This Strawberry Almond Skillet Cake is a delightful twist on classic strawberry cake recipes, perfect for a cozy dessert. You’ll love how easy it is to make and its tender, fruity flavor. This recipe is a fantastic choice for beginner bakers looking for impressive strawberry cake recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, sweet berries for the best flavor. Frozen berries work in a pinch, but fresh are preferred.
- Almond Flour: Adds a lovely texture and nutty flavor. You can use all-purpose flour for a denser cake if you don’t have almond flour.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best; if using salted, reduce added salt slightly.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning. You can slightly reduce the amount if your strawberries are very sweet.
- Large Egg: Binds the ingredients.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor. Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (any kind)
- 1 1/2 cups (about 225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional Topping:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Sliced almonds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
- Tools Needed: 8-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skillet and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet. This prevents sticking and helps create a lovely crust.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cake tender.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Fold in Strawberries
Gently fold in most of the sliced strawberries into the batter. Save a few slices to arrange on top for decoration. This ensures strawberries are distributed throughout your strawberry cake recipe.
7. Transfer to Skillet and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared skillet and spread evenly. Arrange the reserved strawberry slices on top of the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the skillet cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before serving. You can dust with powdered sugar and garnish with sliced almonds if desired. This makes your strawberry cake recipes presentation perfect.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrusy flavor.
- Different Berries: Substitute blueberries or raspberries for some of the strawberries.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of milk over the cooled cake.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of white or dark chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Strawberry Almond Skillet Cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can. Thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to avoid a watery cake.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
You can use any 8 or 9-inch oven-safe pan, like a round cake pan. Adjust baking time as needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter to make this a dairy-free strawberry cake recipe.
Why is my cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can result in a dry cake. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness at the earliest recommended baking time.
Can I add nuts other than almonds?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would also be delicious in this strawberry cake recipe.
How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking?
Tossing the strawberries with a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.