Italian desserts are often celebrated for their simplicity—using fresh, high-quality ingredients to let natural flavors shine. One sweet example of this is the Italian Strawberry Cake, a rustic treat that pairs the delicate sweetness of ripe strawberries with a moist, buttery cake. Unlike overly sweet frosted confections, this cake embraces a more natural elegance, perfect for afternoon coffee, family gatherings, or summer celebrations.
What Makes Italian Strawberry Cake Special?
This cake embodies the cucina povera philosophy—simple, humble recipes made with love. Instead of heavy frostings or elaborate fillings, the focus is on seasonal fruit and a light, tender crumb. Fresh strawberries sink slightly into the batter as it bakes, creating bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.
The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility: it can be enjoyed warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, paired with fresh whipped cream, or served chilled as a refreshing dessert on a hot day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep the flavors pure and authentic, the recipe calls for simple pantry staples:
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (240 ml) milk
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1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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Pinch of salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups (about 300 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
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Powdered sugar, for dusting