Easy Strawberry Cake Recipe: Soft Afternoon Cake

soft strawberry cake recipe: fresh strawberry cake for easy afternoons

(Light, slightly sweet, and bright.)

This strawberry cake brings a gentle brightness to quiet afternoons.

Ingredients.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg white, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating berries)

How to Make This Strawberry Cake.

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg white, and vanilla extract. Mix in the sour cream and milk until combined.
  5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Prepare Berries: Toss the chopped strawberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom. Gently fold the berries into the batter.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for a Strawberry Cake.

  • Room Temperature: Using room temperature eggs and dairy ensures a smooth batter that rises evenly.
  • The Flour Toss: Don’t skip tossing the berries in flour; it’s the only way to keep them distributed throughout the cake.
  • Fresh is Best: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best natural flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry completely first.

Why Bake This?

Strawberries baked into a cake create little pockets of jammy sweetness that feel intentional and joyful. This recipe is an easy way to celebrate seasonal fruit or use up strawberries that are just past their prime. It is light enough to serve after lunch and sweet enough to feel like a treat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

  1. Serve with a spoonful of lightly whipped cream on the side.
  2. Pair with iced tea, strawberry lemonade, or a light sparkling water.
  3. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a mint leaf for a prettier presentation.
  4. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

More Baking Recipes.

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