A Simple Strawberry Cake Recipe Made With Fresh Berries

Luscious Fresh Strawberry Layer Cake

This delightful strawberry cake features moist vanilla cake layers infused with fresh strawberries, a vibrant strawberry filling, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet indulgence.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Strawberry Cake Layers

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs large, room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• 1 cup fresh strawberries finely diced

For the Fresh Strawberry Filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk or cream as needed for consistency

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced or whole

Equipment

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Small saucepan
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Wire rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife

Method

 

Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the finely diced fresh strawberries.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting.

Make the Fresh Strawberry Filling

1. In a small saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering strawberry mixture, stirring constantly.
3. Continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken further as it cools. For a smoother filling, you can mash some of the strawberries lightly with a fork.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then increasing to medium until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired spreading consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake layers and strawberry filling are completely cool, level the cake layers if necessary using a serrated knife.
2. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about half of the strawberry filling evenly over the top, leaving a small border around the edge.
3. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the strawberry filling, creating a "dam" to hold the filling in place.
4. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining strawberry filling over this layer, again leaving a small border.
5. Cover the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, spreading it evenly over the top and sides.
6. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or whole strawberries, if desired.
7. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set.

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese) are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and frosting.
Do not overmix the cake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
The strawberry filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making This Strawberry Cake Recipe

Over the years, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that make all the difference when baking, and I’m so happy to share them with you to ensure your Strawberry Cake Recipe is nothing short of perfection!

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  My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter and eggs are at room temperature before I start mixing. It makes for a smoother batter and a much more tender crumb. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for any cake!

  
  
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  When you’re preparing the fresh strawberry filling, don’t rush the simmering. Letting it gently thicken allows the flavors to truly meld and intensify, giving you that rich, vibrant berry taste.

  
  
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  For the frosting, I find that sifting the powdered sugar makes for an incredibly smooth and lump-free cream cheese frosting. No one wants gritty frosting when they’re expecting a cloud of creamy sweetness!

  
  
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  And finally, when assembling your cake, take your time. A little patience in layering and frosting means a beautiful presentation that’s almost as delightful as the first bite.

  
  

Fun Variations for Strawberry Cake Recipe

One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative in the kitchen, and this Strawberry Cake Recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways I love to play with flavors and textures:

Seasonal Berry Swaps

While fresh strawberries are divine, feel free to experiment with other seasonal berries. My sister always asks me to swirl in a little fresh raspberry jam between the layers when raspberries are abundant, creating a lovely tang. Or, imagine a mix of blueberries and strawberries for a vibrant summer medley!

A Touch of Citrus Zest

For an extra bright note, I sometimes add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cake batter. It really enhances the fresh berry flavor and gives the cake a wonderful aroma. A friend loves when I do this, saying it makes the cake taste even sunnier!

Chocolate Drizzle Delight

For the chocolate lovers in my life, I’ll often add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate or dark chocolate over the top of the frosted cake. It’s a simple addition, but it adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of indulgence that everyone adores.

What to Serve With Strawberry Cake Recipe

This delightful Strawberry Cake Recipe is truly a star on its own, but sometimes a little accompaniment can make the whole experience even more memorable. I love setting out a few simple options to elevate the dessert table.

A generous scoop of homemade vanilla bean ice cream is always a winner in my book; the cool creaminess is simply divine with the fresh cake. My mom always pairs her slice with a steaming cup of her favorite Earl Grey tea, which I think is a lovely, sophisticated touch. For something a little lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can’t be beat, or even just a few extra fresh berries sprinkled around the plate. And if you’re looking for a quick serving idea, a simple dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finish without any fuss.

How to Store Strawberry Cake Recipe

After all the love and effort you’ve poured into creating this wonderful dessert, you’ll want to ensure your leftover Strawberry Cake Recipe stays as fresh and delicious as possible. Proper storage is key to preserving that delightful flavor and tender texture!

Fridge Storage

For short-term storage, I always recommend keeping your strawberry cake recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the frosting firm and the cake moist, especially with fresh fruit and cream cheese frosting. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3-4 days this way.

Freezing for Later

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers you want to save for a longer period, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. My personal tip is to then place them in a larger freezer bag to prevent any freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutritional Benefits

While this Strawberry Cake Recipe is undoubtedly a treat for the senses, it also brings a few lovely things to the table thanks to those gorgeous fresh strawberries! These ruby-red jewels are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, making this a dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing in its own sweet way. It’s my way of showing that even indulgence can be embraced with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen strawberries for the cake layers?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture in this Strawberry Cake Recipe, you can use frozen. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to avoid a watery cake.

Faq 2

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
I always grease and flour my cake pans thoroughly, and for extra assurance, I line the bottoms with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your beautiful Strawberry Cake Recipe layers release perfectly every time.

Faq 3

Can I make the strawberry cake recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you certainly can! I’ve had great success substituting an equal amount of a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture of your Strawberry Cake Recipe will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Faq 4

How can I make the cream cheese frosting less sweet?
To adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting for your Strawberry Cake Recipe, you can gradually reduce the amount of powdered sugar to your taste. Start with less and add more if needed, until it reaches your preferred level of sweetness.

Conclusion

Baking this Strawberry Cake Recipe is more than just following steps; it’s about creating something truly special, a little bit of magic right in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, sparks memories, and gathers loved ones around the table. So, go ahead, embrace the joy of baking, let your heart guide your hands, and share a slice of this homemade deliciousness. Remember, with a little love and patience, every dessert you make becomes a sweet memory in the making. Happy baking, my dears!