Fresh Strawberry Loaf Cake

A buttery vanilla loaf cake topped with swirls of fresh strawberry frosting.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes

Meet the Chef: Laura Kasavan

Tutti Dolci is a baking and desserts blog all about inspiring deliciousness. From easy weeknight baking to showstopper occasion recipes and modern twists on classic desserts, Laura's goal is to inspire her audience to bake from scratch and equip them to master baking at home.

Servings

Vanilla Loaf Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
  • C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar 1 cup 1 cup C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
  • 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt, at room temperature 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature 2/3 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

Fresh Strawberry Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • C&H® Confectioners Sugar 2 1/4 cups 2 1/4 cups C&H® Confectioners Sugar
  • 3 Tbsp fresh strawberry puree 3 Tbsp fresh strawberry puree
  • 1 Tbsp heavy cream 1 Tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

Vanilla Loaf Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan. Spray parchment paper lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 2

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 

Step 3

Beat butter and C&H® Organic Raw Cane Sugar in a large mixer bowl at medium speed until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.

Step 4

Combine yogurt and buttermilk in a small bowl. Reduce speed to low and add half of flour mixture, beating just to combine. Add yogurt mixture, then finish with remaining flour mixture.

Step 5

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top with an offset spatula; tap pan sharply to reduce air bubbles.

Step 6

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until cake springs back to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; carefully lift cake from pan and cool completely.

Fresh Strawberry Frosting

Step 1

Beat butter and salt in a large mixer bowl on medium speed until combined.

Step 2

With the mixer on low speed, mix in vanilla. 

Step 3

Add C&H® Confectioners Sugar 1 cup at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Step 4

Mix in fresh strawberry puree on low speed until combined. Mix in heavy cream on low speed until combined, then beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, until light and airy. 

Step 5

Dollop frosting over cooled cake and swirl with an offset spatula. Chill cake for 20 minutes in the refrigerator before slicing. If desired, serve cake topped with fresh strawberries.

Chef's Tip

Frosting can also be made with strawberry preserves or jam instead of fresh strawberry puree.