Italian Strawberry Cake

When I think about the joys of spring, the first thing that comes to my mind is the delightful burst of flavors in an Italian Strawberry Cake. This cake encapsulates the essence of the season with its bright, juicy strawberries and a light, fluffy texture that dances on your palate. I remember the first time I baked this cake; it was a sunny afternoon, and I had just returned from the local farmer’s market, my arms laden with fresh produce. The vibrant red strawberries caught my eye, and I instantly knew I had to create something special. As I mixed the ingredients, the aroma of the olive oil and zesty lemon filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait for the cake to bake. The moment it came out of the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had struck gold.

Every slice reveals a tender crumb and the unmistakable flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of spring and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering or as a sweet treat after dinner, this cake brings smiles all around. Let me take you on a journey to make your own memorable Italian Strawberry Cake.

Ingredient List for Italian Strawberry Cake

When it comes to baking a wonderful Italian Strawberry Cake, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Each component is carefully selected to complement the others, showcasing the natural sweetness of strawberries while maintaining a light, airy cake structure. The combination of olive oil, eggs, and sugar creates a moist cake that’s not overly rich, allowing the strawberries to shine. Let’s explore what you need:

• 300 g strawberries: Fresh and ripe, these will provide the star flavor.
• 3 medium eggs: Essential for structure and moisture.
• 150 g sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 65 ml lightly-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil: Offers a rich flavor without being too heavy.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the lemon flavor.
• 180 g all-purpose flour: The base of the cake.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (17 g / ½ oz): Helps the cake rise.
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: For dusting on top for a beautiful finish.

The Process for Making Italian Strawberry Cake

Making an Italian Strawberry Cake is a delightful experience that invites you to engage with the ingredients. It’s a simple process, yet each step is vital in creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and visually stunning. Let’s dive into the steps:

1. Start by preparing your strawberries. Chop about ⅓ of them for the cake batter and set them aside. Slice or chop the remaining strawberries for the topping, and set those aside as well. This makes sure you have the perfect balance of flavors in the cake and a beautiful presentation.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C/360°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly. Adjust a baking rack onto the middle shelf, where the heat circulation is optimal.
3. Next, prepare your cake pan. Grease and dust it with flour, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. A 9-inch cake pan works wonderfully for this recipe.
4. In a large mixing bowl, place the eggs and sugar. Using an electric whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes light and pale. This step is important as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake a fluffy texture.
5. Once you achieve the desired texture, gently whisk in the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until the ingredients are combined. The olive oil adds richness while the lemon adds a refreshing zing.
6. Place a sieve or strainer over the mixing bowl. Add the flour and baking powder, and sift them into the cake batter. Whisk the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy.
7. Add the chopped strawberries to the batter and gently fold them in until just combined. The strawberries should be evenly distributed throughout the batter for bursts of flavor in every bite.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and then arrange the remaining sliced or chopped strawberries on top of the batter. This not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
9. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of baking time, cover the top of the cake with foil to prevent it from browning too much. To check if the cake is ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then gently remove it from the pan. Dust your Italian Strawberry Cake with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy it at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, fresh cream, or Greek yogurt.

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips that will help you perfect your Italian Strawberry Cake:

• Storage: This cake keeps well for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for later enjoyment. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Serving Variations: Serve the cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
• Adding Nuts: Consider adding chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for a nice crunch.
• Pairing Drinks: This cake pairs excellently with a nice cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon break.
• Experiment with Berries: Try using other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Italian Strawberry Cake, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to enhance your presentation:

• Simple Presentation: Serve the cake as is with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a rustic look.
• Top with Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of whipped cream enhances the cake’s flavor and adds creaminess.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side brings a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
• Fresh Fruit Garnish: Consider adding fresh strawberries or other berries on top for added color and flavor.
• Seasonal Occasions: This cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, and family celebrations.
• Breakfast Treat: Serve slices of this cake with your morning coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Italian Strawberry Cake is truly a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring with its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It’s a cake that brings people together, creating memories over each delicious slice. I encourage you to try making this cake yourself and share it with loved ones. It’s an experience filled with joy and satisfaction, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Italian Strawberry Cake

The ultimate spring treat! This Italian Strawberry Cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it's easy to make and will satisfy your sweet cravings. Bake it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 300 g strawberries
• 3 medium eggs
• 150 g sugar
• 65 ml lightly-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil or 85 g/3 oz melted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 180 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (17 g / ½ oz)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Chop about ⅓ of the strawberries for the cake batter and set them aside. Slice or chop the remaining strawberries for the topping, and set them aside.
2. Preheat oven to 180°C/360°F and adjust a baking rack onto the middle shelf. Grease and dust with flour (or line with parchment paper) a 9-inch cake pan and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, place the eggs and sugar. Beat the mixture with an electric whisker until light and pale, then gently whisk in the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and mix until all the ingredients are combined.
4. Place a sieve/ strainer over the bowl. Add flour and baking powder, and sift into the cake batter. Whisk until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Add the chopped strawberries to the batter and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Top the batter with the remaining strawberries.
7. Bake in the oven for approximately 40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of baking time, cover the top of the cake with foil to prevent it from browning too much. To check if the cake is ready, insert a toothpick in the center, if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
8. Remove the cake from the oven, allow to cool, then gently remove the cake from the pan.
9. Dust your Italian Strawberry Cake with powdered sugar and serve at room temperature. It's lovely topped with vanilla ice cream, fresh cream, or Greek yogurt.

Notes

• Measurement Accuracy: Always use a scale for baking. It ensures that your ingredients are measured precisely, leading to better results.
• Choose Ripe Strawberries: When selecting strawberries, choose the ripest ones as they will enhance the flavor of the cake significantly.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you've added the flour. This helps keep the texture light and airy.
• Cooling Process: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a short while before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.