.
Butter, softened (1 cup): The creamy base of the frosting, can be substituted with vegan butter.
Additional strawberry puree (¼ cup): Blended into the frosting for that fresh fruit punch.
Powdered sugar (3 ½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Fresh strawberries (optional, for topping): Adds visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh flavor when serving.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Strawberries

The foundation of the cake’s incredible strawberry essence comes from making the puree first. Rinse and hull your fresh strawberries, then blend until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. You’ll need about 1 ¼ cups of this luscious puree — and trust me, the more vibrant and fresh your berries, the better the end result.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF to ensure a steady heat for even baking. Whether you use three 6-inch pans or two 8-inch pans, spray them generously with cooking spray so your cake layers come out without a hitch.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients work together to create a light, airy structure that will carry the strawberry moisture without weighing it down.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your eggs and sugar or maple syrup, then add the strawberry puree, Greek yogurt, avocado oil, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on medium-high speed until everything is fully incorporated and silky smooth. This step ensures your batter is perfectly blended, which is key for a beautiful rise and texture.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Lower your mixer speed and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which could make the cake tough. You want the batter smooth and luscious, ready to bake into tender layers.

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This quick baking time keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is an important step before frosting, so don’t rush it!

Step 8: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, whip your softened butter, vanilla extract, and ¼ cup strawberry puree together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and light — the perfect complement to your strawberry cake layers.

Step 9: Frost and Assemble

Once your cake layers have cooled to room temperature, spread the strawberry frosting evenly between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. This frosting is bursting with fresh flavor, creating a stunning harmony with the cake itself.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe

A white plate holds a three-layer cake slice with light brown sponge layers that look soft and airy. Between each sponge layer is a thick, smooth layer of light pink frosting. The edges of the cake slice are fully covered in the same pink frosting. On the plate near the cake is a silver fork with a piece of cake held on its tines. Next to the cake, there is a halved strawberry placed on a white marbled surface. In the back, another white plate with more cake slices and strawberries is slightly out of focus. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter fresh strawberry slices over the top. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also enhance the fresh strawberry taste and offer a little bite alongside the creamy frosting. A sprinkle of edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant flair for gatherings.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cake pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides. Think homemade whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a chilled glass of rosé for an adult twist. If you want a fruity balance, serve with a fresh berry salad or a citrusy sorbet.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe in layered parfait glasses by breaking pieces of the cake and layering them with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a deconstructed take. Or, cut into neat squares and top each with a mini skewer of berries and mint for a grab-and-go dessert at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness. If you need a longer shelf life, the fridge is your friend — the cake will stay delicious for up to 5 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freezing

This strawberry cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

To relive that freshly baked warmth, let the cake come to room temperature after thawing. If you want a warm slice, heat individual pieces gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess moisture that could affect the batter texture. Fresh strawberries do give a brighter flavor, but frozen work well in a pinch.

Is this cake suitable for vegans?

The cake calls for eggs and butter, but you can substitute vegan butter and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to make this recipe vegan-friendly with some experimentation.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substituting cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend might work, but results can vary. Look for a blend meant for cakes that contains xanthan gum for structure, and keep an eye on the batter’s consistency.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

To keep it moist, don’t overbake and store the cake properly in an airtight container. Using Greek yogurt and oil in the batter already help with moisture retention.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to distribute batter evenly between pans or bake in batches, adjusting baking time slightly if using different sizes or shapes.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe is a celebration of fresh, juicy strawberries paired with a tender, fluffy cake and dreamy frosting. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight baking session yet special enough for birthdays or brunches with friends. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every sweet, fruity bite as much as I do!

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