Strawberry Snack Cake

Name: Strawberry Snack Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 9–12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; ¼ cup milk

April 27, 2025

- By Chaynez

Jump to Recipe

When I was little, the sound of the screen door slamming shut meant one thing: someone was headed out to pick strawberries. My grandmother’s backyard patch wasn’t fancy, but come late spring and early summer, it was filled with ruby-red berries so fragrant they’d practically beg to be baked into something sweet.

This Strawberry Snack Cake recipe is one of those simple pleasures soft, tender, and brimming with fresh fruit perfect for summer afternoons with a glass of lemonade in hand.

Table of Contents △

Ingredients You’ll Need

Directions for Strawberry Snack Cake

Tips for Using Fresh vs Frozen Strawberries

Serving Suggestions

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Creative Twists

FAQs About Strawberry Snack Cake

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Snack Cake

Strawberry Snack Cake

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Snack Cake

This cake is the epitome of easy summer baking. Think Southern charm meets fruit-forward flavor in a square pan. No frosting fuss, no layers to stack just a soft vanilla crumb dotted with juicy strawberries. It’s casual, comforting, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create your strawberry snack cake from scratch:

Essential Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped, the heart of this cake, offering bursts of summer flavor in every bite.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened, lends richness and moisture.
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, ensures a tender, moist crumb.
¼ cup milk

Optional Toppings (for extra flair)

Turbinado sugar for a sweet crunch on top
A simple cream cheese glaze or vanilla drizzle
Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Directions for Strawberry Snack Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.

Step 4: Add Sour Cream & Milk

Stir in the sour cream and milk the batter might look slightly curdled at this stage, and that’s totally fine!

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing for a soft cake.

Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries

Gently fold in your chopped strawberries, saving a few to scatter on top for a pretty finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool slightly before slicing into 9–12 squares.

Tips for Using Fresh vs Frozen Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe they hold their shape, burst with flavor, and won’t add excess moisture.
Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Be sure to chop them while still frozen and toss with a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry snack cake is lovely served warm or at room temperature. Try pairing it with:

A dollop of whipped cream and extra berries
Vanilla ice cream on a hot afternoon
A drizzle of lemon glaze for a zesty finish

Summer Hosting Tip:

Cut into mini squares and dust with powdered sugar for the cutest tea party treat or picnic dessert!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Want to freeze it? Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat gently if desired.

Creative Twists

Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun variations:

Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese into the batter and swirl before baking.
Lemon Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the batter for a fresh zing.
Strawberry Almond: Swap vanilla for almond extract and top with sliced almonds before baking.
Layered Treat: Slice in half and fill with whipped cream and more berries for a layer cake vibe.

FAQs About Strawberry Snack Cake

This the most Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Snack Cake

❓ What is the difference between a cake and a snack cake?

The main difference between a traditional cake and a snack cake is all about size, purpose, and simplicity. A typical cake, like a layered birthday cake, is often large, multi-layered, and made for celebrations. On the other hand, a snack cake, like a Strawberry Snack Cake, is smaller, often single-layered, and designed for quick, everyday enjoyment.
Snack cakes are usually easier to make, need fewer fancy ingredients, and are meant to be eaten without much fuss, perfect for lunchboxes, quick treats, or simple gatherings. They’re moist, sweet, and delicious without being over-the-top or too heavy.

❓ Is Strawberry Shortcake the same as strawberry cake?

Not exactly! Even though they sound similar, Strawberry Shortcake and strawberry cake are different desserts. Strawberry Shortcake is a light and flaky biscuit or sponge served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, think of it as a stacked dessert.
In contrast, a strawberry cake, like a Strawberry Snack Cake, bakes strawberries right into the batter, creating a soft, moist, and fruity cake throughout. While both are sweet and packed with berry flavor, the texture, structure, and serving style set them apart.

❓ What is the name of Philadelphia produced snack cake?

The famous Philadelphia-produced snack cake you’re thinking of is Tastykake!
Tastykake, founded in Philadelphia in 1914, makes a variety of beloved snack cakes, including some with strawberry flavors. They’re known for being light, flavorful, and incredibly nostalgic for anyone who grew up in or around the Philly area. Tastykakes are often found in convenience stores and have a loyal following for their soft, satisfying textures.

❓ Can you bake fresh strawberries into a cake?

Absolutely, yes you can bake fresh strawberries into a cake, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy their sweet, juicy flavor!
When making something like a Strawberry Snack Cake, it’s important to chop the strawberries into small pieces and lightly coat them in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom and keeps the moisture just right. Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and bursts of flavor to every bite without making the cake soggy.

Final Thoughts on Strawberry Snack Cake

There’s something deeply comforting about a cake that doesn’t ask for perfection just good ingredients, a bit of care, and a craving for something sweet. This Strawberry Snack Cake is that kind of recipe. It’s the cake you bake when berries are overflowing at the market or when your garden is bursting with fresh fruit. It’s simple, seasonal, and oh-so-satisfying.

Perfect for picnics, potlucks, brunches, or just a quiet moment on the porch with an iced tea, this cake has that nostalgic, “made with love” feel we all crave. And the best part? It gets even better the next day.

So go ahead grab those strawberries, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a slice of Strawberry Snack Cake. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you.

For more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration, check out Chaynez Recipes, where you’ll find all of our latest recipes and updates in one place. From savory soups to delectable desserts, there’s something for every palate.