Irresistibly Delicious Strawberry Cake

There's something truly delightful about the sweet and fruity flavors of strawberries, especially when they're incorporated into a moist and decadent cake. This strawberry cake recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also promises to be a showstopper at any gathering and tastes just like it came from a cake shop.

With the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, this cake will leave your taste buds craving for more. And to make things easy, we'll start with box cake mix as our base. But don't let this fool ya! No one will be able to tell this came out of a box.

Here are some tips for baking a delicious homemade cake, straight from the baker's kitchen:

Quality Ingredients Make a Difference:

Start with the best-quality ingredients. Fresh eggs & real butter can significantly impact the taste and texture of your cake.

Room Temperature Ingredients:

Ensure that ingredients like eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more seamlessly, resulting in a smoother batter.

Accurate Measurements Matter:

Use precise measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements. Baking is a science, and small variations can affect the final outcome.

Don't Overmix the Batter:

Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Use Buttermilk for Moisture:

If your recipe calls for milk, consider using buttermilk instead. It adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Preheat the Oven:

Ensure your oven is preheated before placing the cake inside. Consistent temperature is crucial for even baking.

Invest in Quality Cake Pans:

Invest in good-quality cake pans to ensure even baking. Consider using parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy removal.

Monitor Baking Times:

Keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes. Baking times can vary, so perform the toothpick test to check for doneness. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Allow for Proper Cooling Time:

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Complete cooling helps to set the structure and prevents a soggy bottom.

Frosting Techniques:

If you're frosting the cake, make sure it's completely cooled before applying frosting. Crumb coat the cake first to prevent crumbs from mixing into the final layer of frosting.

Practice Patience:

Exercise patience throughout the process. Baking is a labor of love, and the results are worth the wait.

Share and Enjoy:

Share your homemade cake with friends and family. The joy of baking is in the sharing and enjoyment of your delicious creation.

Let's dive into the simple steps to create this heavenly dessert.

Ingredients:

Homemade Strawberry Filling

• 1 package of strawberries (set asides a few for decorating)

• 1 cups granulated sugar

• Splash of water

• Juice of half a lemon

Cake Batter

• 3 cups cake flour

• 2 & 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening

• 1 & 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp strawberry extract

• 3 tbsp strawberry filling

• 1 & 1/3 cup milk (room temperature)

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups confectioners sugar

• 1/4 cup homemade strawberry filling or strawberry pie filling

• 2 tsp strawberry extract

• pinch of salt

Instructions

Homemade Strawberry Filling Instructions

1. Prepare Strawberries: Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries, reserving a few whole ones for decorating.

2. Cook the Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, a splash of water, and the juice of half a lemon.

3. Simmer and Thicken: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Cool: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before using in the cake or frosting.

Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Shortening: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and butter-flavored shortening together until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter mixture, beating until light and fluffy.

5. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs and egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

6. Flavor the Batter: Stir in the vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and strawberry filling until well combined.

7. Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated.

8. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Instructions

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.

2. Add Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, beating on low speed until fully combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.

3. Incorporate Strawberry Filling: Mix in the homemade strawberry filling or pie filling, strawberry extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and evenly colored.

4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Assembly

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of strawberry filling over the top.

2. Add a generous layer of strawberry buttercream frosting. Repeat with the remaining layers.

3. Frost the entire cake with the buttercream frosting. Decorate with the reserved strawberries.

Serve and Enjoy:

Slice and serve your homemade strawberry cake to your delighted guests. It's perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a delightful treat any day of the week.

This strawberry cake recipe is a fantastic way to bring the refreshing taste of strawberries into your dessert repertoire. The combination of a strawberry cake mix, real butter and a few other simple ingredients creates a cake or cupcakes that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.

Whether you're sharing it with friends and family or enjoying it all by yourself, this strawberry cake is sure to be a hit. So, don your apron and get ready to bake a delightful treat that will leave everyone wanting more.