Sourdough Strawberry Cake

If you’re passionate about the delightful combination of ripe, juicy strawberries and the comforting aroma of freshly baked sourdough, you’re in for a treat. Sweet, fresh and delicious this strawberry sourdough cake is something you and your family are going to want to bake! Cream cheese icing topped with fresh strawberries and a glass of raw milk on the side.

What type of strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants like anthocyanins. These nutrients are vital for overall health and can help boost your immune system, support heart health, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

You can also use frozen strawberries as well. Frozen strawberries are typically harvested at their peak ripeness and quickly frozen, which can help preserve their nutritional value. The freezing process locks in essential nutrients, including vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a good source of these nutrients.

How baking sourdough cake can benefit you

Baking sourdough into cakes can offer a unique and potentially beneficial twist to traditional cake recipes. Here are some potential benefits of using sourdough in cake baking:

1. Flavor and Complexity: Sourdough adds a subtle tang and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile. This can make the cake more interesting and enjoyable for those who appreciate the taste of sourdough.
2. Improved Digestibility: The fermentation process in sourdough can break down some of the gluten and phytic acid found in wheat, potentially making the cake easier to digest for some individuals, especially those with mild gluten sensitivity.
3. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Sourdough is made through fermentation, which can introduce beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and prebiotics into the cake. Probiotics are known to support gut health and digestion, and prebiotics act as food for these helpful gut bacteria.
4. Potentially Reduced Glycemic Index: Sourdough cakes may have a lower glycemic index compared to cakes made with commercial yeast or refined flours. This could lead to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which may benefit those with blood sugar concerns.
5. Increased Nutrient Bioavailability: The fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients in the cake. This means your body can more easily absorb and utilize some of the nutrients found in the ingredients.

How is sourdough cake different in baking?

The primary leavening agent in sourdough cake is the wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria present in the sourdough starter. This is in contrast to traditional cakes that rely on commercial yeast, baking powder, or baking soda for leavening. Sourdough cakes have a mild tangy flavor due to the lactic acid produced during the fermentation process. This adds a unique taste dimension to the cake, which may be desirable for those who enjoy the tanginess of sourdough. Sourdough cakes can have a slightly different texture. The extended fermentation can result in a more tender and moist crumb, and the cake may be less prone to drying out compared to some traditional cakes.

Cake Icing

Cream cheese icing is sweet, thanks to the addition of powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) or other sweeteners. The level of sweetness can be adjusted to suit your preference, but it generally provides a sweet contrast to the tangy cream cheese. The icing is creamy and smooth in texture, providing a luscious and decadent mouthfeel that complements the cake or dessert it’s paired with.

How to store your sourdough cake

1. Allow the Cake to Cool: Before storing the cake, make sure it has cooled completely. Warm cake can create condensation inside the storage container, which may lead to moisture-related issues.

2. Use an Airtight Container:

Place the sourdough strawberry cake in an airtight container or cake carrier. If you don’t have a cake carrier, you can use a large, airtight plastic or glass container with a secure lid.

If the cake is too large for any available containers, you can slice it and store individual slices in an airtight container.

3. Store in a Cool Location:

Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or humidity. A cool pantry or cupboard is usually suitable.

If you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, you may want to store the cake in the refrigerator to prolong its freshness, but be aware that refrigeration can sometimes lead to textural changes.

6. Freezing (for Long-Term Storage):

If you want to store the cake for an extended period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Sourdough Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter unfed (straight from the fridge). It should be at room temperature.
2. Prepare the Sourdough Cake:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Mix in the sourdough starter.
3. **In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
5. Fold in the Diced Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
6. Bake: Pour the cake batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
9. Add Strawberry Puree: Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
11. Optional: Decorate with Fresh Strawberries: You can decorate the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finishing touch.

Sourdough Strawberry Cake

This recipe is a delicious light and fluffy cake with great health benefits from the sourdough

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings 8 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 Cup Sourdough starter (unfed)
• 1 Cup All purpose flour unbleached
• 1 Cup Raw cane sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 Tbsp Baking soda
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Cup Fresh Strawberries

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar or 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 1 cup fresh strawberries pureed (remove seeds if wanted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Ensure your sourdough starter unfed (straight from the fridge). It should be at room temperature.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Mix in the sourdough starter.
• **In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Fold in the Diced Strawberries:
• Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
• Bake:
• Pour the cake batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool:
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
• Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
• Add Strawberry Puree:
• Mix in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency.
• Frost the Cake:
• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
• Optional: Decorate with Fresh Strawberries:
• You can decorate the cake with fresh strawberry slices for a beautiful finishing touch.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy your Sourdough Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Cake!

This unique cake is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!