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This Strawberry Cake recipe is made from scratch with basic ingredients but is full of flavor!

Fresh strawberries are folded into a homemade buttery cake batter and baked into a moist and delicious dessert that will disappear faster than you can say, ‘seconds, please!’

piece of Fresh Strawberry Cake with whipped cream and strawberry on top

Holly’s Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor: Bursting with naturally sweet, fresh strawberry flavor, this made-from-scratch cake doesn’t need frosting.
  • Skill level: Even beginner bakers can feel like pastry chefs with this simple recipe!
  • Serving suggestions: Homemade strawberry cake is delicious as an afternoon snack or a post-BBQ treat with homemade no-churn ice cream, whipped cream, strawberry sauce, or strawberry buttercream.
  • Freezing: Strawberry cake freezes beautifully (see instructions for freezing below). So double up and freeze some for later!
egg , strawberries , lemon , milk , vanilla , flour , butter , sugar , baking soda , salt and cinnamon to make Fresh Strawberry Cake

Ingredients Tips for Strawberry Cake

  • Strawberries: Choose plump, bright red strawberries and chop them into small pieces. To use frozen strawberries, chop them once they’re thawed and pat them dry with a clean paper towel before using. Be sure to drain well after chopping.
  • Cake Batter: No need to run out for a cake mix for this recipe! Basics like flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and butter are likely already on hand!

Favorite Sweet Variations

  • If you don’t have lemon juice, you can add ½ teaspoon of white vinegar to the milk and wait about 5 minutes. This will give the cake a rich buttermilk flavor!
  • Before baking, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds and chocolate shavings on top for a little extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Make a mixed berry cake with blueberries or raspberries. Or how about a strawberry banana cake?
  • Be sure to cut any fruit you are using into similar-sized pieces.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake Recipe

  • Bring ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
  • Toss the berries in the dry mixture before combining ingredients. This will ensure they don’t sink to the bottom of the pan.
  • With a spoon, combine wet with dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix or use an electric mixer, this could cause your cake to become dense.
  • Check the expiration date on the baking soda to ensure a perfect rise.
Fresh Strawberry Cake in the dish

Storing Leftovers

  • Leftover strawberry cake can be kept covered at room temperature until the next day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze a cooled cake (or portions) by wrapping in parchment paper and placing in a zippered bag or an airtight container. This easy strawberry cake recipe can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature.

Extra Strawberries?

Did you make this Strawberry Cake? Be sure to leave a rating and comment below!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
plated Fresh Strawberry Cake with whipped cream
5 from 7 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Strawberry Cake

Moist, sweet, and bursting with fresh flavor this strawberry cake is the ultimate summer treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 15 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries

Topping

  • strawberry slices optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
  • Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine sugar, milk, melted butter, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
  • Add the zest and strawberries to the flour mixture and gently mix.
  • Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a spatula until combined.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
  • Top with strawberry slices if desired. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool and serve with ice cream.

Notes

  • Bring ingredients to room temperature, and use unsalted butter for best results.
  • Be sure to toss the berries in the dry mixture to coat. This will prevent them sinking to the bottom of the pan. 
  • Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients with a mixing spoon just until mixed, do not overmix or use a beater.
  • Cool completely before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
5 from 7 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 208 | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 223IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Fresh Strawberry Cake slice on a plate with whipped cream and writing
slice of Fresh Strawberry Cake on a plate with writing
plated Fresh Strawberry Cake with a dish full in the back with a title
Fresh Strawberry Cake in the dish and a piece plated with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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