There’s something magical about an Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake. Imagine biting into a slice that bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the soft, fluffy cake crumbling in your mouth like a warm hug from Grandma. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat.

My first encounter with this delightful cake was at a family reunion where laughter filled the air like the sweet aroma of baked strawberries. My Aunt Marge practically threw it at me, saying I’d need to “fuel up” before hitting the dance floor. Little did I know that a piece of this dessert would have me dancing like nobody was watching—because I had cake crumbs all over my face!
Why You'll Love This Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake
- This incredible Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake 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.
Let me tell you about one memorable summer when I baked this cake for my friend’s birthday. Everyone raved about it, and I became the unofficial “Strawberry Cake Whisperer” in our group. The way people reacted to that first bite? Priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Strawberries: Choose bright red, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor; they should smell heavenly too.
Cake Flour: Using cake flour makes for a lighter texture; avoid all-purpose flour if you can.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works best; it helps to balance the tartness of the strawberries.
Baking Powder: This is essential for that fluffy rise; check expiration dates for freshness.
Unsalted Butter: Always use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to the cake.
Eggs: Fresh eggs contribute moisture and structure; make sure they are at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation if possible for the best taste.
Milk: Whole milk keeps everything moist and delicious; you can substitute almond milk if needed.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour—this ensures easy release later.
Create the Strawberry Puree: Start by washing your fresh strawberries thoroughly. In a blender or food processor, puree about 2 cups until smooth but leave some chunks for texture. Set aside while you prepare your batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This is where your cake starts to take shape—smell that sweet anticipation?
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat your softened butter until creamy then gradually add sugar until fluffy. The mixture should look pale and dreamy—just like how you’ll feel once you dive into this cake!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Your kitchen will smell divine as these flavors mingle together beautifully.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternate adding your dry ingredients with milk into the butter mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix! Fold in those strawberry purees gently so you maintain that lovely texture.
Bake It Up!: Pour equal amounts of batter into each prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
After cooling them in their pans for about ten minutes, carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Now that we have our cakes ready let’s talk frosting—because what’s an Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake without some luscious frosting?
Make sure to whip up some real whipped cream mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract—this adds an airy sweetness to complement those strawberry layers perfectly!
Once cooled completely, layer your cakes generously with whipped cream frosting between them. Top with fresh strawberry slices—a feast not just for your stomach but also for your eyes!
Serve slices adorned with additional whipped cream or more strawberry goodness on top. Trust me; everyone will be lining up for seconds!
And there you have it—the delightful journey of creating an Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake! It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience wrapped in nostalgia that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!
This showstopping Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake 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 preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you cream the butter and sugar. This way, when you’re ready to bake, everything is set to go. Mix the dry ingredients separately before adding them in batches with milk for a smooth batter. This prevents clumps and helps your cake rise perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to personalize this Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake by swapping out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or vanilla, to create unique twists. Adding a layer of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest will brighten up the flavor even more.
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. When reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds so they stay moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake
- To achieve the best flavor, choose ripe strawberries that smell sweet and juicy; they make all the difference!
- Always sift your dry ingredients to avoid any lumps that could ruin your cake texture.
- When frosting the cake, make sure it’s completely cool; otherwise, the icing will melt away into a gooey mess!
The first time I made this Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake was for my grandmother’s birthday. She took one bite and exclaimed it was “the best thing since sliced bread”—a high compliment from someone who has seen quite a few cakes in her day!
FAQ
What makes an Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake different from other strawberry cakes?
An Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake typically includes fresh strawberries mixed into the batter rather than just as decoration on top. This gives it a rich strawberry flavor throughout the cake itself, making every bite burst with sweetness.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! While fresh strawberries are ideal for their juicy goodness, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid before incorporating them into the batter.
How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?
To avoid sinking, ensure your baking powder is fresh and properly measured. Also, don’t overmix your batter after adding flour; mix just until combined for a light cake that rises beautifully.
What’s the best way to frost my Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake?
For frosting, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form and spread it generously between layers and on top of the cooled cake. Garnish with sliced strawberries for an attractive finish.
Conclusion for Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake
In summary, this delightful Old- Fashioned Strawberry Cake is perfect for various occasions thanks to its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Utilizing fresh ingredients ensures maximum taste while allowing room for personal touches makes it truly yours. Remember to follow proper storage methods so you can enjoy this scrumptious treat days after baking!
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Cake is a nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of summer with its sweet, juicy strawberries and fluffy cake layers. Perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress both family and friends. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll create a delightful dessert that bursts with flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Puree the strawberries in a blender; set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- In another bowl, cream butter until light. Gradually add sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time with vanilla until mixed well.
- Alternately add dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture; fold in strawberry puree gently.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a flavor twist, try adding lemon zest to the batter or swapping strawberries for raspberries. Store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to one week.






