Delightful Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

Name: Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cake flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 5 large eggs (room temperature); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced); 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for macerating); 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Recipe By:

Howdy

Posted:

January 30, 2026

Updated:

January 30, 2026

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Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries is like a sunshine-infused slice of happiness. Imagine a fluffy, golden cake, its delicate texture inviting you to indulge in every bite. Topped with sweet, juicy strawberries that have been lovingly macerated to perfection, this dessert is a delightful symphony of flavors and aromas that can brighten any occasion.

Picture yourself at a garden party, surrounded by laughter and the scent of blooming flowers. As you serve this stunning Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries, the compliments pour in, leaving you feeling like the culinary superstar you were always meant to be. This cake is perfect for springtime celebrations or simply a fancy treat to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite series on a rainy afternoon.

Why You'll Love This Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

This incredible Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Last spring, I made this cake for my sister’s birthday. The sheer joy on her face as she took that first bite was priceless—she claimed it was better than any store-bought cake she’d ever tasted!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cake Flour: Lightly sifted cake flour gives the cake its airy structure; don’t use all-purpose flour here.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; opt for organic if you want an extra touch of flavor.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh to give your cake the rise it deserves; check expiration dates!
Salt: A pinch balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness; try not to melt it—room temperature is best.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for maximum fluffiness when mixed into the batter.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation for a more authentic taste.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe berries for maceration; they should be sweet and fragrant.
Sugar (for macerating): Granulated sugar draws out strawberry juices; adjust based on sweetness preference.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the strawberries and adds zing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

How to Make Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.

Create the Batter Base: In a separate bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter.

Add Eggs One at a Time: Beat in eggs individually along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter mixture while alternating with milk. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can ruin that delicate texture!

Bake Your Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Macerate Strawberries: While cakes are cooling, slice fresh strawberries and toss them in a bowl with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes until juicy—trust me, it’s worth it!

Now you’re ready to assemble! Enjoy each step as you create something beautiful that’s sure to impress everyone around you!

Tips: Baking Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries involves some key insights for the best results.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and eggs elevate the cake’s flavor and texture. I once used old eggs, and let’s just say my cake didn’t rise to the occasion.

Don’t skip the maceration: Allowing strawberries to sit in sugar enhances their sweetness and juiciness. I learned this the hard way when I rushed the process, and my dessert was a total flop.

Cool before frosting: Letting the cake cool completely prevents the frosting from melting off. Trust me; I’ve had too many “melted ice cream” moments with warm cakes!

You Must Know About Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

This showstopping Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your strawberries first so they can macerate while you bake your cake. Mix the batter next, ensuring your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for that light texture. Bake until golden brown, then allow it to cool completely before frosting.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist. You can also add lemon zest for extra zing or a splash of vanilla extract in the batter to enhance flavor complexity.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Daffodil Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results when enjoying leftovers, serve chilled or bring it back to room temperature before indulging again.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

This professional-quality Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

It was a sunny afternoon when I first made this cake for my friend’s birthday party, and everyone raved about it! The combination of fluffy cake and juicy strawberries made it a hit, turning a simple gathering into a memorable celebration.

FAQ

What is Daffodil Cake?

Daffodil Cake is a light sponge cake made primarily from egg whites, which gives it a delicate texture reminiscent of flowers in bloom. It’s often paired with fresh fruit, like macerated strawberries, enhancing its sweetness while remaining refreshing.

How do I macerate strawberries properly?

To macerate strawberries effectively, slice them and sprinkle sugar over them; let them sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This process draws out their natural juices, creating a delicious syrupy mixture that elevates your dish.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead?

While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones if necessary; ensure they are thawed completely and drained well before adding them to your cake.

How should I frost my Daffodil Cake?

For frosting your Daffodil Cake, consider using whipped cream or a light buttercream; spread generously once cooled completely to avoid melting issues that can occur with warmer cakes.

Conclusion for Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries

In conclusion, mastering Daffodil Cake with Macerated Strawberries requires attention to detail in each step from preparation through serving. Fresh ingredients significantly enhance flavors; don’t rush maceration as it’s key for juicy strawberries. Lastly, taking time cooling your cake is essential for perfect presentation—your friends will marvel at your baking prowess!