Super-Simple Strawberry Cake

Welcome to the kickoff ofBake It Easy: Summer. For the next nine weeks I'll be sharing fast, low-fuss recipes that make the most of in-season fruit. Because who has time for piping buttercream and stacking layer cakes when we could be lazing poolside instead?

First up: the easiest strawberry cake.

The batter of thisSuper-Simple Strawberry Cakecomes together in your mixer in a flash. Once it's poured into acake pan, you shingle a layer of macerated strawberries on top, then slide it into the oven. That's it! No additional decor needed — those ruby red berries do all the showing off. (But if you're one for extra credit — or just can't fathom berries without cream — don't skip the sour cream whip.)

Nutmeg,vanilla, and lemon zest help those sweet, juicy berries shine bright in every bite. It's the type of easy, breezy snacking cake you could conceivably leave on the counter to pick at all week, but realistically, it'll be gone before the day ends.

See you next week,