Strawberry Cake

why make this recipe

Strawberry cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, picnic, or simply a sweet snack at home. The bright taste of strawberries combined with a hint of lemon makes this cake refreshing. Plus, it’s simple to make, even for beginners!

how to make Strawberry Cake

Ingredients:

• 500g / 1 lb strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup sugar, caster/superfine
• 1/2 cup oil, canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp grated lemon rind
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup plain yoghurt, unsweetened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups flour, plain/all purpose
• 4 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Whipped cream for serving
• Extra strawberries for serving
• Icing sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C/390 degrees F (180 degrees C fan). Grease and line a 23 cm / 9 inch cake pan with baking paper.
2. Prepare the strawberries by dicing about 1/3 of them into ~1.5cm pieces for the inside of the cake. Cut the remaining strawberries in half for the topping.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: sugar, oil, eggs, lemon rind, lemon juice, yoghurt, and vanilla for 1 minute.
4. Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is lump-free.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface. Scatter the diced strawberries on top.
6. Pour the remaining batter on top and smooth the surface again. Place the halved strawberries cut face down on top of the batter.
7. Bake for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
8. Let the cake stand in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for another 15 minutes or more before serving.
9. Dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a warm treat.

how to serve Strawberry Cake

Serve the strawberry cake warm or at room temperature. It’s lovely when dusted with icing sugar and can be paired with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. You can also add fresh strawberries on top for extra sweetness and color.

how to store Strawberry Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can keep it in the fridge for about a week. Just ensure it’s well covered to maintain its moisture.

tips to make Strawberry Cake

• Make sure the strawberries are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
• For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon rind and juice slightly.
• If you don’t have caster sugar, regular granulated sugar works fine, but caster sugar dissolves better in the batter.

variation

You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a mixed berry cake. Another fun twist is to add chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry delight!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them before using, or the batter may become too wet.

2. How can I tell when my cake is done?
   Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving for the best taste!