Introduction
Strawberries, with their vibrant color and juicy sweetness, have a way of turning any dessert into a masterpiece. When combined with a classic cake, they create a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Today, we’re diving into the recipe for the “Best Ever Strawberry Cake,” a dessert that promises to be the star of any gathering. This cake is not just about the taste; it’s also about the texture and the delightful experience it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry-flavored Jell-O®
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Proper preheating is crucial for even baking. While the oven heats up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This step ensures that your cakes will release easily from the pans once baked.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, butter, and dry strawberry gelatin with an electric mixer. This process should be done until the mixture is light and fluffy. The gelatin not only adds flavor but also enhances the cake’s vibrant color. Make sure the butter is softened to achieve the desired creamy texture.
3. Incorporating the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. It’s important to add the eggs individually to ensure they are fully incorporated, which helps in building the cake’s structure.
4. Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This method helps to maintain the batter’s airiness, resulting in a tender crumb.
5. Adding Strawberry Puree and Vanilla
Blend in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract. The puree not only enhances the strawberry flavor but also adds moisture to the cake, making it wonderfully soft. The vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, giving the cake a warm and inviting aroma.
6. Dividing the Batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smoothing the tops with a spatula will help ensure the cakes bake evenly.
7. Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the cake.
8. Cooling
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the cakes to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. After 10 minutes, run a table knife around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes. Invert the cakes carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps in achieving a smooth batter and a more even bake.
- Sifted Flour: Sifting the flour before measuring ensures it’s light and free of lumps, which contributes to the cake’s tender texture.
- Strawberry Puree: Make sure the puree is well-drained if using frozen strawberries to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
The Best Ever Strawberry Cake is versatile and can be paired with various toppings and frostings. Here are a few ideas:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The tanginess of cream cheese frosting complements the sweet strawberry flavor beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy whipped cream topping keeps the focus on the cake’s strawberry flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: Garnish with fresh strawberries for added color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Storing and Freezing
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious cake), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake also freezes well. Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
The Best Ever Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of a traditional cake with the vibrant, fresh taste of strawberries. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser at any event, from birthday parties to summer picnics. By following this detailed recipe, you’re sure to create a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Happy baking!
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Best Ever Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful strawberry cake made from scratch with fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with its vibrant color and delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored Jell-O®
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 ¾ cups sifted cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup strawberry puree made from frozen sweetened strawberries
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Beat sugar, butter, and dry strawberry gelatin together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine flour and baking powder in a large bowl; stir into butter mixture alternately with milk.
- Blend in strawberry puree and vanilla.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool cakes on a wire rack for 10 minutes; run a table knife around the edges to loosen. Invert carefully onto a serving plate or cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg