Summer calls for something sweet, and this strawberry bundt cake is just the ticket. Packed with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of fresh strawberries and vanilla extract gives this cake a vibrant flavor that’s perfect for summer.
- Using buttermilk in the batter ensures the cake is moist and tender, every single time.
- The bundt pan’s unique shape not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures even baking.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
Equipment Needed
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for ensuring your cake releases beautifully after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, leading to a uniformly baked cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, making your cake lighter.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding the eggs gradually helps to maintain the batter’s emulsion, ensuring a smooth texture.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This method prevents the batter from becoming too dense.
Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in the diced strawberries with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix to keep the strawberries intact and distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra moist cake, soak the baked and cooled cake with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. You can also add a splash of strawberry liqueur to the syrup for an adult version. To ensure your strawberries don’t sink to the bottom of the cake, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. If you’re short on time, frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh; just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Recipe Variations
- For a chocolate twist, replace 1/2 cup of flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate chips to the batter.
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor profile.
- Add a cream cheese filling by layering half the batter, a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and egg, then the remaining batter.
- For a tropical version, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and add shredded coconut to the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. This prevents the cake from becoming too wet and ensures the strawberries distribute evenly throughout the batter.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the pan thoroughly with butter and dusting it with flour is key. For extra insurance, you can use a baking spray that includes flour. Always let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove it.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution blend to ensure the texture of the cake remains light and fluffy.
Summary
This strawberry bundt cake is a delightful summer dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its moist texture, vibrant strawberry flavor, and stunning presentation, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.