Gluten Free Strawberry Cake

There’s something incredibly special about a homemade cake, and when it comes to the Gluten Free Strawberry Cake, it’s all about the bright, fresh flavors that burst in every bite. I still remember the first time I made this cake for a spring gathering. The sweet aroma of strawberries filled my kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in. My friends couldn’t believe it was gluten-free, and the compliments just kept rolling in. This cake has become a staple in my recipe collection, and it’s perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat any day of the week!

Ingredients Overview for Gluten Free Strawberry Cake

Creating the Gluten Free Strawberry Cake begins with a careful selection of ingredients that work harmoniously together. This cake is a testament to how gluten-free baking can be both delicious and satisfying. The key players include fresh strawberries, which provide a burst of flavor, and a gluten-free flour blend that ensures a flawless texture. Each ingredient plays its part in crafting a delectable cake that everyone can enjoy.

• 1½ cups granulated white sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing the flavors and creating that delightful sweetness we all love in a cake.
• ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• 3 large eggs: These bind the ingredients together and help with the cake’s structure.
• 2¼ cups Cup 4 Cup brand all-purpose gluten-free flour blend: The star ingredient that makes this cake gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for the perfect rise.
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the strawberries.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch of spice that adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries, mashed: These juicy pieces are what make this cake truly special.
• ¾ cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: A must-have for a cake that’s bursting with flavor.
• 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, at room temperature: Forms the base of the frosting, adding creaminess.
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to perfection.
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whips up beautifully to create a light and airy frosting.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• 1½ cups sliced strawberries: These are used for topping the cake, providing a beautiful finish.

Cooking Instructions for Gluten Free Strawberry Cake

Now comes the fun part—baking your Gluten Free Strawberry Cake! This process is straightforward and enjoyable, allowing you to create something special from scratch. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious cake ready to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray. This is crucial for ensuring your cake comes out easily after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, take 1½ cups of granulated white sugar and ¼ cup of softened butter. Using an electric mixer, cream these together until well blended. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy, which usually takes a couple of minutes.
3. Next, add in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until everything is well incorporated.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2¼ cups of Cup 4 Cup brand all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, ¾ teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of mashed fresh strawberries, ¾ cup of buttermilk, and 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract. This mixture adds a wonderful flavor and moisture to your cake.
6. Now, it’s time to mix the two mixtures. Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar and egg mixture, alternating with the strawberry mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This technique helps keep the batter smooth and well incorporated.
7. Once combined, scrape the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a lovely golden color on top when it’s done.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is essential as it lets the cake set properly before frosting.
10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 4 ounces of cream cheese and ⅓ cup of powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
11. Slowly add in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until you achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
12. Once the cake is cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting. It’s best to apply a thick layer to ensure every bite is delightful!
13. Top the frosted cake with 1½ cups of sliced strawberries. This not only makes it visually appealing but adds an extra burst of flavor.
14. Cover the cake and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. It’s best to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing to enhance the flavor.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Gluten Free Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can make a difference in your baking experience!

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh for a few days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Pairing: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
• Garnish: Consider adding mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness when serving.
• Serving Size: This cake is perfect for gatherings, and you can easily cut it into smaller squares for serving at events.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving your Gluten Free Strawberry Cake, the possibilities are endless, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Here are some ideas:

• Afternoon Tea: Serve slices alongside a pot of herbal tea for a charming afternoon gathering.
• Birthday Parties: This cake is a great centerpiece for birthday celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Picnics: Pack slices for a picnic; its fresh flavors are perfect for enjoying outdoors.
• Potluck Events: Bring this cake to potlucks as a delightful dessert that everyone will want to try.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Great for spring and summer events where fresh fruit shines!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Gluten Free Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that beautifully showcases the flavors of strawberries in every bite. Its moist texture, combined with a creamy frosting, makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Gluten Free Strawberry Cake

Craving a sweet treat? This Gluten Free Strawberry Cake is moist, rich, and bursting with fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this easy weeknight dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups granulated white sugar
• ¼ cup butter at room temperature
• 3 large eggs
• 2¼ cups Cup 4 Cup brand all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries mashed
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups sliced strawberries

Equipment

• Blender
• Frying pan
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 inch pan with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the sugar and butter until well blended. Add the eggs and mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves. In another bowl, combine the mashed strawberries, buttermilk and vanilla.
4. Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture alternately with the strawberry mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
5. Bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until creamy. Add in the cream and vanilla; mix until it becomes a creamy spreadable texture.
7. Frost the cake. It will have a thick layer of frosting!
8. Arrange sliced strawberries on top. Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: I've only tested this cake using Cup4Cup brand gluten-free flour, so I'm unable to recommend use of anything else.
• Tip 2: Add a few drops of food coloring if you want your cake to have a pink hue.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.