🍓 Tip: This Strawberry Cake is best enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon dessert or as a light treat after a hearty lunch. Its fruity freshness and soft texture make it perfect for spring and summer gatherings, especially when served slightly chilled.

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🍰 This Strawberry Cake

Calories per slice (1/8 of cake): ~280 kcal
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour (including cooling)
Serving size: 8 slices

This Strawberry Cake is a delightful homemade dessert featuring the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with a moist and fluffy vanilla cake base. With a light citrus aroma from lemon zest and a soft crumb, this cake is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in something sweet without being overly rich. It’s an ideal dessert for birthdays, picnics, tea parties, or simply to brighten up a regular weekday.

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🌿 Ingredients:

• Dry ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp salt

• Wet ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (such as sunflower or canola)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)

• Fruits:

  • 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin

• Optional toppings:

  • Powdered sugar

  • Whipped cream or Greek yogurt

  • Extra strawberry slices for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and oil until well blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

4. Add the milk and gradually stir in the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.

5. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries with a spatula.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Optionally, place a few extra slices of strawberries on top for decoration.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream before serving.

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⚡ Energy-Saving Tip:

To reduce energy consumption while baking:

• Use a convection oven if available. It distributes heat more evenly and can shorten baking time by up to 20%.

• Alternatively, use an air fryer with a baking function for small batches. It preheats faster and uses less electricity than traditional ovens.

• Only open the oven door when necessary to avoid heat loss and extra baking time.

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✅ Health & Nutrition Notes:

This cake is suitable for:

• Vegetarians (no meat or gelatin used).

• Individuals looking for a lighter dessert compared to cream-heavy cakes.

• Those in need of an emotional pick-me-up — strawberries are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that can enhance mood.

This cake is not recommended for:

• People with diabetes or those following a low-sugar diet, as it contains a significant amount of sugar and simple carbs.

• Individuals with egg allergies.

• People on a strict vegan diet, unless substitutions are made for the eggs and milk.