If there’s one thing I adore, it’s the simplicity and charm of a delightful bundt cake. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that embodies the essence of spring – a luscious Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberry puree and crowned with a delectable strawberry glaze, this cake is a true celebration of the season.
Crafted with love and a touch of creativity, this Strawberry Bundt Cake is a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated yet utterly delicious desserts. As a fan of all things strawberry, I couldn’t resist the temptation to create a treat that captures the essence of this vibrant fruit in every bite. With each slice, you’ll savor the pure, fruity flavors that make this bundt cake a standout choice for any occasion.
Indulge in the simplicity of baking with fresh strawberries and experience the joy of creating a stunning dessert effortlessly. This Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, offering a taste of spring in every mouthful.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/3 cup strawberry sauce (homemade, as per recipe above)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 Tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into crumbs
- 2-3 drops pink or red gel food coloring
For the Strawberry Sauce
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2-3 Tbsp strawberry sauce
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 tsp lemon juice
Required Tools and Equipment
Here are the essential tools and equipment you’ll need to prepare this delightful Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake recipe:
Tools:
- Bundt cake pan – Choose a quality pan with a non-stick coating to ensure easy release of the cake.
- Mixing bowls – Use different bowls for dry and wet ingredients to ensure proper mixing.
- Electric mixer – A stand mixer or a hand mixer will make the mixing process easier and quicker.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success.
- Whisk or spatula – For combining ingredients evenly and smoothly.
- Cooling rack – To cool the cake properly after baking.
- Cake tester or toothpick – To check the doneness of the cake.
- Pastry brush – For applying the strawberry glaze evenly.
- Oven – Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the cake.
- Zester or grater – To zest the lemon for that citrusy flavor in the cake.
- Sifter – For sifting the dry ingredients to prevent lumps.
- Saucepan – To prepare the strawberry sauce on the stovetop.
- Blender or food processor – For pureeing fresh strawberries for the sauce and glaze.
- Small sauce squeeze bottle – Optional but handy for drizzling the strawberry glaze over the cake.
Having these tools and equipment ready will streamline the baking process and help you create a perfect Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake every time.
Make-Ahead Instructions
I always find it helpful to prep ahead when baking a fresh strawberry bundt cake. Here are some useful make-ahead instructions to simplify the baking process:
Prepare the Strawberry Sauce in Advance
- To save time on the day of baking, you can prepare the strawberry sauce ahead of time.
- Follow the easy steps mentioned earlier to cook down fresh strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until the sauce thickens.
- Once the strawberry sauce has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, allowing you to have it ready to drizzle over the freshly baked cake whenever you’re ready to serve.
By preparing the strawberry sauce in advance, you can streamline the baking process and ensure that your fresh strawberry bundt cake is infused with the delicious flavor of homemade strawberry sauce.
Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Squeeze in the bright flavors of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and strawberry yogurt to the batter, mixing until well combined.
- Toss diced strawberries in flour to prevent sinking and fold them gently into the batter.
Baking the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a Bundt pan by greasing it generously.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes until it springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Strawberry Sauce
- Combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepot over medium heat.
- Let the mixture simmer until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens, typically around 15 minutes.
- Once ready, set the sauce aside to cool and thicken further for a delightful topping.
- Create a zesty lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice to your desired thickness.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake for an extra burst of citrusy sweetness.
- Feeling extra fancy? Serve your Strawberry Bundt Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of leftover strawberry sauce.
Assembling the Cake
Now that we have baked the delicious Strawberry Bundt Cake and prepared the toppings, it’s time to assemble everything to create a stunning dessert that will impress your guests.
- Prepare the Cake: Start by allowing the freshly baked cake to cool completely. Use a cooling rack for even cooling.
- Create a Well: Once the cake has cooled, carefully place it on a serving plate. Using a long serrated knife, gently slice off the top of the cake to create a flat surface.
- Add the Strawberry Sauce: Spoon the homemade strawberry sauce generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation. The sauce will soak into the cake, adding moisture and flavor.
- Drizzle with Lemon Glaze: Next, drizzle the zesty lemon glaze over the strawberry sauce. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon will elevate the flavors of the cake.
- Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: For a final touch, decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries. This not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the delightful strawberry goodness inside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Strawberry Bundt Cake is now assembled and ready to be served. Slice it into generous portions and watch as your guests marvel at the layers of flavor and stunning presentation.
- Storage: If there are any leftovers (which is unlikely with this delicious cake!), store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
Tips for a Perfect Bundt Cake
When preparing a Bundt cake, achieving a perfect result is a delightful accomplishment. Here are some tips to ensure your Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake turns out beautifully:
- Properly Grease and Flour the Pan: To prevent sticking, generously butter and flour the Bundt pan, ensuring an even coating to help release the cake effortlessly after baking.
- Allow Sufficient Cooling Time: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes on a wire rack. This resting period helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, flavorful strawberries are key to a delicious strawberry Bundt cake. Opt for the best-quality strawberries you can find, as they will enhance the overall taste and appearance of the cake.
- Evenly Distribute Batter: When adding the cake batter to the pan, make sure it is evenly distributed to ensure uniform baking. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for a neat finish.
- Apply Glaze Carefully: Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cake. The glaze not only adds flavor but also covers any imperfections, giving your cake a polished look.
Implementing these tips will help you create a stunning Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake that will impress your guests with both its appearance and taste.
Storage and Shelf Life
After enjoying a slice of the delightful Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake, you may find yourself with leftovers to store for later. Here are some essential tips on how to properly store your cake to maintain its freshness and flavor:
- Refrigeration: It is recommended to store the Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the cake’s moisture and prevent it from drying out.
- Cool Completely: Before storing the cake, ensure that it has completely cooled to room temperature. Placing a warm cake in the refrigerator can create condensation, leading to a soggy texture.
- Slice Carefully: If you’ve sliced the cake before storing, cover the cut sides with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
- Shelf Life: The Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the cake may start to lose its freshness and flavor.
By following these storage tips, you can prolong the enjoyment of your Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake and savor its delicious taste for days after it’s baked.
Conclusion
I hope these tips and instructions have been helpful in guiding you through the process of creating a delicious Fresh Strawberry Bundt Cake. By following these steps and utilizing high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your family and friends. Remember to store any leftovers properly to maintain the cake’s freshness and taste. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can master this recipe and make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Thank you for reading, and happy baking!