Ingredients
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Cake:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
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1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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½ cup whole milk
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½ cup strawberry puree (made from fresh berries)
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Optional: Pink food coloring (for added color)
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Strawberry Filling:
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2 cups fresh strawberries (chopped)
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
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Frosting (Whipped Cream or Buttercream):
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1 cup heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream frosting)
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2 tbsp powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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OR: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3-4 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
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Instructions
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Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
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Rinse and hull the fresh strawberries.
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Blend them into a smooth puree and set aside.
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Prepare the Cake Batter:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.
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Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and strawberry puree. Mix gently.
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Bake the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
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Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
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Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
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Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the strawberries break down.
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Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Once the cakes are cool, level them with a serrated knife.
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Spread a layer of strawberry filling on top of the first layer of cake.
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Place the second layer of cake on top and frost with your choice of frosting.
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Notes
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Make-Ahead: The cake layers and strawberry filling can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
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Substitutions:
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Use almond milk or oat milk as a non-dairy alternative.
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Replace the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
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Storage: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 35-40 g
- Sodium: 150-200 mg
- Fat: 18-22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6-8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 3-4 g
- Cholesterol: 60-80 mg
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