What is a strawberry cake? It’s sunshine in a slice! a tender, moist cake bursting with the fresh, sweet taste of strawberries, swirled with creamy, whipped cream. Dreamy glaze that will make your eyes roll back in your head. What is it like to have a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream and vanilla cake? What is better than either of them individually? How much I love vanilla bean cake? Is this recipe ridiculously easy? Trust me, you’re going to want to save this one!
What is a strawberry swirl cake?
Strawberry swirl cake is exactly what it sounds like – a delicious, tender cake infused with the strawberry flavor. What is the flavor of fresh strawberries? Think of it as a regular cake, but with an interesting twist! It’s essentially a vanilla-based cake that we amp up with strawberry puree, creating an amazing cake. Beautiful swirls of pink throughout the batter. The glaze on top isn’t just for show; it’s for a reason. It adds a perfect touch of sweetness and ties all the flavors together. Is cooking easy in your own kitchen?
Why you will love this recipe?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This strawberry cake is a total winner for so many reasons. First, the flavor is absolutely divine! The fresh strawberries give it a bright, fruity sweetness that’s just irresistible. I swear, the combination of the vanilla cake and the strawberry swirl is pure magic. And the simplicity? Don’t even get me started! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Seriously, if I can do it (and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of baking fails!), you can too.
Plus, this cake is super cost-effective. You don’t need any fancy ingredients; just some basic pantry staples and a pint of fresh strawberries. Talk about a budget-friendly dessert! But what I love most about this strawberry cake is how versatile it is. You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a cozy afternoon snack. It’s perfect for any occasion. You can even add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of decadence. Compare it to a complex multi layered cake, this recipe delivers amazing flavor with far less effort.
And here’s a little secret: my kids go absolutely crazy for this cake! They ask for it all the time. It’s become a staple in our house, and I know it will in yours too! I even tested this recipe with some frozen strawberries once when the fresh ones weren’t looking great and it still turned out delicious. Although, if you can get your hands on some good-quality fresh strawberries, definitely go for it!
How do you make a strawberry swirl cake?
Quick Overview
How do you make a strawberry swirl cake? How do I make a simple vanilla cake batter? We swirl the puree into the batter, bake it until golden, and then drizzle it with a sweet glaze. Is it easier to bake swirls than you think? What is the best part about baking?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the significance of
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a better flavor.
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
* 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise!
* 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
* 1 cup milk: Whole milk makes it richer, but you can use any kind you like (even almond milk!).
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: It needs to be properly soften for a smooth batter.
* 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure.
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Use good quality vanilla; it makes a difference!
For the Strawberry Filling:
* 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled: Look for ripe, fragrant berries.
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the berries.
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and helps the puree thicken.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar: Sift it for a smoother glaze.
* 1/4 cup milk: Add more or less to reach your desired consistency.
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it; it’s a lifesaver. Make sure you get into all the corners so the cake doesn’t stick!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure to whisk thoroughly so that the baking powder is evenly distributed. This is important for a consistent rise.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. I always make sure my eggs are at room temperature. They incorporate better into the batter.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending. Ending with dry ingredients. What is the best way to make a hard cake?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a food processor or blender, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Process until smooth. If you want a chunkier filling, pulse it 4-5 times instead of blending completely. Does strawberry puree smell good?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
How do I make a cake batter? Pour half of the batter into the pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry puree over the batter, then pour the remaining cake batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the strawberry puree into the batter. Don’t over-swirl. If you like strawberry flavor, you want a distinct swirl.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Is it necessary to check oven for doneness after 30 minutes? If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. How do I make a smooth paste with vanilla extract Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. I like to let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Can you garnish it with fresh strawberries?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a strawberry swirl cake? How do you enjoy it?For Breakfast:Is this cake good with coffee or cold milk? What’s a good way to start the day? I sometimes sprinkle a little bit of granola on top for some extra crunch.For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch desserts to serve with your cake? What is the best way to serve it on a platter? What is the best way to serve it with a mimosa – the bubbly citrus complements the strawberry flavor perfectly!As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Is it a good idea to drizzle this with melted White Chocolate? My family loves when I serve it warm with a side of fresh berries.For Cozy Snacks:Can you enjoy this delicious cake with a cup of tea or hot cocoa? Is it a comfort food? I sometimes microwave a slice of bread for ten seconds to warm it up – so good! My grandma used to make a strawberry cake for our family gatherings, and we always served it. Is vanilla bean ice cream a good substitute for vanilla beans? It’s a tradition I’ve continued with my own family, and it always brings back such fond memories. What is the best combination of ice cream and cake?
How do you make a perfect strawberry swirl cake?
Want to take your strawberry swirl cake to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving baking perfection:
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps. The batter should be smooth but not overworked. I’ve learned this the hard way – trust me, a slightly lumpy batter is better than a dry, tough cake!
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your swirls! You can use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. Experiment with different swirling techniques to achieve the look you want. Just don’t over-swirl or your cake will lose that gorgeous marbled effect!
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have fresh strawberries on hand, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. You can also substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor. I’ve tried it with raspberries, and it was delicious!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so it’s important to check for doneness around 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil. And remember, a wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
Glaze Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors for the glaze. You can add a few drops of lemon juice for a tangy twist, or use a flavored extract like almond or coconut. You can even add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness. I love adding a little bit of lemon zest – it really brightens the flavor!
Strawberry Prep: Be sure to hull your strawberries before pureeing them. Nobody wants those little green caps in their delicious strawberry cake. Also, make sure you use ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. If your strawberries are a little tart, you may want to add a bit more sugar to the puree.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make sure your strawberry swirl cake stays fresh and delicious? Here are some storage and reheating tips:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store the cake for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The cake may become slightly drier in the refrigerator, so you may want to add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream when serving.
Freezer Instructions: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the cake, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after it has been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.
I once made this cake a few days ahead of a party and stored it in the refrigerator. It was still delicious, but I noticed that the glaze had lost a bit of its shine. So, now I always make the glaze right before serving for the best results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, friends! My secret recipe for the most amazing strawberry swirl cake you’ll ever taste. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s bursting with flavor, and it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The beautiful swirls make it look fancy but really, it’s totally doable for even beginner bakers. And don’t even get me started on the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes – pure bliss!
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my lemon poppy seed cake or my chocolate zucchini bread. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Share your own variations and tips – I always love to hear them!
strawberry cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
