What makes a perfect spring dessert? A moist homemade cake smothered in white frosting and topped with fresh strawberries, of course. This easy recipe features a simple cooking method and requires just a few ingredients, including sweet strawberries and creamy frosting. Save this idea for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner treat.

there is a cake with strawberries on the top and white frosting around it

Introduction

This delightful dessert is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring a moist cake, sweet strawberries, and a creamy white frosting. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is sure to become a favorite, and its ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of the cake, strawberries, and white frosting provides a well-balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes. The ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this cake are straightforward and require minimal specialized equipment, making it a great option for those who are new to baking or looking for a quick dessert solution.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is visually appealing and sure to impress. The strawberries on top and the white frosting around the cake give it a professional finish that belies the ease of its preparation.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this cake include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla extract for the cake, fresh strawberries for the topping, and powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract for the white frosting. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option or replacing granulated sugar with honey for a slightly different flavor profile.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: Once the cakes are cool, you can prepare the white frosting. Beat the butter until it’s creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. To assemble the cake, place one of the cooled cakes on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, and then place the second cake on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
4. Step 4: Finally, prepare the strawberries by washing and hulling them. Slice the strawberries and arrange them on top of the cake. You can also use fresh strawberries to create a border around the cake, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• When making the cake, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Also, don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. For the frosting, make sure the butter is softened to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you find your frosting too sweet, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste.

Heat Control

For baking the cake, maintaining the correct oven temperature is crucial. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (180°C) before baking. The cakes are done when they are golden brown, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dessert is primarily soft and moist, thanks to the cake and the frosting. The fresh strawberries on top add a bit of freshness and slight crunch, depending on their ripeness. To achieve the best texture, ensure that your cake is not overbaked and that your frosting is beaten to the right consistency, neither too thin nor too thick.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that your cake layers are even, you can use a scale to measure the batter into the pans. For a smoother frosting, make sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter. If you’re not serving the cake immediately, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the cake layers and the frosting separately and assemble when you’re ready to serve. Reheating can be done at room temperature or by refrigerating the cake overnight and letting it come to room temperature before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake makes a wonderful gift, especially for birthdays, anniversaries, or as a gesture of appreciation. Consider placing the cake in a decorative cake box or on a cake stand, wrapped with a ribbon around the base. You could also add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a small bouquet of fresh flowers.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Besides strawberries, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches. Even chocolate shavings or chopped nuts can add a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, it could be overbaked. Adjusting the baking time and ensuring not to overmix can help achieve the perfect texture.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of an ingredient, consider what can be substituted without altering the flavor or texture significantly. For example, using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar will give a slightly different flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the top with foil to prevent overbrowning. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; if it doesn’t, give the cake a few more minutes and check again.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers and the frosting separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and serving.
• Is it gluten-free? The original recipe is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have enough pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

This cake with strawberries on top and white frosting around it is a true delight that combines simplicity with impressive results. With its accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a delicious dessert. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!