Perfect Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Country Cake Recipe

Strawberry Country Cake represents the quintessential summer dessert, blending rustic charm with delicate flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet, seasonal berries transform an ordinary cake into something extraordinary and memorable.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic recipe beyond traditional expectations.

Each delicate layer promises a delightful balance between tender crumb and luscious fruit.

Soft, airy textures complement the bright, natural sweetness of ripe strawberries.

Home bakers can confidently craft this elegant yet approachable dessert with minimal culinary expertise.

Rich cream and juicy berries create a harmonious symphony of flavors you’ll crave all season long: dive in and savor every delectable bite.

Baker Tips for a Perfectly Rustic Strawberry Cake

• Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter sit out 30-45 minutes before baking to reach the perfect spreadable consistency for smooth cake batter.
• Flour Dusting Technique: Tap and rotate cake pans after buttering and flouring to create an even, non-stick surface that releases cake cleanly.
• Precise Flour Measurement: Gently spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a straight edge to prevent dense, heavy cake layers.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Fold ingredients with a light hand, stopping mixer just as ingredients combine to maintain the cake's delicate, tender crumb.
• Whipped Cream Perfection: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand, whipping cream just until soft peaks form for a stable, luxurious topping.

Keep Your Cake Fresh with Simple Storage Tricks

• Cake Layer Preservation: Individually wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Shield delicate layers from freezer burn and maintain moisture for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cream Filling Strategy: Keep whipped cream separate from cake layers until serving time. Store stabilized whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Add fresh strawberries just before assembling to prevent soggy texture.
• Slice and Serve Technique: Cut cake into individual portions before storing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers. Refrigerated slices stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days, allowing quick and easy dessert enjoyment without compromising quality.

Unique Twists on the Classic Country Cake

• Berry Bliss Cake: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a multi-berry explosion of flavor.
• Citrus Sunshine Cake: Increase the citrus zest and add orange juice to the batter for a brighter, tangier cake that bursts with refreshing notes.
• Chocolate Strawberry Dream: Fold cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and drizzle melted dark chocolate between cake layers for a rich, decadent version.
• Almond Strawberry Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds between layers and on top for added texture and nutty complexity to the classic cake.

The Final Slice of Your Strawberry Cake Journey

Sweet strawberry layers embrace summer’s essence with Barefoot Contessa’s classic country cake.

Rich cream and delicate berries create delightful harmony on delectable platters.

Homemade magic sparkles through carefully crafted ingredients blending natural flavors.

Kitchen memories dance between tender cake layers and luscious strawberry accents.

Seasonal celebrations find perfect companions in this elegant dessert masterpiece.

Make small kitchen miracles happen – snap a photo, share this recipe’s charm, spark delicious conversations among friends who savor summer’s sweetest moments.

Fall for the Rustic Allure of Strawberry Country Cake

• Bursting with Fresh Flavors: This strawberry country cake delivers a delightful combination of tangy lemon and orange zest, complemented by sweet, juicy strawberries that create a vibrant and refreshing taste experience.
• Luxuriously Textured Delight: The cake boasts a wonderfully light and fluffy texture, with a soft crumb enriched by creamy whipped cream and the juicy burst of fresh strawberry slices, offering a perfect balance of smoothness and fruity freshness.
• Quick and Approachable Baking: Designed for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe provides straightforward steps and uses simple ingredients, making it an accessible and enjoyable baking project that delivers impressive results with minimal complexity.
• Versatile Celebration Showstopper: Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or afternoon tea, this stunning cake transforms a classic dessert into an elegant centerpiece that impresses guests while delivering irresistible homemade deliciousness.

A Curated List for a Luscious Country Cake

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, best when at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light, fluffy structure.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, soft cake crumb.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake.
• Cornflour: Helps create a more delicate, tender cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.

• Lemon Zest, Orange Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex flavor undertones.
• Double Cream: Creates a luxurious, soft whipped cream topping.
• Granulated Sugar (for cream): Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides fresh, sweet decoration and filling for the cake.

Step by Step to Baking a Strawberry Cake Masterpiece

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Gently heat the oven to 350°F. Prepare two 8-inch cake pans by generously coating them with butter and dusting with flour.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Butter Base

Using a stand mixer, whip butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, airy cloud-like texture.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Lemon zest
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract

Scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure everything mixes perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Baking soda

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture on low speed. Mix until the batter looks smooth and silky.

Step 6: Bake The Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Dreamy Cream

Whip heavy cream until it forms firm peaks. Add sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined.

Step 8: Create Stunning Cake Structure

Slice one cake layer horizontally. Place bottom slice on serving plate. Spread half the whipped cream and scatter fresh strawberry slices. Add top layer and cover with remaining cream. Garnish with additional strawberries.

Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Country Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa strawberry country cake delivers rustic elegance with fresh berries nestled between light vanilla layers. Creamy frosting and sweet strawberries create a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings and special occasions you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 170g (¾ cup / 1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 400g (2 cups) caster sugar
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 250g (2 cups) plain flour
• 250g (1 pint) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Dairy and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 180ml (¾ cup) sour cream, at room temperature
• 240ml (1 cup) double cream (heavy whipping cream, US), chilled
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry and Leavening Ingredients:

• 30g (¼ cup) cornflour
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 3 tablespoons caster sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by preheating the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Grease two 20-centimeter (8-inch) cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Using a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on high speed until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy, which should take approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Mix in sour cream, freshly grated lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure even distribution.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming soggy.
8. Prepare the whipped cream by beating double cream until it forms firm peaks. Gently fold in sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
9. Once cooled, slice one cake horizontally to create two layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and spread half the whipped cream evenly. Scatter sliced fresh strawberries over the cream.
10. Carefully position the top cake layer and cover with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Pull ingredients from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to soften and blend seamlessly.
• Coat cake pans with butter, then dust with flour, creating a non-stick surface for perfect release.
• Gently spoon flour into measuring cups, sweeping excess with a straight edge for precise measurements.
• Mix batter minimally after adding dry ingredients to preserve the cake’s delicate, tender crumb.
• Refrigerate whipped cream tools and bowl beforehand to help cream maintain its fluffy, stable texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 120mg