January 27, 2025

southern style strawberry cake

Southern Style Strawberry Cake

Did you know that Southern Style Strawberry Cake is often enjoyed during special celebrations like Juneteenth? This cake is not just a dessert; it carries deep cultural significance and showcases the flavors of fresh strawberries. Its moist texture and vibrant taste make it a staple in Southern cuisine. If you want to learn how to create this delightful dessert for your next gathering, keep exploring the rich history and recipe details that follow.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you taste this Southern Style Strawberry Cake, you’ll immediately notice its moist and fluffy texture, which is key to its appeal. The combination of sour cream and buttermilk creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Using room temperature ingredients is important, as it enhances the overall texture. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dryness. The flavor is intense, thanks to real strawberry puree, which you can also reduce for an even richer taste. Additionally, the cake’s dehydrated strawberries add bursts of flavor throughout. Adding strawberry jam between the layers boosts the berry goodness. This cake shines at spring and summer gatherings, making it a versatile choice. Plus, you can prepare certain components ahead of time for easier assembly.

History

Southern Style Strawberry Cake has a rich history that reflects the evolution of American dessert traditions. It began in 1845 with a British-style recipe featuring layers of strawberries and hard icing, showcased in the Ohio Cultivator. This dessert evolved, influenced by Native Peoples’ practices of mixing berries with cornmeal. In 1850, Miss Leslie introduced a strawberry cake recipe with mashed strawberries. The Southern version retained a biscuit-like texture, unlike the sweeter cakes found in Northern states. Additionally, strawberry cake holds cultural significance, especially during Juneteenth celebrations. In Florida, where strawberries thrive, this dessert has become a staple, even earning the title of the state dessert in 2022. Its journey reflects regional flavors and adaptations through time, emphasizing its classic American dessert status that has captivated generations.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
– Optional: lemon zest for added flavor

Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pans by greasing them with coconut oil or butter to guarantee easy release after baking.

In a medium bowl, toss the chopped fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes to macerate, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and light in color.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the macerated strawberries, making sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Spread the batter into the prepared baking pans and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the best results when making your Southern Strawberry Cake, consider using a food scale for measuring your ingredients to guarantee accuracy, especially when it comes to the flour and sugar.

Additionally, feel free to experiment by incorporating lemon zest or a splash of strawberry extract for an extra burst of flavor. It is also important to note that maceration enhances flavor, as it allows the strawberries to develop their sweet juices, resulting in a more flavorful cake.

Remember, patience is key during the maceration process, as it allows the strawberries to develop their sweet juices, resulting in a more flavorful cake.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Southern Strawberry Cake!

Final Thoughts

Making a Southern Style Strawberry Cake can be a delightful experience, especially when you appreciate the history and traditions behind this beloved dessert.

Originating from early 19th-century recipes, this cake has evolved through various influences, including Native American and European traditions. As you bake, remember that Southern strawberry cakes tend to be sweeter and fluffier than their Northern counterparts. This cake isn’t just a treat; it holds cultural significance, often featured in celebrations like Juneteenth celebrations that honor the emancipation of enslaved people. By using fresh Florida strawberries, you can honor local agriculture.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a festival or a family gathering, this cake represents unity and joy. Embrace this Southern classic, and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable experience.

FAQ

If you’re curious about making a Southern Style Strawberry Cake, you might’ve some questions before you start.

First, you’ll need a white cake mix as your base, along with strawberry gelatin for flavor. Don’t forget eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and fresh strawberries, which are vital for both the cake and frosting.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and mix your ingredients until well combined. Adding strawberry puree or finely chopped strawberries to the batter is essential. A light and fluffy texture is what you should aim for as you bake, so keep an eye on the baking time, which should be about 25-35 minutes, depending on the size.

For frosting, cream cheese icing or strawberry buttercream works great. Remember, using room temperature ingredients is key for smooth frosting.

Enjoy your baking adventure!