When it comes to Southern cooking, there are few things as iconic and delicious as a homemade strawberry cake. This beloved dessert is a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, and for good reason. With its light, fluffy layers and sweet, juicy strawberries, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. While there are many variations of this recipe, we've put together a tried and true version that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Granulated Sugar, Whole Milk, Cornmeal
Looking for a unique and delicious way to use strawberries? Look no further than this mouthwatering strawberry spoon bread recipe adapted from Lady Bird, a popular Southern comfort food restaurant in Austin, Texas. This dish combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the savory flavors of cornbread, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
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Southern Strawberry-Coconut Punch Bowl Cake
Main Ingredients: Angel Food Cake, Sour Cream, Non Dairy Whipped Topping
For a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests, try this southern strawberry-coconut punch bowl cake. Layers of fluffy cake, creamy whipped topping, and juicy strawberries come together in a delicious and beautiful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a twist on the traditional Southern punch bowl cake, adding in the tropical flavors of coconut for a delicious and unique twist.
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Shortening, Sugar, Applesauce, Vanilla
Treat yourself to a guilt-free dessert with this southern style strawberry “jello” cake recipe. Made with all-natural, Paleo and AIP-friendly ingredients, this cake is a healthier take on the classic strawberry Jello cake. The combination of strawberry gelatin, fresh strawberries, and a light and airy cake make for a refreshing and delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy.
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Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea!
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Sugar, Lemon Juiced, Lime Juiced
No Southern meal is complete without a glass of sweet tea, and this southern strawberry sweet tea takes it to the next level. Infused with the flavors of fresh strawberries, this sweet tea is the perfect balance of sweet and fruity. Serve it over ice on a hot summer day for a refreshing and delicious beverage that is sure to please.
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Southern Baked Strawberry Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Dough, Strawberries, Sugar, Pie, Flour, Cornstarch
Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a warm, homemade pie. This southern baked strawberry pie is a twist on the classic apple or peach pie, using fresh strawberries instead for a burst of sweet and juicy flavor. The flaky, buttery crust and sweet strawberry filling make this pie a perfect ending to any meal.
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Southern Bourbon Strawberry Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Strawberries, Sugar, Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Corn Starch
Bourbon and strawberries come together in this southern bourbon strawberry cobbler for a decadent and delicious dessert. The addition of bourbon adds a rich and complex flavor to the sweet strawberries, making this cobbler a true Southern treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
If you love sweet tea, you have to try this southern strawberry sweet iced tea. Made with fresh strawberries and sweetened with a touch of honey, this iced tea is a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic Southern drink. It's the perfect beverage to sip on a hot summer day while sitting on your porch swing.
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Strawberry Salad from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
Main Ingredients: Butter, Brown Sugar, Light Corn Syrup, Salt, Pecan
For a lighter dish that is still full of flavor, try this strawberry salad from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. This salad combines fresh strawberries, tangy goat cheese, crunchy almonds, and a homemade balsamic dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken for a complete and healthy lunch or dinner.
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Southern Style Strawberry Sweet Tea
Main Ingredients: Frozen Strawberries, Water, Coconut Sugar, Tea Bags
This southern style strawberry sweet tea is another delicious take on the classic sweet tea. Made with fresh strawberries and sweetened with a touch of sugar, this tea is bursting with fruity flavor. Serve it over ice for a refreshing and indulgent beverage that is perfect for any occasion.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
No Southern dessert list would be complete without a classic pound cake. This southern pound cake recipe is a basic, no-fail recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it plain or top it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a delicious and simple dessert that will impress your guests.
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Best Ever Strawberry Cake
Main Ingredients: White Cake Mix, Plain Flour, Jello, Water, Oil
This best ever strawberry cake lives up to its name with its moist and fluffy texture and delicious strawberry flavor. Made with fresh strawberries and a homemade cream cheese frosting, this cake is a must-try for any strawberry lover. It's the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
For a tropical twist on traditional Southern desserts, try this southern pineapple cake. Made with a light and fluffy cake and topped with a delicious pineapple glaze, this cake is a refreshing and fruity treat that is perfect for summer gatherings. The addition of crushed pineapple in the cake keeps it moist and adds extra flavor.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cooking, and this southern cornbread recipe is a must-try. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy crust and a moist and fluffy center. Serve it alongside your favorite BBQ or chili for a classic Southern meal.
This southern butter pound cake recipe is another classic that is perfect for any occasion. The addition of butter adds richness and flavor to the traditional pound cake, making it even more delicious. Serve it plain or top it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
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Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake, Buttercream, Strawberries, Freeze Dried
If you're a fan of strawberry shortcake, you'll love this strawberry shortcake layer cake. Layers of fluffy cake, sweet strawberry filling, and whipped cream come together to create a stunning and delicious dessert that is perfect for any celebration. It's a true show-stopper that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
This southern smothered chicken is a classic comfort food dish that is full of flavor. Tender chicken is cooked in a savory gravy with onions and peppers, making it the ultimate comfort food. Serve it over rice or with your favorite sides for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Butter Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, White Sugar, Eggs, Bourbon, Lemons, All Purpose
This Woodford Reserve's Kentucky butter cake is a classic Southern dessert with a boozy twist. The addition of bourbon adds a rich and complex flavor to the cake, making it a true indulgence. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a dessert that is sure to impress.
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Gluten-Free Vegan Skillet Cornbread Cake
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cornmeal, Gluten Free All Purpose Flour, Baking
If you have dietary restrictions, you don't have to miss out on delicious Southern food. This gluten-free vegan skillet cornbread cake is a delicious and allergy-friendly version of traditional Southern cornbread. The addition of maple syrup and applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Cooked with bacon and onions, these southern collard greens are a classic side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal. Slow-cooked with a touch of sugar and vinegar, these greens are full of flavor and a must-have on any Southern table. Serve them alongside your favorite barbecue or fried chicken for a true Southern feast.
Last but certainly not least, we have southern cornbread dressing, a staple on many Southern holiday tables. This dressing is made with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and spices, and baked to perfection. It's a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or chicken.
The Secret to a Perfect Strawberry Cake
The Importance of Fresh Strawberries
One of the key elements to this recipe is using fresh, ripe strawberries. Not only do they add a burst of flavor, but they also give the cake a beautiful pink color. When shopping for strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and firm to the touch. Avoid any that are mushy or have bruises, as these will not yield the best results.
Making Your Own Strawberry Puree
Another important step in this recipe is making your own strawberry puree. While you can use store-bought strawberry jam, making your own puree will give the cake a more natural and fresh taste. Simply hull and chop the strawberries, then blend them until smooth. You can also add a touch of sugar to sweeten the puree, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
Choosing the Right Cake Pan
Believe it or not, the type of cake pan you use can make a difference in the end result. For this recipe, we recommend using a 9-inch round cake pan. This will give the cake the perfect height and ensure that it bakes evenly. You can also use a 9x13 inch rectangular pan, but the layers won't be as tall.
Adding a Touch of Almond Extract
While this step is optional, we highly recommend adding a splash of almond extract to the cake batter. This will give the cake a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. Be sure to use pure almond extract, as imitation extract can have a harsher taste.
The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
No southern strawberry cake is complete without a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. This creamy and tangy frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet cake layers. To make your frosting extra smooth, be sure to use room temperature cream cheese and butter. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract for an extra depth of flavor.
In Conclusion
With its fresh strawberries, homemade puree, and creamy frosting, this southern cooking strawberry cake recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious dessert, give this recipe a try and taste the difference of homemade goodness. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh strawberries for the perfect finishing touch.
