Introduction
Indulge in the delightful taste of this irresistible strawberry cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion. With its combination of fresh strawberries and a moist, fluffy cake base, this recipe is easy to follow and certain to impress your guests. Each slice bursts with flavor and is visually stunning, making it an ideal centerpiece for celebrations or a simple treat.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
400g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
250g all-purpose flour
200g granulated sugar
120ml milk
120g unsalted butter, softened
10g baking powder
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
200ml heavy cream (for topping)
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 10 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 9-inch cake pan by greasing and flouring it to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure they are well mixed. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold half of the sliced strawberries into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them down.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries on top of the batter for a beautiful finish.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Step 9: Cooling the Cake
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a luscious topping for your cake.
Step 11: Frost the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the whipped cream generously over the top. The cream adds a light and airy texture to complement the moist cake.
Step 12: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a colorful presentation. Slice the cake and serve to delighted guests.
Notes
Note 1: Fresh Strawberries
Ensure the strawberries are fresh, ripe, and hulled for optimal flavor and sweetness.
Note 2: Room Temperature Ingredients
For best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
Note 3: Accurate Measurements
Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the flour and sugar, as this will help achieve the right texture.
Note 4: Optional Add-ins
Consider adding a hint of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Note 5: Leftover Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The whipped cream can be added fresh when serving for the best texture.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure even baking and to help the cake rise properly.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming softened butter with granulated sugar creates a light and fluffy texture, which helps to incorporate air into the batter for a soft cake.
Egg Incorporation
Add eggs one at a time to ensure each is well incorporated before adding the next. This helps with achieving a smooth batter.
Dry and Wet Ingredient Combination
Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) with wet ingredients (butter mixture and milk) alternately. This helps to maintain the structure and texture of the cake.
Folding in Strawberries
Gently fold in half of the sliced strawberries to avoid breaking them down. This ensures the strawberries remain intact and provide juicy bursts of flavor.
Baking the Cake
Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is cooked through.
Cooling the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This allows it to finish setting and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Whipping Cream
Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This means the cream can hold its shape when spread on the cake.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
How can I store leftover strawberry cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. Make sure it’s a cup-for-cup substitute for best results.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content, you can use salted butter if you adjust the added salt accordingly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This irresistible strawberry cake is not only a delightful treat for any occasion but also a simple recipe that delivers impressive results. With its combination of fresh strawberries and a moist cake base, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply treating yourself, this cake is an excellent choice that shines with flavor and charm.
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