Indulge in the quintessential taste of summer with our delightful Fresh Strawberry Cake. Bursting with vibrant red strawberries, this exquisite confection is a true celebration of nature’s bounty. Each bite promises a harmonious blend of moist sponge and succulent strawberry goodness, leaving your taste buds tingling with delight. Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special gatherings, this cake is a testament to the simple joys that fresh, seasonal ingredients can bring. Join us on a journey of flavourful nostalgia with every slice of this quintessentially British treat.
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 250g fresh strawberries
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Frosting:
- 150g icing sugar
- 75g unsalted butter, softened
- 150g cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them thinly and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease two 20cm round cake tins. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour with each egg.
- Incorporate the Flour:
- Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and gently fold it into the mixture.
- Add Flavour and Moisture:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and milk to ensure a smooth, well-mixed batter.
- Divide and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a separate bowl, beat together the icing sugar, softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the frosting.
- Stack and Frost:
- Place the second cake on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. You can decorate with additional strawberry slices if desired.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your delicious Fresh Strawberry Cake. Enjoy!
Tips Of Recipe
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavour. They should be bright red with a sweet aroma.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth and even cake batter.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar Well: Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy creates a tender crumb in the cake. This step is crucial for a soft texture.
- Add Eggs Gradually: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well combined before adding the next. This prevents curdling and helps maintain a smooth batter.
- Sift the Flour: Sifting the self-raising flour before adding it to the batter helps to aerate it and prevent lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the flour is added, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the cake tins with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
- Evenly Divide the Batter: To achieve even layers, use a spatula to distribute the batter evenly in the cake tins.
- Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to check if the cakes are done. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow Cakes to Cool Completely: Before frosting, make sure the cakes are completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk. If it’s too thin, add more icing sugar.
- Refrigerate for Optimal Freshness: Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh, especially if it’s not consumed on the same day.
- Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: Just before serving, top the cake with extra fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. However, be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before incorporating them into the recipe.
Q2: Can I substitute the self-raising flour with all-purpose flour?
A2: Yes, you can. If using all-purpose flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 150g of flour to achieve a similar leavening effect.
Q3: How long will the Fresh Strawberry Cake stay fresh?
A3: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time for an event?
A4: Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them (wrapped well in plastic wrap) for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the cake.
Q5: How can I prevent my cake from becoming too dense?
A5: Ensure you don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.
Q6: Can I use a different type of frosting for this cake?
A6: Of course! While cream cheese frosting complements the strawberry flavour beautifully, you can use other frostings like buttercream or a light whipped cream frosting if you prefer.
Q7: Can I add other fruits to the cake for variation?
A7: Absolutely! This cake can be versatile. You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the batter or use them as additional decorations.
Q8: Can I make this cake without eggs for a vegetarian version?
A8: Yes, you can substitute eggs with alternatives like mashed bananas, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer following the recommended measurements on the packaging.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| – Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| – Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin D | 1mcg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 160mg |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Classic Tea Time Treat: Enjoy a slice of this delightful Fresh Strawberry Cake with a cup of hot English breakfast tea for a quintessential afternoon tea experience.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice for an extra indulgent treat. The cream complements the strawberry flavour beautifully.
- Vanilla Custard Drizzle: Warm vanilla custard poured over a slice of this cake creates a comforting and delectable dessert.
- Fresh Berry Medley: Serve the cake with a medley of fresh berries like raspberries and blueberries for an extra burst of fruity goodness.
- Mint Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves over the cake slices for a touch of colour and a hint of refreshing flavour.
- Ice Cream Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination of warm cake and cold, velvety ice cream.
- Lemon Zest Twist: Grate some lemon zest over the top for a citrusy kick that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Icing Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Almond Slivers: Toasted almond slivers sprinkled over the cake add a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the fruity flavours.
- Caramel Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over each slice.
Remember, these serving suggestions are just ideas to enhance the experience. Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your preferences! Enjoy your Fresh Strawberry Cake!
