Strawberry Butter Cake Recipe

A perfect combination of sweet, buttery cake and fresh strawberry flavor, this Strawberry Butter Cake is a treat you won’t want to miss! The soft, moist cake is filled with a rich, creamy strawberry filling that gives it an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, preparing for a holiday, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is a crowd-pleaser every time.

The beauty of this Strawberry Butter Cake lies not only in its flavor but in its ease of preparation. The simple ingredients come together quickly, and the freeze-dried strawberries add a unique twist that enhances the berry flavor without making the cake too wet. The cake itself is rich and buttery, while the strawberry filling adds a creamy sweetness that complements the cake perfectly. If you love strawberry desserts, this cake will become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Butter Cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and buttery flavors, with the natural fruitiness of strawberries taking center stage. The combination of the fluffy cake with the rich, cream cheese-based filling creates a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, the freeze-dried strawberries bring a concentrated strawberry flavor without the moisture of fresh berries, giving the cake its unique texture and taste.

The recipe is straightforward and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even as a weeknight dessert. The cake is versatile and can be served on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream or fresh strawberries for extra flair.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• 14 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ounces freeze-dried strawberries

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (see instructions below)

Variations

• Different Fruit Fillings: While strawberries are the star of this cake, you can substitute them with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Just be sure to use freeze-dried versions of the fruit for the best consistency in the filling.
• Add-ins: For a little extra flavor and texture, you could add chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the batter or filling.
• Topping Options: To elevate the cake, you can top it with fresh whipped cream, fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a decadent touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake.

Step 4: Add the Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Crush the freeze-dried strawberries into small pieces and stir them into the batter. This will infuse the cake with strawberry flavor without adding moisture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan (9-inch round or square) and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until creamy. Add the egg and strawberry preserves, and mix until smooth. Finally, stir in the freeze-dried strawberries.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top of the cake. You can either serve it as is or chill it in the refrigerator to set the filling for an hour or so.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into squares or wedges, and enjoy the buttery, strawberry-filled goodness. For added decoration, top with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Crush Freeze-Dried Strawberries: If you’re using freeze-dried strawberries for both the cake and filling, make sure to crush them into a fine powder for an even distribution of flavor.
• Chill the Cake: If you have time, chill the cake for an hour after spreading the strawberry filling. This will help the filling set and make slicing easier.
• Flavor Adjustments: If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a little extra strawberry preserves or even a splash of strawberry extract to the filling.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Butter Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve it as a dessert after a family dinner, or bring it to a potluck, holiday gathering, or birthday celebration. It’s also a great treat to serve at tea parties or brunches.

For a fancy presentation, top the cake with fresh whipped cream, a few fresh strawberries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also dust it lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Butter Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep the cake chilled to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake without the filling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and then top it with the fresh strawberry filling.

Reheating

While this cake is best served chilled, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer it warm. Just be careful not to overheat the cake, as it could dry out.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

For the best texture and flavor, freeze-dried strawberries work best in this recipe. However, if you use fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them finely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the cake or filling.

2. Can I make this cake without the filling?

Yes, you can serve the cake as a simple strawberry butter cake without the filling. You could also top it with whipped cream or fruit preserves instead.

3. Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Absolutely! While strawberries are the focus here, you could try other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor twist. Just make sure to use freeze-dried fruit for the best consistency.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick has batter on it, give the cake a few more minutes of baking time.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make a larger cake or more servings. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you use a larger pan.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, the flavor and texture may not be as rich as with butter. For the best results, use salted butter.

7. Can I substitute the powdered sugar with regular sugar?

Powdered sugar is essential for the filling’s creamy texture. Regular sugar won’t dissolve as easily and could result in a grainy filling.

8. Can I add food coloring to the filling?

Yes, you can add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to the filling to give it a more vibrant appearance, though it’s not necessary for flavor.

9. Can I make the filling without cream cheese?

If you don’t like cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese or whipped heavy cream for a lighter, fluffier filling.

10. How long does the cake last in the refrigerator?

This cake will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Butter Cake is a delightful and decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, buttery cake and creamy strawberry filling, it’s sure to impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries adds a unique twist to the traditional butter cake, making it a stand-out treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a weeknight dessert, this cake is a guaranteed hit.

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