If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dessert, this Instant Pot Strawberry Cake is the perfect choice. In just 36 minutes, you can create a moist, flavorful cake bursting with fresh strawberries. Using the Instant Pot ensures even cooking, locks in moisture, and simplifies the entire process. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet, this cake will not disappoint. Today, I’ll share not only the step-by-step process but also a bit of my personal story that makes this recipe so special
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
The Sweet Origins of My Instant Pot Strawberry Cake
I still remember my first summer in New York City after moving from Germany. Strawberries were in season, and every market was overflowing with vibrant, juicy berries. Back home near the Black Forest, my mother would bake strawberry cakes that filled the house with a warm, inviting aroma. I wanted to recreate that feeling but adapt it to my busy New York lifestyle. That’s when the Instant Pot came into my life—a game-changer that allowed me to bring my childhood memories to the table with much less effort.
When I created this Instant Pot Strawberry Cake, I blended my German heritage with the convenience of modern American kitchens. This electric pressure cooker not only speeds up cooking but also keeps the cake incredibly moist. Plus, it’s nearly impossible to overbake or dry out your cake with this method. The strawberries melt into the batter, creating pockets of sweetness in every bite.
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely have at home: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and, of course, fresh strawberries. The blend of sweet strawberries and rich, buttery cake creates a perfect balance that makes this Instant Pot Strawberry Cake simply irresistible
Instant Pot Strawberry Cake Recipe You’ll Love: Moist, Quick & Foolproof
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and moist Instant Pot Strawberry Cake packed with fresh strawberries. Ready in just 36 minutes for a delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cups milk 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste 1 cup strawberries, chopped
Instructions
- Grease a 6-inch cake pan (springform or Bundt-style) or any heat-proof ramekin, then line the bottom with parchment for easy release.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder. 3. Add milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Fold in chopped strawberries gently.
- Place trivet in Instant Pot, add 1 cup water.
- Place baking dish on trivet, secure lid.
- Select High Pressure for 23 minutes.
- Natural pressure release, then cool before serving.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better texture. Cover with foil to reduce condensation on top.
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of cake
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
Ingredients & Preparation
Gathering the Best Ingredients for Instant Pot Strawberry Cake
Making an Strawberry Cake is a simple way to enjoy a moist, flavorful dessert. Each ingredient works together to create the perfect texture and taste, while the Instant Pot ensures consistent results every time.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Forms the soft, sturdy base of the Instant Pot Strawberry Cake, holding everything together.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the batter and balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the Strawberry Cake rise properly under pressure.
- Milk (3/4 cups): Keeps the cake moist and smooth.
- Butter (1/3 cup, softened): Adds richness to the Instant Pot Strawberry Cake, making every bite tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Strawberries (1 cup, chopped): Fresh strawberries provide bursts of fruity flavor in every slice of your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake.
Step-by-Step Directions for Perfect Strawberry Cake
Start by greasing a ramekin or baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder, whisking until well blended. This ensures even rising for your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake.
Add the milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, keeping them intact to create sweet, juicy bursts in every bite of your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake.
Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, then position the trivet at the bottom. Place the baking dish on the trivet, lock the lid, and cook on High Pressure for 23 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results. The result is a flawless Strawberry Cake every time.
Cooking Tips & Troubleshooting
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Strawberry Cake
Even though the Instant Pot simplifies baking, a few expert tips will ensure your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake turns out perfect every time.
First, always use room temperature ingredients. Softened butter and room temperature milk blend more smoothly, giving your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake a tender crumb. Cold ingredients may cause the batter to seize or mix unevenly.
Second, chop your strawberries into uniform pieces. This allows them to distribute evenly throughout the cake and prevents some bites from being too sweet while others have none.
Third, Don’t forget to grease your cake pan thoroughly; a slick surface lets the cake release in one gorgeous piece.
Finally, avoid over-mixing. Stir the batter just until the ingredients combine. Over-mixing can create a dense texture, taking away from the light, fluffy nature of your Strawberry Cake.
Troubleshooting Common Strawberry Cake Issues
If your Strawberry Cake comes out too dense, you may have over-mixed or used old baking powder. Always check your baking powder’s freshness before starting.
Sometimes the top may appear slightly moist after cooking. Don’t worry—this is common due to the steam inside the Instant Pot. Let your Strawberry Cake cool uncovered for a few minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
If your cake doesn’t rise as expected, double-check your pressure settings and ensure you’re using the correct High Pressure mode. Altitude can also slightly affect pressure cooking times, so you may need to adjust by a minute or two depending on your location.
Nutritional Benefits & Serving Suggestions
Understanding the Nutrition of Instant Pot Strawberry Cake
One of the great things about Strawberry Cake is that it offers a satisfying dessert with moderate portions of calories and nutrients. Each serving provides about 415 calories, making it a reasonable indulgence when enjoyed in moderation.
The Strawberry Cake contains 17 grams of total fat, with 10 grams of saturated fat, contributing to its rich, moist texture. While it’s a dessert, the protein content of 6 grams per serving adds a bit of balance, especially when paired with the fiber from the strawberries.
The cake includes 61 grams of carbohydrates, which are mostly from the flour and sugar. However, the 2 grams of fiber come primarily from the strawberries, offering a small but valuable contribution to your daily fiber intake. Strawberries bring natural antioxidants and vitamins, adding a healthy boost to your Strawberry Cake.
Sodium sits at 390 mg per serving, so if you’re watching your salt intake, enjoy this treat occasionally. With 27 grams of sugar, the Strawberry Cake is sweet but not overwhelmingly so, allowing the fresh fruit flavor to shine through.
Delicious Ways to Serve Instant Pot Strawberry Cake
There are many ways to serve your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake and impress your family or guests. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the cake’s rich texture. You can also top it with additional fresh strawberries for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle chocolate ganache or sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake. Some even enjoy pairing their Strawberry Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially during the warmer months.
Top each slice with a quick two-ingredient strawberry sauce: simmer 1 cup chopped berries with 2 Tbs sugar for 5 minutes until syrupy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries in Instant Pot Strawberry Cake?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used to make your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the batter, which can affect the cake’s texture.
How do I prevent my Instant Pot Strawberry Cake from becoming too dense?
Be careful not to over-mix the batter, and make sure to use fresh baking powder for the best rise and texture in your Strawberry Cake. Over-mixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in a denser Instant Pot Strawberry Cake. Mixing just until combined keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Do I need to cover the cake while cooking in the Instant Pot?
It’s not required, but loosely covering your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake with foil can prevent condensation from dripping onto the top of the cake, keeping the surface drier and more attractive.
How long does Instant Pot Strawberry Cake stay fresh?
Your Strawberry Cake stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To store, keep your Instant Pot Strawberry Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months for longer freshness.
Conclusion
Making an Instant Pot Strawberry Cake combines the warmth of homemade baking with the speed and convenience of modern cooking. This recipe transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a rich, flavorful dessert that’s ready in just over half an hour. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or already love your Instant Pot, this strawberry cake offers a delightful way to enjoy seasonal fruit year-round.
As someone who blends my German roots with American creativity, this Instant Pot Strawberry Cake brings back fond memories while fitting perfectly into my busy New York kitchen. I hope it becomes a favorite at your table too.
Explore more delightful recipes by checking out our collection of Instant Pot Desserts and Snacks.
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