Make Delicious Double Strawberry Cake From Scratch

Make Delicious Double Strawberry Cake

Imagine a dessert so delightful, it captures the essence of summer in every forkful. Our double strawberry cake recipe is designed to do just that, offering a vibrant burst of fruit flavor paired with a tender, moist crumb. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a celebration of strawberries, featuring them generously in both the cake batter and the rich, creamy frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventures, this homemade strawberry cake provides a straightforward path to an impressive treat.

Creating something so special doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve broken down each step to ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable, resulting in a show-stopping dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks. The secret lies in fresh ingredients and a bit of love, promising a memorable experience for both the baker and everyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. For another delightful sweet, try our Quick Italian Cream Cake for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy Every Bite From Scratch

There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from baking a cake entirely from scratch. From measuring out the flour to folding in the vibrant strawberry pieces, each step contributes to the final masterpiece. Our recipe guides you through creating a light, airy cake batter that bakes up beautifully, infused with natural strawberry goodness. You’ll use real strawberries, ensuring an authentic taste that boxed mixes simply cannot replicate. The process is not only fun but also yields a superior flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Perfect for Any Sweet Occasion

This double strawberry cake is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect centerpiece for a wide range of sweet occasions. Think birthdays, anniversaries, garden parties, or even a simple weekend gathering. Its stunning appearance, with its lovely pink hue and fresh berry garnish, makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Beyond its visual appeal, the balanced sweetness and refreshing strawberry flavor ensure it’s a hit with all ages. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an unforgettable treat.

Gather Cake Ingredients Easily

Before you begin the exciting journey of baking your double strawberry cake, a quick check of your pantry and fridge will ensure you have everything you need. This recipe uses common baking staples, so you likely won’t have to search far for most items. Accuracy in measurements is key for baking success, so make sure your measuring cups and spoons are ready. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, a method known as “mise en place,” will make the mixing process seamless and enjoyable.

All You Need for Cake

For the cake itself, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, a pinch of salt, unsalted butter, large eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and of course, strawberries. Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature, as this helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more tender cake. Vanilla extract adds a wonderful depth of flavor, complementing the strawberries beautifully. Don’t forget to visit Carina Recipes for more dessert recipes that utilize these pantry staples!

Fresh or Frozen Strawberries

One of the best things about this double strawberry cake is its flexibility regarding the main ingredient: strawberries. You can use either fresh or frozen strawberries, depending on availability and your preference. If using fresh strawberries, make sure they are ripe, sweet, and firm. Wash them thoroughly, hull them, and dice them into small pieces. If opting for frozen strawberries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them to the batter directly. This can even prevent the batter from becoming too thin. Just be aware that frozen berries might slightly increase the baking time. Both options deliver that incredible strawberry flavor we all love, making this an easy dessert recipe any time of year.

Mix Your Cake Batter

The art of creating a perfect cake batter lies in proper mixing. Over-mixing can lead to a tough cake, while under-mixing might result in an uneven texture. We’ll guide you through combining your ingredients in the right order and with the correct technique to achieve a smooth, well-aerated batter that promises a light and fluffy cake. Take your time with each step, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing foundation for your double strawberry cake.

Combine Dry Cake Mix

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and ensures there are no lumps of flour. A well-combined dry mix sets the stage for a uniform cake rise and consistent texture. Use a large bowl to give yourself plenty of room to whisk thoroughly, incorporating air into the mixture. This aeration contributes to the cake’s light structure.

Add Wet Ingredients Smoothly

In a separate bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is vital for a tender cake. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Next, you will gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined – remember, over-mixing is the enemy of a tender cake! Finally, gently fold in your diced strawberries. This ensures the strawberries are evenly distributed without crushing them. If you love baking, you might also enjoy making Peanut Butter Brownie Swirl Cookies for another sweet treat.

Bake the Strawberry Cake Perfectly

Baking is where the magic truly happens, transforming your carefully mixed batter into a fragrant, golden-brown cake. Achieving a perfectly baked cake requires attention to detail, from preparing your baking dish to knowing when the cake is done. Don’t rush this stage; patience is a virtue in baking. Following these steps will ensure your double strawberry cake comes out beautifully moist and evenly cooked, ready for its delicious frosting. A great way to prepare for dessert is to start with a hearty main course like Crispy Parmesan Chicken with a Rich Garlic Sauce.

Prepare Your Baking Dish

Properly preparing your baking dish is essential to prevent sticking and ensure your cake releases cleanly. Grease your cake pans generously with butter or baking spray, then dust them with flour. For an extra layer of protection, you can also line the bottoms with parchment paper. This simple step saves you frustration later on and ensures your beautifully baked cake maintains its perfect shape. Distribute your batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

Check for Doneness Carefully

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and pan size, so it’s important to know how to check for doneness. The cake is typically ready when the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, and the top springs back when lightly touched. The most reliable method is the classic toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), your cake is done. If it comes out wet, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.

Cool Cake Completely

Once baked, resist the urge to frost your cake immediately! Allowing the cake to cool completely in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack is crucial. This cooling period helps the cake firm up and prevents it from breaking. Once on the wire rack, let it cool entirely to room temperature. Frosting a warm cake is a recipe for disaster, as the frosting will melt and slide right off. A fully cooled cake ensures your frosting will adhere perfectly, giving you a smooth, professional finish.

Make Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

No double strawberry cake is complete without a luscious, tangy, and sweet cream cheese frosting. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s an integral part of the flavor experience, complementing the cake’s sweetness with a delightful creaminess and a hint of tang. Infused with real strawberries, it enhances the overall berry theme, making every bite a burst of fresh flavor. This fresh strawberry frosting is truly the crown jewel of your homemade strawberry cake.

Beat Cream Cheese and Butter

For the best cream cheese frosting, start with room-temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter. This is vital for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly combined. This step incorporates air, making the frosting wonderfully airy and spreadable. Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer for the best results, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Sweeten with Powdered Sugar

Gradually add powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Start with a cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This gradual approach prevents a cloud of sugar from erupting in your kitchen and ensures a smooth consistency. Once all the sugar is in, add a splash of vanilla extract and a touch of finely pureed or mashed strawberries. The pureed strawberries give the frosting its beautiful pink color and intense berry flavor. Beat until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with a tiny bit more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Chill Frosting for Best Spread

Cream cheese frosting can be a bit soft, especially if your kitchen is warm. For the best spreading consistency, it’s highly recommended to chill the frosting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the butter and cream cheese to firm up slightly, making it much easier to work with. Give it a quick beat again before frosting to restore its smooth texture. A slightly chilled frosting provides better control and a cleaner finish when decorating your cake, ensuring those sharp edges and smooth surfaces you desire for your sweet treat.

Frost Your Cooled Cake Evenly

Now comes the artistic part: frosting your double strawberry cake! With your cake completely cooled and your frosting perfectly chilled, you’re ready to create a visually stunning dessert. Evenly frosted layers not only look professional but also ensure every slice gets a balanced ratio of cake to frosting, delivering a harmonious flavor experience. Take your time, and enjoy the process of turning your baked layers into a gorgeous, finished cake.

Spread Smooth Delicious Topping

Start by placing a small dollop of frosting on your cake stand or serving plate, then center the first cake layer on top. This helps to anchor the cake and prevent it from sliding. Spread a generous layer of strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer using an offset spatula or a knife. Repeat with the second layer. Once all layers are stacked and filled, apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting around the entire cake. This traps any loose crumbs. Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes, then apply the final, thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it out for a polished look. For more recipe ideas and visual inspiration, check out our Pinterest page or follow us on Instagram!

Serve This Delicious Strawberry Cake

The moment of truth has arrived! After all your efforts in baking and frosting, it’s time to present and serve your magnificent double strawberry cake. This dessert is not just about taste; it’s about presentation, making it an experience for the eyes as well as the palate. A beautifully served cake enhances the enjoyment and shows off your hard work, transforming a simple dessert into a memorable occasion. Get ready to receive compliments on your family favorite treat.

Garnish with Fresh Berries

To truly make your double strawberry cake shine, a simple garnish of fresh berries is often all you need. Arrange whole, halved, or sliced fresh strawberries artfully on top of the cake. You can create a beautiful border, a vibrant center, or simply scatter them for a rustic charm. A dusting of powdered sugar over the berries can add an elegant touch. The bright red of the fresh strawberries provides a lovely contrast to the pink frosting, making the cake even more appealing and emphasizing its fresh fruit flavor.

Offer Cake with White Chocolate

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving your strawberry cake with a side of white chocolate. You can shave white chocolate curls directly onto each slice as you serve, or offer a small dish of white chocolate chips for guests to sprinkle themselves. The creamy, sweet notes of white chocolate beautifully complement the tartness of the strawberries and the rich cream cheese frosting, adding another layer of complexity and sophistication to this already incredible dessert. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact.

Tips for Best Strawberry Cake

Achieving the perfect double strawberry cake every time involves a few simple tips that can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary. These baking tips focus on enhancing the cake’s flavor, ensuring moisture, and making the most of your strawberry ingredients. Incorporating these small adjustments can make a significant difference in the final taste and texture of your homemade strawberry cake, turning it into a truly exceptional sweet treat.

Enhance Strawberry Flavor

To truly intensify the strawberry flavor throughout your cake, consider a few clever tricks. For the cake batter, you can add a tiny bit of strawberry extract alongside the vanilla, or even a teaspoon of freeze-dried strawberry powder, which offers concentrated flavor without adding excess moisture. For the frosting, pureeing a small amount of fresh, ripe strawberries and straining out the seeds will give you a vibrant, smooth strawberry essence. You can also brush the cooled cake layers with a light strawberry syrup (made by simmering strawberries with a little sugar and water) before frosting. This not only adds flavor but also extra moisture, ensuring a truly moist and delicious double strawberry cake.

Store Your Double Strawberry Cake

Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious double strawberry cake fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Because it contains cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is key. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake carrier to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge. Stored correctly, your cake will maintain its delightful taste and texture for 3-5 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens the frosting and enhances the cake’s moisture, ensuring every bite is as enjoyable as the first.

Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Cake

Understanding the nutritional aspects of your double strawberry cake can be helpful, especially if you’re managing dietary intake. While this is a delicious indulgence, it’s also good to be aware of the caloric and macronutrient content. The exact nutritional facts can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used, portion size, and any additions like extra garnishes or different frosting variations. Homemade recipes often provide a clearer picture of what you’re consuming compared to store-bought options.

Understand Cake Calories

A typical slice of double strawberry cake, particularly one with cream cheese frosting, will contain calories primarily from sugar, flour, butter, and cream cheese. While exact figures would require a precise calculation based on the recipe’s ingredient quantities, you can generally expect a single serving to range from 350-550 calories. It’s also a source of carbohydrates, fats, and a modest amount of protein. Enjoy this sweet treat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking for other dessert options, consider our Snickerdoodle Cobbler for a comforting classic.

Making Delicious Double Strawberry Cake Fun

Baking should always be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and making a double strawberry cake is no exception. It’s more than just following steps; it’s about the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious with your own hands. This recipe is designed to be accessible and fun, encouraging creativity in the kitchen. Gather your family, put on some music, and transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet aromas and delightful activity. From mashing strawberries to swirling frosting, every stage offers a chance to engage and enjoy the process.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this double strawberry cake recipe. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings smiles and satisfaction. Its vibrant flavor, beautiful appearance, and relatively straightforward process make it a standout choice for any baker. This recipe promises a truly special sweet treat that you’ll be proud to share and eager to make again and again, solidifying its place as a true family favorite.

Quick and Easy Dessert

Despite its impressive appearance, this double strawberry cake is surprisingly quick and easy to make. We’ve streamlined the steps to ensure that even busy individuals can whip up this delightful dessert without feeling overwhelmed. Most ingredients are common pantry staples, and the instructions are straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers seeking a delicious outcome without extensive effort. It’s the perfect solution when you need an impressive treat in a reasonable amount of time.

A Family Favorite Treat

This double strawberry cake quickly earns its place as a family favorite treat. Its universal appeal, combining the refreshing taste of strawberries with a comforting cake and rich frosting, makes it a hit with everyone. Children love its bright color and sweet taste, while adults appreciate its sophisticated flavor profile. It’s the kind of dessert that creates lasting memories, becoming a cherished part of family gatherings and celebrations. Prepare to be asked for this recipe every time there’s an occasion!