Easy Ina Garten Strawberry Country Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Ina Garten’s strawberry country cake beckons with sweet, rustic charm and nostalgic appeal.

Summer’s most beloved dessert captures pure golden memories of farmhouse kitchens and sun-drenched fields.

Rich layers of tender crumb embrace bright, juicy berries in a dance of delicate flavors.

Delightfully simple yet sophisticated, this cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with sweet-tart fruit notes that sing of warm afternoons.

Home bakers will find joy in crafting this classic treat that celebrates seasonal abundance.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, unadulterated pleasure: prepare to be enchanted.

Why Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake is the Ultimate Dessert

• Burst of Seasonal Freshness: This strawberry country cake celebrates the vibrant, juicy strawberries at their peak, delivering a delightful burst of natural sweetness that captures the essence of summer in every single bite.
• Master Bakery-Level Technique: The recipe employs professional baking methods like sifting dry ingredients and carefully layering the cake, allowing home bakers to create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery.
• Foolproof Crowd-Pleaser: With its simple yet elegant design, this cake works perfectly for multiple occasions – from casual family gatherings to elegant brunch parties, making it an incredibly versatile dessert that always impresses without requiring advanced pastry skills.
• Textural Symphony: The combination of soft, tender cake layers, billowy whipped cream, and fresh strawberry chunks creates a delightful contrast of textures that dance together in perfect harmony, ensuring each forkful is a delicious adventure.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture for the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft crumb.
• Lemon Zest, Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes to enhance overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic bakery-style flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural ingredient for the cake base.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Soda: Provides leavening to help the cake rise and become fluffy.

• Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy whipped cream for layering.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor to the whipped cream.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides fresh, sweet topping and filling for the cake.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans thoroughly to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

• Unsalted butter
• Sugar

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

Scrape down bowl sides periodically to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

This step ensures a smooth, even cake texture.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed. Mix just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Cool in pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream

• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract

Step 7: Assemble Cake

Carefully slice one cake horizontally. Place bottom layer on serving platter. Spread 1/2 of whipped cream. Add a layer of fresh strawberries. Place top cake layer. Cover with remaining whipped cream. Decorate generously with sliced strawberries.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake

• Boost Cream Stability: Mix in a spoonful of mascarpone or cream cheese to prevent deflation and maintain a luxurious texture.
• Intensify Fruit Essence: Sprinkle sugar and vanilla over sliced strawberries, letting them sit and develop a deeper, more concentrated sweetness.
• Maximize Cake Evenness: Midway through baking, give your pans a gentle quarter turn to ensure uniform rising and golden coloration.
• Elevate Citrus Notes: Grate extra lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright, refreshing undertone that complements the fruity filling.
• Select Peak Produce: Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries with a deep red color and firm texture for the most flavorful and visually stunning cake.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake

• Preserve Flavor Vault: Wrap each cake slice individually in plastic wrap, then place inside an airtight container. This technique locks in moisture and prevents freezer burn while maintaining the cake's delicate texture.
• Cool Sanctuary Strategy: Position the cake in the refrigerator's middle shelf, away from strong-smelling foods. Temperature stability ensures the strawberries and cream remain pristine without absorbing unwanted odors.
• Quick Consumption Plan: Devour the cake within 48 hours for peak deliciousness. Fresh ingredients like whipped cream and ripe strawberries deteriorate rapidly, so treat this dessert as a delightful, time-sensitive treasure meant to be savored swiftly.

Creative Twists on Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake

• Berry Bliss Cake: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry experience that bursts with color and flavor.
• Citrus Sunshine Cake: Enhance the zesty notes by adding more citrus. Incorporate blood orange zest and replace some sour cream with orange juice for a bright, tangy profile.
• Lavender Honey Cake: Infuse the batter with dried lavender buds and replace some sugar with local honey, creating a sophisticated, floral undertone that complements the fresh berries.
• Almond Elegance Cake: Fold in ground almonds to the flour mixture and sprinkle sliced almonds between layers for a nutty crunch and deeper complexity in every bite.

Ina Garten’s Strawberry Country Cake: A Slice of Sweet Summer

Sweet strawberry country cake emerges as summer’s most delightful dessert sensation.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe blends classic baking techniques with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Luscious layers of tender cake complement bright strawberry slices and billowy whipped cream.

Generations of bakers will cherish this elegant dessert that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Home kitchens spark with joy when this masterpiece arrives at gatherings.

After one bite, you might find yourself craving seconds, sharing slices, and spreading culinary happiness with every forkful – so snap a pic, tag #StrawberryCakeDelight, and watch deliciousness spark conversation among friends.

Ina Garten Strawberry Country Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s strawberry country cake delivers classic Southern charm with layers of fresh strawberries nestled between tender vanilla cake. Sweet cream frosting and ruby-red fruit create a delightful dessert centerpiece you’ll savor with summer’s most delicious memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Dairy and Fats:

• ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (170 grams) sour cream, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, chilled

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon orange zest
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two 8-inch (20.32 centimeters) cake pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Mix in the sour cream, lemon zest, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Periodically scrape down the bowl’s sides to maintain an even consistency.
3. Sift flour, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda together in a separate bowl. This technique eliminates lumps and ensures a smooth, uniform texture for the cake batter.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using low-speed mixing. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense cake.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it emerges clean, the cakes are ready.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 30 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents moisture accumulation and maintains the cake’s structural integrity.
7. Whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a light and airy whipped cream.
8. Carefully slice one cake horizontally into two layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving platter. Spread half the whipped cream and arrange sliced strawberries evenly.
9. Position the second cake layer on top. Cover with remaining whipped cream and garnish generously with fresh strawberry slices. Refrigerate briefly before serving to set the cream.

Notes

• Select ripe, vibrant strawberries with deep red color for maximum visual appeal and flavor impact.
• Slice strawberries moments before cake assembly to preserve their bright color and prevent soggy layers.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and create a more consistent cake texture.
• Gently fold batter to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense, tough cake with compromised delicacy.
• Cover and refrigerate leftover cake for two days maximum, allowing it to rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 54 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 85 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg