Sumptuous Almond Strawberry Cake with Whipped Berry Frosting

The Best Moist & Fluffy Almond Flour Strawberry Cake (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)

Indulge in the pure joy of a perfectly baked cake with this incredible Almond Flour Strawberry Cake. Imagine a dessert that’s not only incredibly soft, light, and wonderfully moist but also brimming with the vibrant, sweet essence of fresh strawberries. Topped with a luscious, creamy, and dairy-free strawberry buttercream, this cake is a dream come true for anyone seeking a delightful gluten-free treat.

What sets this cake apart is its genuine, unadulterated strawberry flavor. We achieve this through a simple yet powerful technique: creating an unsweetened strawberry puree from fresh berries. This homemade strawberry reduction is the secret ingredient, infusing both the cake batter and the frosting with an authentic fruity taste and that stunning natural pink hue, without needing any artificial food coloring!

Side view of a slice of strawberry cake on a white plate and topped with fresh strawberries.

If you’ve been hesitant about baking with almond flour, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! It’s an exceptional flour, not just for those on gluten-free diets, but for any baker looking to elevate their creations. Its naturally high fat content imparts a remarkable moisture to cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, resulting in a superior texture and helping your baked goods stay fresh and delicious for longer. It truly transforms the baking experience, yielding tender crumbs and rich flavors.

This recipe joins a growing list of our favorite almond flour desserts, which include delightful vanilla almond flour cupcakes, a decadent chocolate almond flour cake, and chewy almond flour blondies. But before you dive into those, let’s focus on mastering this sensational strawberry almond cake!

Table of contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Almond Flour Strawberry Cake
  • Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cake
  • Step-by-Step: Making Fresh Strawberry Cake with Almond Flour
  • Crafting Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
  • Precision in Measuring Ingredients
  • Storage and Freezing Guidelines
  • Strawberry Almond Flour Cake FAQs
  • Key Recipe Tips for Success
  • More Delicious Almond Flour Cakes

Why You’ll Love This Almond Flour Strawberry Cake

This particular strawberry cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience waiting to delight your senses. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:

  • Unmatched Texture: Experience a perfect crumb that is both incredibly soft and tender. The almond flour contributes significantly to this delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality, making every bite a pleasure.
  • Dietary Friendly: Proudly naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this cake caters to various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture. It proves that free-from baking can be just as, if not more, delicious.
  • Pure Strawberry Flavor: Made exclusively with fresh strawberries, you won’t need any freeze-dried strawberries or artificial food coloring to achieve its vibrant taste and beautiful pink hue in the frosting. The authentic fruit flavor shines through!
  • Irresistible Buttercream: The fresh strawberry puree not only lends an amazing, natural flavor to the buttercream but also helps create a perfectly delicious and luxuriously creamy frosting that complements the cake flawlessly.
  • Effortless Elegance: This recipe is designed as a single-layer cake, simplifying the baking process. Say goodbye to the fuss of assembling and frosting multiple layers, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Cake

Crafting this delightful cake requires a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its perfect texture and flavor. Below is a detailed overview; for exact quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients to make almond flour strawberry cake arranged in individual dishes.
  • Strawberries: You’ll need approximately 3 cups of chopped strawberries for this recipe. While fresh strawberries are fantastic, especially when in season, frozen strawberries work equally well since they will be pureed. This versatile puree will be incorporated into both the cake batter and the frosting, ensuring a consistent and rich strawberry presence.
  • Almond Flour: As with all our successful almond flour recipes, we specify finely ground blanched almond flour. The “blanched” part is key here, as it signifies that the almonds have had their skins removed, resulting in a lighter color and a much finer, more consistent texture. This fine texture is essential for creating a tender, delicate crumb in your cake. It’s widely available in the specialty or organic baking aisles of most grocery stores. For cost-effectiveness, purchasing a large bag from warehouses like Costco is often a great option.
  • Baking Powder: This leavening agent is critical for giving the cake its beautiful rise and sturdy structure, ensuring a light and airy result.
  • Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon of fine sea salt is enough to enhance and balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, bringing out the best in the strawberry flavor. Kosher or regular table salt can also be used.
  • Eggs: Due to almond flour’s gluten-free nature, cakes made with it often benefit from a slightly higher egg content. This recipe calls for 3 large eggs, which are vital for providing both structure and lift, as well as contributing essential moisture to the cake. Ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • Cane Sugar: We prefer cane sugar for its slightly less processed nature compared to conventional granulated sugar. However, if cane sugar isn’t readily available, granulated sugar makes a perfectly suitable substitute.
  • Oil: Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil add an extra layer of moisture and tenderness to the cake. You can also opt for light olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, depending on your preference.
  • Vanilla Extract: Essential for both the cake batter and the strawberry frosting, real vanilla extract offers the best depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on quality here for the most aromatic results.
  • Vegan Butter: The creamy strawberry buttercream requires 1/2 cup of room-temperature butter. To keep this cake dairy-free, it’s crucial to use a high-quality vegan or plant-based butter. Brands like Earth Balance vegan baking sticks (a personal preference, not sponsored) perform exceptionally well in frostings, providing the necessary richness and texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: You’ll need 2 1/2 cups of confectioners’ (or icing) sugar. This ingredient is key for sweetening the frosting and achieving that desirable thick, stable consistency. Sift it if it appears lumpy to ensure a silky-smooth buttercream.

What is the difference between almond meal and almond flour?

While the terms “almond meal” and “almond flour” are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, it’s important to understand they are distinctly different products, despite both being made from ground raw almonds. The distinction lies in their processing and the resulting texture and appearance.

Almond meal is produced by grinding raw almonds with their skins still on. This process results in a coarser, more rustic texture and a brownish, speckled color. It’s often used in recipes where a more robust, nutty texture is desired, such as crumbles or certain types of bread.

Almond flour, on the other hand, is made from blanched almonds, meaning the almonds have had their skins removed before being finely ground. This yields a much lighter, almost white color and an incredibly fine, powdery texture. This fine consistency is crucial for delicate baked goods like cakes, pastries, and macarons, where a smooth, tender crumb is paramount. For this strawberry cake, finely ground blanched almond flour is essential for achieving the desired soft and fluffy texture.

How to Make the Strawberry Puree (or Reduction)

Before you begin assembling your cake batter, the first and most crucial step is to prepare the luscious strawberry puree. This simple reduction process is where the magic truly happens, concentrating the vibrant flavor and natural sweetness of the strawberries without any added sugars.

The beauty of this puree is its simplicity: all you need are fresh (or frozen) strawberries. Since both the cake and frosting are perfectly sweetened on their own, there’s no need to add extra sugar to the puree, allowing the pure fruit flavor to shine.

To start, add your chopped strawberries to a medium-sized pot. Cover the pot and heat it over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes. During this time, the strawberries will begin to soften, release their natural juices, and gently simmer. This initial steaming helps them break down quickly and efficiently.

Collage of 3 images showing how the strawberry puree is made.

Next, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or burning. The goal here is a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. As the strawberries cook, they will continue to soften, and the liquid will begin to evaporate, gradually thickening the mixture. You’ll want to continue this simmering process until the total volume of the mixture has reduced by about half. This concentration intensifies the strawberry flavor and creates a beautiful, rich color. This reduction typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the heat level and the water content of your strawberries.

Once the puree has reached the desired thick consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Then, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a stand blender, and process until it’s completely smooth and free of any large fruit pieces. This step ensures a silky-smooth texture for both your cake and frosting.

From this batch, set aside 1/3 cup of the puree to cool completely to room temperature – this portion will be incorporated into your cake batter. Refrigerate the remaining puree; it will be used later for the delightful strawberry buttercream frosting. You might find yourself with a little extra, which is always better than not having enough! This leftover puree is fantastic stirred into yogurts, spread on toast like a homemade jam, or even added to recipes like this refreshing oat milk chia pudding.

Step-by-Step: Making Fresh Strawberry Cake with Almond Flour

Creating this single-layer almond flour strawberry cake is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfectly baked, moist, and flavorful cake:

  1. Prepare the Pan: Begin by greasing an 8×2 inch round cake pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. For extra assurance against sticking, line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy release once the cake is baked.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening evenly throughout the batter.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the room-temperature eggs, the cooled strawberry puree (the 1/3 cup portion), cane sugar, olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. The room temperature ingredients are vital for creating an emulsified, consistent batter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Using a spatula, gently stir them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to a tougher cake, even with gluten-free flour. The batter will naturally be quite thick due to the almond flour.
  5. Fill and Smooth: Pour the thick cake batter into your prepared 8-inch round pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter out evenly across the bottom of the pan. This ensures a level cake top.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for approximately 25-27 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
  7. Cooling Process: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes. This short cooling period helps the cake to set and prevents it from breaking when transferred. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely to room temperature before attempting to frost it. Frosting a warm cake will cause the buttercream to melt and slide off.
Collage of 4 images showing how the strawberry cake batter is made and baked in a round pan.

Crafting Creamy Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

A beautifully frosted cake is a joy to behold and a delight to taste. This dairy-free strawberry buttercream is the perfect accompaniment to our almond flour cake, offering a burst of fresh flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Here’s how to create it:

  1. Butter Preparation: Ensure your dairy-free butter is at a true room temperature. This is critical for achieving a smooth, lump-free buttercream. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly; if it’s too warm, it can become greasy.
  2. Initial Beating: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature vegan butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start your electric mixer on a low speed to gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, preventing it from clouding your kitchen. Once the sugar is mostly mixed in, increase the mixer speed to medium-high.
  3. Whip Until Fluffy: Continue to beat the mixture for 3-5 minutes. During this time, scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined. Initially, the buttercream will seem quite thick, but with continued beating, it will transform into a creamy, fluffy, and lighter consistency. This aeration is key to a wonderful buttercream texture. It will also thin out slightly as it becomes creamier.
  4. Incorporate Strawberry Puree: Once your frosting is visibly smooth, creamy, and fluffy, it’s time to gently mix in the refrigerated strawberry puree. Add the puree and mix on a low speed until it is just evenly dispersed throughout the frosting. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want to maintain the air you’ve incorporated. The puree will lend its beautiful pink color and vibrant taste, completing your strawberry buttercream.
  5. Frost the Cake: With your buttercream ready, generously spread it over your completely cooled cake using an offset spatula. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Close up view of strawberry buttercream in a white bowl.

Precision in Measuring Ingredients

Achieving consistent and perfect baking results hinges significantly on accurate ingredient measurement. For your convenience, traditional US cup measurements are included within the recipe card. However, for superior accuracy, especially when baking with gluten-free flours like almond flour, we strongly advocate for using weight and volume measurements where provided.

If you see measurements in grams (g), it’s highly recommended to use a reliable kitchen scale. Weighing ingredients ensures precise quantities, eliminating inconsistencies that can arise from different packing methods in volumetric cups. For liquid ingredients indicated in milliliters (ml), a liquid measuring cup should be used. Smaller quantities, such as those for baking powder, salt, and extracts, are precisely given in teaspoons and tablespoons. Regardless of your method, being meticulous with your measurements will greatly contribute to the success of this delicate almond flour cake.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

While this cake is delightful at room temperature, the fresh strawberry puree in the buttercream makes refrigeration the safest and best option for storage. Storing it properly ensures its freshness and extends its shelf life.

Refrigeration: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy the cake at its best, remove it from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to slightly soften and the flavors to fully develop, restoring its wonderful moistness and the buttercream’s creamy texture.

Freezing Options: This cake freezes beautifully, offering two convenient options for enjoying it later:

  • Unfrosted Cake: If you plan to frost the cake at a later date, wrap the completely cooled, unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply let it defrost at room temperature for several hours before proceeding with making and applying the frosting.
  • Frosted Cake Pieces: For leftover slices of frosted cake, arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and place them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the frosting has firmed up completely. This prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. Once firm, wrap each individual piece tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To enjoy, defrost the slices in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours until thawed.
Overhead view of strawberry cake topped with strawberry frosting.

Strawberry Almond Flour Cake FAQs

Can you use frozen strawberries to make this cake?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a fantastic option, especially when fresh ones are out of season or expensive. Just be aware that frozen berries tend to release more liquid during the reduction process for the puree. This means you might need to simmer them a little longer than fresh strawberries to achieve the desired thick, concentrated puree. The extra simmering time is well worth it for the vibrant flavor.

Can you use other berries to make this cake?

At present, this specific cake recipe has been rigorously tested only with strawberries to perfect its flavor and texture profile. While other berry purees could potentially work, the water content and acidity levels of different berries vary, which could affect the cake’s consistency and baking time. I will certainly update this section if I conduct successful tests with other berry purees in the future.

Can this gluten-free strawberry cake be made vegan?

I haven’t personally experimented with making this strawberry cake entirely vegan. The eggs in this recipe play a crucial role in providing both structure and leavening, which are essential for a light and fluffy almond flour cake. Substituting eggs can be tricky, as different egg replacements behave differently. If you decide to try a vegan egg alternative, please let me know your results and any adjustments you made – it would be valuable feedback!

Can you use another gluten-free flour to make this strawberry cake?

This recipe is specifically formulated and tested with finely ground blanched almond flour, which has unique properties that contribute to the cake’s moisture and tender crumb. Unfortunately, other gluten-free flours (like oat flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free blend) have different absorption rates and protein structures. This means I cannot guarantee the same results if you substitute almond flour, as it would likely require significant adjustments to liquid, fat, and leavening agents.

Can you make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for preparing ahead, giving you flexibility. You have a couple of excellent options:

  1. Puree in Advance: You can prepare the strawberry puree up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, simply proceed with the cake baking and frosting when you’re ready.
  2. Bake Cake in Advance: The unfrosted cake can be baked ahead of time. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for 1-2 days before frosting and serving.

These options make it an ideal dessert for entertaining or busy schedules.

Why is my strawberry buttercream frosting grainy?

A grainy buttercream is a common issue and usually points to one main culprit: insufficient beating time. This happened during my testing process as well! The powdered sugar needs enough time to fully dissolve and cream together with the butter. If you don’t beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla for the full 3-5 minutes (or until visibly light and fluffy) before adding the strawberry puree, the sugar crystals won’t properly integrate, resulting in a grainy texture. Patience is key for a silky-smooth frosting!

Strawberry cake sliced on a cake plate with a slice turned on its side to show the texture.

Key Recipe Tips for Success

To ensure your Almond Flour Strawberry Cake turns out perfectly moist, fluffy, and full of flavor, keep these essential tips in mind. Following these guidelines will make all the difference in your baking experience:

  • Strawberry Selection: Whether you opt for fresh or frozen strawberries, ensure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor in your puree. If using fresh, make sure they are thoroughly washed and chopped into uniform pieces or slices to facilitate even cooking.
  • Puree Consistency is Crucial: The strawberry puree must be thick and concentrated, not watery. This is vital because a thin puree will add too much moisture to your cake batter, making it dense, and will make your buttercream runny. For the smoothest and most consistent texture, use an immersion blender or stand blender to fully puree the reduced strawberries, rather than just mashing them.
  • Expect Thick Batter: Don’t be alarmed by the consistency of the cake batter – it will be noticeably thicker than traditional cake batters. This is normal for almond flour cakes. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, ensuring a level top for consistent baking.
  • Weigh Your Ingredients for Accuracy: While cup measurements are provided for convenience, weighing your ingredients, especially the almond flour and powdered sugar, with a kitchen scale offers superior accuracy. If you are using cup measurements, employ the “spoon and level” method for flour and confectioners’ sugar: spoon the ingredient into the measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge. Do not pack the flour.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal emulsification and a smooth batter/buttercream, ensure all your perishable ingredients – eggs, vegan butter, and even the almond flour (if stored in the fridge) – are at room temperature. This helps them combine uniformly, resulting in a more consistent and tender cake.
  • Generous Pan Preparation: To guarantee your cake releases cleanly from the pan, grease the bottom and sides thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray. Additionally, lining the bottom with parchment paper is a foolproof method to prevent sticking and ensure a perfect cake every time.
  • Cool Completely Before Frosting: This tip cannot be stressed enough! Always allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack before applying any frosting. Attempting to frost a warm or even slightly warm cake will inevitably cause the buttercream to melt, slide off, and create a messy outcome. Patience is a virtue in baking!
Overhead view of a slice of cake topped with strawberries and a fork removing a bite.

More Delicious Almond Flour Cakes

If you’ve fallen in love with the texture and versatility of almond flour after trying this strawberry cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic almond flour cake recipes. Each offers a unique flavor profile while retaining the signature moist and tender crumb that almond flour delivers:

  • Almond Flour Orange Cake
  • Almond Flour Carrot Cake
  • Lemon Almond Flour Cake
  • Almond Flour Banana Cake
  • Almond Flour Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
  • Almond Flour Coconut Lime Cake

More Strawberry Recipes to Enjoy

Strawberries are undeniably one of nature’s sweetest gifts, and their versatility extends far beyond cakes. If you have an abundance of fresh or frozen strawberries, or simply can’t get enough of their delightful flavor, here are some other wonderful recipes to try:

  • Strawberry Oat Bars
  • Vegan Strawberry Custard Tart
  • Strawberry Kale Salad
  • Strawberry Chocolate Chip Buckwheat Pancakes

We hope you truly enjoy baking and savoring this magnificent Almond Flour Strawberry Cake. Its natural flavors and wonderful texture make it a standout dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences!

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Side view of a slice of almond flour strawberry cake on a white plate with pieces of cake in the background.

Almond Flour Strawberry Cake









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5 from 1 review
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 50 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 27 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 17 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American, Canadian
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This irresistible gluten-free Almond Flour Strawberry Cake is crafted with a vibrant fresh strawberry puree and elegantly topped with a silky, creamy dairy-free strawberry buttercream. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of natural sweetness and tender texture.


Ingredients

For the strawberry puree:

  • 3 cups (420g) chopped fresh strawberries

For the cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups (260g) blanched almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (90g) strawberry puree
  • 1/2 cup (120g) cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the buttercream:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) vegan butter, room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (50g) strawberry puree


Instructions

Make the strawberry puree:

  1. Add the chopped strawberries to a medium-sized pot. Cover and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the strawberries start to simmer and release their juices, beginning the softening process.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and leave uncovered, stirring frequently to ensure the strawberry mixture doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom. Maintain a gentle simmer – avoid a rapid boil. The strawberries will continue to soften, and the mixture will gradually thicken as the liquid evaporates. Continue simmering until the mixture is reduced by approximately half, intensifying its flavor and color. This process typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Then, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer to a stand blender, to puree the mixture until it is completely smooth and lump-free.
  4. Measure out 1/3 cup of the smooth strawberry puree and set it aside in a separate bowl to cool completely to room temperature – this portion is for the cake batter. Refrigerate the remaining puree for the frosting.

Make the cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×2 inch round cake pan generously with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper for easy release.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the blanched almond flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the room-temperature large eggs, the cooled 1/3 cup strawberry puree, cane sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently stir and fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture. The batter will be notably thick.
  5. Transfer the thick batter into the prepared cake pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter out evenly across the pan, ensuring a smooth and level top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-27 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into its center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it firm up before handling. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.

Make the buttercream:

  1. Ensure your vegan butter is at room temperature. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, begin by beating together the room-temperature butter, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Start on a low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from flying around, then gradually increase the speed to medium-high.
  2. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, periodically stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. The buttercream will initially be quite thick, but keep beating; it will become noticeably creamier, lighter, and fluffier as air is incorporated. It will also thin out slightly once the puree is added. This extensive beating ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture.
  3. Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed and the frosting is smooth and fluffy, gently mix in the refrigerated strawberry puree on a low speed. Continue mixing until the puree is evenly dispersed throughout the frosting, creating a beautiful color and flavor. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
  4. Spread the creamy strawberry buttercream generously over the fully cooled cake. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, serve with additional fresh strawberries, if desired.

Notes

  1. If fresh strawberries are out of season or unavailable, frozen strawberries are an excellent substitute for making the puree. Just be mindful that they may release more liquid, requiring a slightly longer simmering time to achieve the correct thick consistency.
  2. The strawberry puree’s thickness is paramount. For the best results, use an immersion blender or stand blender to ensure a perfectly smooth and thick puree. A watery puree will introduce excess moisture to the cake, making it dense, and will cause the frosting to become runny and unstable.
  3. For the most accurate results in baking, especially with specific flours like almond flour, we highly recommend weighing your ingredients using a kitchen scale. If you’re using cup measurements, always employ the “spoon and level” method for dry ingredients to prevent compaction and ensure correct quantities.
  4. Always use blanched almond flour, not almond meal. Blanched almond flour has a finer texture and lighter color, which is crucial for the delicate crumb and appearance of this cake. Almond meal, with its coarser texture and darker hue (due to the skins being left on), will yield a different result.
  5. Patience is key! Before applying the buttercream frosting, ensure the cake is completely cooled on a wire rack. Any residual warmth will melt the frosting, causing it to slide off and ruin the presentation and texture.
  6. For more in-depth advice, detailed explanations, and helpful suggestions, please refer to the sections above the recipe card. These sections offer valuable insights to help you achieve perfect results with this recipe.

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