Description
This Fresh Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert featuring a tender cake infused with real strawberries and freeze-dried strawberry powder for an intense flavor. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting swirled with homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, bursting with fresh berry goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Cake flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 oz Freeze-dried strawberries, ground to a fine crumb
Cake Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 TBSP Canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup Lightly pureed strawberries (about half a container)
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Strawberry Jam
- 1/2 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup Freeze dried strawberries (1 oz ground to a fine crumb)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray the parchment again to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside.
- Puree Strawberries: Using a food processor, wash and lightly puree the strawberries until they resemble chunky salsa texture.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, oil, and granulated sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and lightly pureed strawberries. Mix on medium speed until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, alternated with the buttermilk, to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Make Strawberry Jam: While the cake bakes or ahead of time, combine strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, mashing the strawberries as they soften. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened, about 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting Sugar Mix: In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar and stir in the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Beat Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter on high speed for 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture and mix on low until combined. Add the remaining sugar mixture and mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat on high speed until creamy.
- Decorate Cake: Use a serrated knife to trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake to level it. Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. Dot small spoonfuls of strawberry jam on top and use a spoon to gently swirl it into the frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
- If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen strawberries can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add potent flavor without extra moisture, helping maintain the cake’s texture.
- Make the strawberry jam and frosting ahead to save time on decorating day.
- Serving size is approximately one square from a 9x9 inch cake, ideal for 16 servings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
