Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines the delicate sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy, luscious textures, this Homemade Strawberry Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with vibrant flavor and a beautiful pink hue, every bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance between light cake layers, whipped cream filling, and rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe is a celebration of everything strawberries stand for—freshness, joy, and a touch of elegance—and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it just like I have.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Strawberry Cake lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role — from the cream cheese adding tangy richness to the strawberry puree infusing fresh, fruity brightness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert.

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds smooth, tangy depth to both the cake and the frosting.
• 1 1/2 sticks (170g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring tender cake layers.
• 2 cups (400g) sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the strawberry flavor.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: Helps with structure and adds a velvety texture—warming them slightly saves time.
• 3 cups (342g) cake flour: The lightest flour option for an airy crumb—see notes for substitutions if needed.
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder: Gives the cake a gentle rise and fluffiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) baking soda: Works with the baking powder for perfect leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• 1 cup (243g) strawberry puree: Use fresh or frozen berries for vibrant color and authentic strawberry taste.
• 2 teaspoons (8g) strawberry extract or baking emulsion: Boosts and intensifies the strawberry essence.
• 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil (canola recommended): Keeps the cake moist with a tender crumb.
• A touch of pink coloring gel (optional): For that irresistible, blush-pink cake that looks as good as it tastes.
• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream: Whipped to create a light and fluffy filling.
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough without heaviness.
• 1 teaspoon (4g) vanilla: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Sliced fresh strawberries (8-10): Used as juicy layers between the cake and cream.
• 3 sticks (339g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Essential for the creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting.
• 6-7 cups (690-805 g) confectioners’ sugar: Adjust sweetness to your liking in the frosting.
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (3-5 strawberries, pureed): Adds fresh fruit flavor directly into the frosting.

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Strawberry Puree

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F, and preparing three 8-inch pans by greasing, flouring, and lining their bottoms with parchment paper circles. This ensures your cake layers come out perfectly. Next, blend fresh or frozen strawberries until you have 1 cup of vibrant strawberry puree—reserving an extra 1/4 cup for later in the frosting.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is important for distributing the leavening agents evenly, which helps give your cake a consistent rise and tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Strawberry Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, 1 cup of your strawberry puree, and the strawberry extract. This flavorful liquid will infuse your cake batter with a delightful fruity essence.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together on medium speed until perfectly smooth and creamy. This foundation is crucial for the rich texture and tanginess that distinguish a homemade strawberry cake from the ordinary.

Step 5: Add Sugar and Eggs

Gradually add in the sugar, beating for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy—this aerates the batter for a soft texture. Then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing each until fully combined. Adding a touch of pink coloring gel now is optional but adds a lovely touch to your batter.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

On low speed, alternate folding in the dry flour mixture and the strawberry mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This approach prevents overmixing while ensuring everything is evenly combined for a smooth batter.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. Use a toothpick test—the cake is ready when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Cool the cakes briefly in their pans before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 minutes to help the cream whip faster. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft to stiff peaks form. This fluffy, sweet whipped cream will be layered with sliced strawberries to add fresh pops of flavor between cake layers.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream the softened butter until smooth, then add cream cheese and beat until blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry extract, and 1/4 cup strawberry puree. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy, adding a bit of pink gel if you want a more vibrant color. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use—it’s luscious and perfect for icing!

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Place your first cake layer on a serving plate and pipe a frosting dam around the edges to hold in the filling. Fill the center with sliced strawberries and whipped cream, then top with the second layer. Repeat the filling and top with the third layer. Finish by crumb coating and chilling briefly before applying a smooth second coat of frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries and piped star accents to create a stunning final presentation.

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries are a classic and visually striking garnish. Slice them thinly to fan on top or lay whole berries around the edges. A dusting of powdered sugar or edible flowers can add an extra touch of elegance and make your Homemade Strawberry Cake a true centerpiece at any gathering.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairing it with a light, refreshing side like a mixed green salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the richness beautifully. A simple mint leaf garnish on the side adds fresh aroma and color contrast that elevates the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, slice the cake into neat individual portions layered with a strawberry and whipped cream parfait from the reserved filling. Alternatively, serve mini cupcakes using this batter topped with the strawberry cream cheese frosting for a party-ready twist on your Homemade Strawberry Cake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container or cake dome in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting and whipped cream filling are perishable, so aim to enjoy leftovers within 3 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To freeze the fully assembled cake, it’s best to freeze it uncovered for 1 hour to harden, then wrap well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring slices to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting slightly and release the full aroma of strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Homemade Strawberry Cake?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully as long as you thaw and puree them well, draining excess liquid if needed to avoid a soggy batter.

What can I substitute for cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour minus 6 tablespoons, replacing those with 6 tablespoons of cornstarch for a lighter texture.

Is the pink coloring gel necessary?

Not at all! It’s purely optional and just adds a more vibrant color. Your cake will still taste amazing without it.

How long does it take to assemble the cake?

Once your layers are cooled and fillings ready, assembly usually takes about 20-30 minutes, including piping and decorating.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

This particular recipe relies heavily on dairy for texture and flavor, but you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives—results may vary.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sinking your fork into a slice of Homemade Strawberry Cake—the tender layers, the fresh strawberry flavor, and the creamy frosting combine to create pure happiness. Whether it’s for a celebration or simply a treat to brighten your day, I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Trust me, the smiles this cake brings are absolutely worth every joyful minute spent making it.

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