Now that you have the wet ingredients sorted, it’s time to mix the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Careful not to overmix! I like to fold in the sliced strawberries gently at this point, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Next, prepare your cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake bakes, enjoy the amazing smell wafting through your kitchen—it’s hard to resist taking a peek, but patience is key!
When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once it’s completely cool, you can dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness and presentation. When it’s ready to serve, slice into it and watch those vibrant strawberries peek through. Trust me, every slice is a beautiful surprise!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe three different ways, and one crucial aspect is using room temperature ingredients. It really makes a difference in the texture of the cake. I recommend taking your butter and eggs out ahead of time. That way, they blend nicely and create a light, airy batter.
Another tip is to be gentle when mixing in the strawberries. If you over-mix, they can break down too much and make the batter a pinkish color, which takes away from those gorgeous strawberry pieces. I love seeing those little bursts of fruit in my cake, so I carefully fold them in.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the lemon juice according to your taste preference! Some may enjoy a little extra zing, while others might want a gentler flavor. Baking should always be fun and suited to your preferences!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I made when first baking this cake was neglecting to level off the flour. I simply scooped it straight from the bag, which led to a denser cake than I desired. It might seem minor, but using the correct measurements will significantly affect the final texture of the cake. (See the next page below to continue…)