Strawberry Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 8 ounces fresh strawberries, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
4. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Strawberries have been valued as a delicious treat since ancient times. Ancient Greeks believed that eating strawberries could offer medicinal benefits, while Romans believed they represented sensuality and luxury.
The history of strawberry cake is not as well-documented, but the combination of strawberries and cake is believed to have become popular during the 18th and 19th centuries when fresh strawberries were favored by royalty and the upper classes.
Tips and techniques for creating a delicious strawberry cake include using a light sponge cake, such as a genoise, as the base. The sponge cake works well as a canvas for the flavor of the strawberries. A genoise is also great for creating a moist but fluffy texture.
To prepare the strawberries, start by washing them and patting them dry with a paper towel. If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw completely beforehand. Once the strawberries are ready, hull and quarter them and combine with about ¾ cup of sugar for a 9-inch cake. Allow the strawberries and sugar to macerate for at least an hour to bring out their flavors.
Once the macerated strawberries are ready, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add eggs, one at a time, until incorporated before adding in the dry ingredients, such as flour and baking powder. Finally, fold in the macerated strawberries. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes at 350°F.
When the cake is finished baking, allow it to cool completely before adding any frosting of your choice. Freshly whipped cream, cream cheese, or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice all make perfect toppers for strawberry cake.