This moist, tender strawberry cake is layered with luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting and adorned with fresh berries—a showstopping dessert that tastes like summer in every bite! Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Real strawberry flavor – No artificial extracts, just puréed berries
✅ Ultra-moist crumb – Thanks to sour cream and buttermilk
✅ Dreamy frosting – Creamy, tangy, and packed with berry goodness
✅ Stunning presentation – Decorated with fresh strawberries for a gorgeous finish
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Purée:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Simmer until reduced to ½ cup
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2¾ cups cake flour (or 2½ cups AP flour + ¼ cup cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
- ½ cup strawberry purée (cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red/pink food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup strawberry purée (well-drained)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Fresh whole strawberries
- Red sugar pearls
- Sliced strawberries (for layers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Strawberry Purée
- Blend 1½ cups strawberries until smooth.
- Simmer 10–15 mins to reduce to ½ cup. Cool completely.
2. Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (~5 mins).
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Whisk together dry ingredients (flour through salt).
- In another bowl, mix milk, sour cream, strawberry purée.
- Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Divide batter between pans. Bake 22–27 mins. Cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Mix in strawberry purée and vanilla.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until desired consistency.
4. Assemble & Decorate
- Place first layer on a cake stand. Spread with frosting.
- Add sliced strawberries in a ring.
- Repeat with second layer.
- Top with third layer. Frost sides and top.
- Press whole strawberries into the top. Add sugar pearls.
Pro Tips for Success
🍓 Reduce purée well – Prevents soggy cake/runny frosting
🎂 Chill cake layers – Easier to frost without crumbs
🎨 Food coloring – Enhances color if berries aren’t vibrant
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
✅ Yes, but thaw, drain, and reduce extra liquid.
2. How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: Up to 3 days (cover loosely).
- Freeze: Unfrosted layers for 1 month.
3. Can I make cupcakes?
✅ Bake 18–22 mins at same temperature.
4. Why is my frosting runny?
- Purée wasn’t reduced enough – chill frosting to thicken.
5. Can I use all-purpose flour?
✅ Yes, but cake flour yields a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
🌸 Spring parties – Pair with rosé or lemonade
💝 Valentine’s Day – Heart-shaped strawberry garnish
🎂 Birthdays – Add edible glitter for sparkle
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake is pure berry bliss—moist, fragrant, and stunningly decorated. It’s guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering!
What’s your favorite berry dessert? Share below! 👇💕
Happy Baking! 🎉🍓
#StrawberryCake #CreamCheeseFrosting #LayerCake #SummerDesserts
