Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- Butter, for greasing the pan
- Sweetened whipped cream, optional for serving
- Vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch deep dish pie pan or cake pan with butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Mix until a thick smooth batter forms.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Arrange the halved strawberries cut-side down over the top of the batter.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar evenly over the strawberries.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue baking for about 1 hour or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- The batter is intentionally thick to support the juicy strawberries while baking.
- Lemon zest brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Buttermilk can replace regular milk for extra tenderness.
- Peaches, blueberries, or raspberries can replace strawberries.
- Sliced almonds add a delicious crunchy topping.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
- Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped cake for up to 3 months.
- Warm slices slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
