Fresh Strawberry Picnic Cake

The Fresh Strawberry Picnic Cake is a light, buttery dessert featuring ripe strawberries nestled into a tender vanilla cake. It’s simple to make yet incredibly flavorful, making it a favorite for spring and summer gatherings. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, potluck, or just enjoying an afternoon treat at home, this cake is the perfect seasonal indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal and fresh: Highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh fruit.

• Perfect for gatherings: Easy to transport and serve at picnics or potlucks.

• Versatile: Delicious on its own or paired with whipped cream or ice cream.

• Visually appealing: Bright, juicy strawberries create a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Egg

• Vanilla extract

• Milk

• Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or deep-dish pie pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

6. Spread the thick batter evenly in the prepared pan.

7. Arrange the halved strawberries cut-side down over the batter, covering the surface.

8. Sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar.

9. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue baking for 50–60 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Let the cake cool in the pan. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 to 10 slices

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Mixed berries: Swap some of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.

• Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.

• Nutty topping: Sprinkle sliced almonds or crushed pistachios over the top before baking.

• Spiced version: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

How do I pick the best strawberries for this cake?

Choose strawberries that are deep red, firm, and fragrant for the best flavor and appearance.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

It’s best to use fresh strawberries. Frozen ones may add too much moisture and make the cake soggy.

Do I need to hull the strawberries?

Yes, removing the green tops ensures even baking and better texture.

Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with this cake?

It pairs well with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour.

Why are my strawberries sinking into the cake?

Make sure the batter is thick enough and place strawberries gently on top without pressing them in.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but you may need to adjust baking time. A similar-sized round or square pan works well.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but the cake relies on its sweet balance to complement the strawberries.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, for a larger crowd, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

The Fresh Strawberry Picnic Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the season’s best berries. Its simple preparation, crowd-pleasing flavor, and charming presentation make it a go-to recipe for warm-weather gatherings. Whether served at a picnic or enjoyed with coffee at home, this cake captures the joy of fresh, homemade baking.