Name: Strawberry Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed and halved); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); ¾ cup granulated sugar ((150g)); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ((219g)); ¾ cup kefir ((180mL)); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Introduction to Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Why Homemade Strawberry Vanilla Cake Is a Game Changer

If you’ve ever baked a cake from scratch, you know the joy it brings—it’s almost therapeutic, isn’t it? Now, picture the sweet aroma of a strawberry vanilla cake wafting through your kitchen. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience, perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy weekend gatherings.

Making a homemade strawberry vanilla cake is truly a game changer. Unlike store-bought versions that often rely on artificial flavors and preservatives, this cake celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients. The rich vanilla flavor beautifully complements the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a harmonious balance that truly elevates your dessert experience.

Not to mention, baking at home allows you to control the quality and the sweetness levels, which is a huge bonus. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, fruits like strawberries provide antioxidants and essential nutrients—making this cake a guilt-free treat when enjoyed in moderation.

Additionally, there's something special about sharing a cake you've made with your own hands. It shows love and care, making any occasion more memorable. Plus, it's an excellent way to impress friends and family with your baking prowess! Ready to dive into the recipe? Let's make something delicious!

Ingredients for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Fresh and Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating your own strawberry vanilla cake is a delightful adventure, and the best part is that it requires just a handful of fresh ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious cake:

Fresh Strawberries: 1 pound, washed and halved. These juicy gems are the stars of the show, adding natural sweetness and color.
Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), melted. This gives the cake a rich, flavorful base.
Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) for the batter, plus an additional 3 tablespoons to sprinkle on top. Sweetness is key in balancing the tartness of the strawberries.
Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon. Opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor—your taste buds will thank you!
Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor.
Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons for that perfect rise.
Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature, to help create a light and airy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cup (219g) to form the cake's body.
Kefir: ¾ cup (180mL). Want to know a secret? Kefir adds moisture and a subtle tang, but you can use buttermilk or milk in a pinch!

With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to a delicious celebration treat! For tips on ingredient substitutions, check out this helpful guide. Happy baking!

Preparing Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Baking a strawberry vanilla cake is a delightful way to celebrate fresh strawberries and satisfy your sweet tooth! Below, we've outlined the steps to guide you through this easy yet satisfying recipe.

Wash and Prepare the Strawberries

First things first: let’s get those strawberries ready for the spotlight! Start with one pound of fresh, ripe strawberries. Rinse them gently under cold water to remove any dirt or residues. Once washed, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Remove the green tops, then slice the strawberries in half. If some of your strawberries are particularly large, feel free to cut them into quarters for even baking. Set your beautifully prepared strawberries aside while you work on the batter.

Preheat and Prepare Your Cake Pan

While you're getting the strawberries prepped, it's time to focus on your cake pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's nice and hot when the cake goes in. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it with unsalted butter. For an easy release later, line the bottom with parchment paper, then butter the top of the parchment as well. This little trick will help keep that luscious cake intact when you’re ready to serve!

Mix the Wet Ingredients

Now, let’s whip up the wet ingredients for our strawberry vanilla cake. In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Whisk these together until they're fully blended. Add in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder, mixing everything until smooth. Finally, whisk in 2 large eggs—make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results!

Add the Dry Ingredients

Next up, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Gradually add in 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour. Mix gently until you see just a hint of flour still visible. Then, pour in ¾ cup of kefir (or substitute with buttermilk or milk, if that’s what you have on hand). Stir in the remaining flour until the batter is just fully combined—overmixing here can lead to a dense cake, and we want that soft, fluffy texture!

Combine and Pour the Batter

With your batter ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan. Feel free to give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles. Now, it’s time to arrange those gorgeous strawberry halves on top of the batter. Not only will they bake beautifully, but they’ll create a stunning presentation as well. Finish off by sprinkling 3 tablespoons of sugar over the strawberries to enhance their sweetness.

Arrange the Strawberries and Bake

Now that everything is in place, pop your strawberry vanilla cake into the preheated oven! Bake for 35–45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges. This helps separate it from the pan, making for easier slicing. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

If you choose, top it off with some homemade vanilla whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t be surprised if this cake becomes a favorite in your household!

Variations on Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Exploring different flavors can elevate the delightful experience of a strawberry vanilla cake. Here are two tempting variations that add a unique twist.

Strawberry Shortcake Twist

If you're craving something a little different, try this strawberry shortcake version. Layer your strawberry vanilla cake with fresh whipped cream and a generous amount of sliced strawberries. This not only enhances the presentation but also introduces a refreshing balance of flavors that illustrate the classic shortcake experience without losing the essence of your original cake.

Almond Strawberry Vanilla Cake

For a lovely nutty flavor, incorporate almond extract into your strawberry vanilla cake batter. Just a teaspoon of almond extract will add warmth and depth, creating a delightful harmony with the strawberries. You can even sprinkle sliced almonds on top after baking for added crunch in each slice.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas and create your own unique version of the beloved strawberry vanilla cake! For more delicious twists, check out this guide on flavor pairings.

Baking Notes for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Tips for Perfecting Your Cake

To achieve the best possible strawberry vanilla cake, follow these handy tips:

Use fresh strawberries: Ripe, juicy strawberries yield the best flavor. Select berries that are bright red and fragrant.
Room-temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and kefir are at room temperature for a smoother batter, which helps with even baking.
Don't overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the 35-minute mark using a toothpick. Remember, a few moist crumbs are perfect!

For more baking tips and ideas, check out King Arthur Baking or The Kitchn.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Best Pairings for Your Cake

When it comes to enjoying your strawberry vanilla cake, the right accompaniments can elevate your experience. Here are some delightful suggestions:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of vanilla whipped cream complements the cake’s flavors beautifully. You can even add a hint of mint for a fresh twist.
Fresh Berries: Serve with extra sliced strawberries or a mix of seasonal berries for a refreshing touch.
Tea or Coffee: Pairing this cake with a cup of herbal tea or a smooth brew of coffee makes for a perfect afternoon treat.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the cake, making for a delightful, summery dessert platter.

These pairings enhance the cake’s moist vanilla and strawberry flavors, making your dessert even more delightful. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Creating a strawberry vanilla cake that delights everyone can be simple and enjoyable with a few helpful tips!

Choose Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for the sweetest flavor. You can enhance the taste by letting them macerate with a sprinkle of sugar before baking (source).
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and kefir are at room temperature. This helps the batter blend smoothly, giving your cake a fluffy texture.
Don't Overmix: Combine the ingredients until just incorporated to keep your cake tender. Overmixing can create a dense texture, which is not what we want!
Check for Doneness: Perform a toothpick test—remove it when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Following these simple steps will elevate your strawberry vanilla cake from good to unforgettable! Happy baking!

Time Details for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Preparation Time
The strawberry vanilla cake requires a quick 15 minutes of prep. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without the hassle!

Baking Time
Bake this beauty for 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as each oven can vary. The aroma will surely tempt you!

Total Time
In just 55 minutes, you’ll have a delicious cake ready to impress your family and friends. It's a simple yet satisfying treat that embodies the essence of strawberry season!

If you’re curious about baking tips or want to dive deeper into cake variations, check out some insights on cake baking techniques from Bon Appétit. You’ll be a pro in no time!

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Calories per Serving

A slice of this delightful strawberry vanilla cake contains approximately 196 calories. It's a sweet but balanced treat that fits nicely into a variety of dietary plans.

Protein Content

Each serving provides 3 grams of protein, making it a tasty way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still getting a bit of that essential nutrient.

Sugar and Sodium Levels

With 16 grams of sugar and 152 milligrams of sodium, this cake is simple enough for an occasional indulgence without overwhelming your daily intake. To learn more about managing sugar levels in your diet, check out the American Heart Association.

This strawberry vanilla cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a delightful blend of flavors while keeping a mindful approach to nutrition. Enjoy in moderation!

FAQs about Strawberry Vanilla Cake

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can be a great alternative if fresh ones are out of season. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid sogginess in your strawberry vanilla cake. This ensures that you'll still enjoy that delicious berry flavor without compromising the cake's texture.

How do I store leftover cake?
To keep your leftover strawberry vanilla cake fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will last for up to five days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. You can also wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months!

What can I substitute for kefir?
If you don’t have kefir handy, don't worry! You can easily substitute it with buttermilk or regular milk. For a homemade buttermilk substitute, simply combine one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with one cup of milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using. This will mimic the tangy flavor of kefir, ensuring your strawberry vanilla cake remains delicious!

For more tips on baking with substitutes, check out King Arthur Baking for useful insights!

Conclusion on Strawberry Vanilla Cake

In summary, this strawberry vanilla cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer. It's simple to make, yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or enjoying a sunny afternoon, this cake promises to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience!