Description
This Easy Strawberry Spoon Cake is a moist, jammy dessert that combines fresh strawberries, brown sugar, and a tender buttermilk batter. Baked in a single dish and topped with strawberry jam, it offers a sweet and comforting treat that’s perfect for serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups halved or quartered strawberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam
Batter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (divided: 1/4 cup for strawberries, 1/2 cup for batter)
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter, melted and lightly browned
- 1 egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose or white whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: Toss the halved or quartered strawberries with 1/4 cup brown sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release their natural juices, which will add extra flavor and moisture to the cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 10-12 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to add richness.
- Mix Batter Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted and lightly browned butter, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, the egg, buttermilk (or whole milk), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the all-purpose or white whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the macerated strawberries on top, including all the juices. Then, add small dollops of strawberry jam scattered over the berries and batter without stirring—it will create pockets of jammy sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are set and golden, and the center remains jammy and slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 5 minutes. Spoon portions into bowls, ensuring to include all the delicious strawberry juices. Serve warm, ideally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using salted butter adds a nice balance to the sweetness, but if using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch more salt.
- Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour without significantly altering texture.
- Letting the strawberries macerate releases juices that enhance the flavor and keep the cake moist.
- If buttermilk is not available, whole milk is a suitable substitute.
- This dessert is best served warm to fully enjoy the jammy texture and fresh berry flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cake, spoon cake, berry dessert, easy cake recipe, buttermilk cake, baked berry dessert
