The first words out of my daughter’s mouth after she took a bite of this fresh Strawberry Cake? “Wow ~ this is the best cake I’ve ever had!”
This strawberry cake is a keeper!!
She was right, this strawberry cake is one you can be proud to serve and share with loved ones and friends, so run, don’t walk, to your nearest market for a pound of strawberries. I like to use good quality ripe berries that aren’t too big ~ small to medium size berries have the best flavor, usually. Baking enhances the flavor of the berries, but it helps to start with good ones.
Do you love cake for breakfast as much as I do? After baking up today’s strawberry buttermilk cake, try my Rhubarb Breakfast Cake next, and then my Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake. Be sure to let me know what you think!
Serve your strawberry buttermilk cake for breakfast, brunch, tea, or coffee break.
It would fit into a classic afternoon tea party, and of course you can end your evening meal with a big slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla and some extra sliced berries, but it’s really fabulous all by itself. It makes a pretty presentation with its crackly crust and bits of rosy berries peeking out. It slices beautifully, too. Can you tell I’m exited about this cake??
“I found this recipe about a year ago on Facebook, and it is my favorite cake recipe ever! It has been a hit at every event I have brought it to!” ~Mary Grace
There’s a LOT of fresh strawberries in this cake
This recipe includes almost a pound of strawberries, which sounds like a lot for a one layer cake, but trust me, it works. The berries bake with the cake batter to create a soft, custardy interior which is magical.
- strawberries
- all purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- eggs
- sour cream
- buttermilk
- both sour cream and buttermilk tenderize and add moisture to cakes, they also add a subtle tangy flavor.
Best pan for making this strawberry breakfast cake
- You’ll need a 9-inch round cake pan, and I like to use my spring form pan, it makes it super easy to pop the cake out for slicing. (See below for the pan I recommend.)
the Great Island kitchen recommends: 9-inch Spring Form Pan
A spring form pan is handy for a recipe like this because the cake is very delicate, and removing it from a regular cake pan would be impossible. With a spring form pan you can release the sides so that even the most delicate cakes can be presented and sliced perfectly. I use my spring form pan for cornbread too because I love to be able to remove it and serve it on the table beautifully sliced. USA makes a whole line of bakeware and I’m slowly replacing all my pans. Plus, they’re made in the USA!
TIPS for making a perfect strawberry buttermilk cake:
- Cake recipes rely on precision, and changes can screw things up. This cake recipe is simple, but I recommend following it exactly the first time.
- You’ll need to buy 16 ounce pack of strawberries for this recipe, but you won’t use every last one. I found that 14 ounces was perfect, so set aside a few berries for serving with your cake.
- Wash your berries and set them on a clean dish towel to try. Dripping wet berries will make the cake too wet.
- I used jumbo eggs. I know that’s unusual, but that’s what I used, and it resulted in the perfect texture. If you only have large eggs on hand, use 3, that works great too.
- A spring form pan is key here, because the cake is too delicate to be removed from a regular cake pan. The spring form allows you to remove the outer ring of the pan to neatly slice and serve the cake. You can use a regular cake pan if you like, but plan on keeping it in the pan.
- This is best the day it’s made, but if you must store it, cover loosely with foil so the top doesn’t get soggy. Room temperature is fine.
“This is amazing – made it for Mother’s Day and I think this is my new favorite strawberry cake. Not overly sweet and perfectly moist. Thank you!!” ~Kristen
more easy cakes
- Easy Rhubarb Cake
- Cranberry Orange Cake
- Swedish Visiting Cake
- Almond Ricotta Cake
- Apple Skillet Cake
- Honey Cake
Strawberry Buttermilk Cake
Video
Equipment
- a 9 or 10 inch spring form pan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, or 2 jumbo eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 14 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Instructions
- Set oven to 350F
- Lightly spray a 9 or 10 inch spring form pan.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
- Cream the soft butter and sugar together in a stand mixer for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the side of the bowl a couple of times.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then beat in the vanilla.
- Stir the sour cream and buttermilk together to blend, and then add the flour to the mixing bowl alternately with the sourcream/milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until combined, but don't over mix.
- Fold in the berries and turn into the prepared pan. Smooth out the top. Sprinkle the surface of the cake liberally with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake no longer jiggles in the center and the top is golden and slightly crackled. The exact cooking time will depend on the pan size you use. You can insert a toothpick in the center to test.
- Let cool briefly, and then unlatch the spring and remove the outer ring. I like to run a spreading knife along the edge first to loosen any parts of the cake that are sticking to the pan. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- I used half sour cream and half buttermilk, but you can use all sour cream, all buttermilk, half and half, full fat yogurt, or full fat milk for this cake.
- You can bake this in a 9 inch cast iron skillet. Serve it right in the pan.
- Try it with other fruit, especially other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Nutrition
I don’t have a springform so I am intrigued to use a cast iron pan but should I expect it to bake differently?
I’d bake it the same way Sarah, if it’s a 9 inch pan. If it’s bigger or smaller you’ll have to adjust the baking time.
Can you use Self-rising flour?
Sure Germaine, just leave out the salt and baking powder.
I am on a Keto diet, so I am going to try and convert this recipe. With your permission of course.
Go for it Robyn, and please report back 🙂
How did you make it? I’m new to the no sugar scene and haven’t quite mastered cooking with Stevia. I need pointers!
This cake was amazing and so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re so welcome Janet, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Hi Sue I made this last night and it was perfection. So delicious because the strawberries made it so fresh. It was so easy to make too. Made it in 20 mins from start to finish to go in the oven. How could it get any better. Thank you so much. Love your site, you make food beautiful and I love that.
I’m so glad to hear this Anne, it’s just what I hope for all my recipes, that they’re easy and bring such pleasure. Thanks for your support 🙂
Hi Sue
I’m with your daughter on this one, my favorite cake also. My little 21 month old granddaughter is crazy about this cake also. I’ve just pulled my 2nd one this week out of the oven and it smells amazing. Thank you for this great recipe. Love your site, always fun to read. Angela
I’m honored to have created a recipe that’s now your favorite, Angela, I’m really excited to make my next version of this, I’m debating between peach and blackberry…
I bet peach would be great. Have you ever tried the strawberry cake with just rhubarb or half and half strawberry rhubarb? Rhubarb is late this year , but finally in the stores now. Angela
I haven’t but I’m sure it would work out perfectly. And I have a GREAT rhubarb breakfast cake that’s somewhat similar HERE.
Hi Sue, I tried making the half strawberry and half rhubarb today and it is excellent ( just a little more tart ) would be great with all rhubarb also I would think. Your cake recipe is wonderful, thanks again. Angela
Great to know…I have some rhubarb in the fridge right now…
Going to try it Gluten Free cuz I have too!!
Let me know 🙂
Let me know too!! It’s strawberry season in Florida! We’re ahead of everyone else. It took some getting used to. 🙂
Please let us know how it turns out.
I made this for dessert this weekend for my inn guests. I grated some lemon zest in & used cream fraiche instead of the sour cream. A dollop of sweetened whipped cream & a few sliced berries atop & everyone loved it. Thank you for the spring inspiration. It still looks like winter here, still snowing! Ugh.
I’m so excited to have been a part of an Inn breakfast!
Dreamy spring cake, love the strawberries and buttermilk!
I worked on a strawberry cake all last spring and never got anything this perfect! You nailed it Sue – and I can’t wait to try it!