Strawberry Cake Recipe

Moist, fluffy, and bursting with layers of real strawberry flavor, this homemade Strawberry Cake is the definition of pure berry bliss. Each bite is a celebration—soft vanilla-scented cake, luscious homemade strawberry jam, and the creamiest strawberry frosting come together for a show-stopping treat that tastes as dazzling as it looks. Strawberry lovers, prepare to be smitten!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list for this Strawberry Cake—each component builds the incredible flavor, dreamy texture, and showpiece color! Let’s take a peek at the simple but key players behind every delicious bite.

• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: The heart of this cake! Used for the puree, jam, and decoration, they deliver real fruity flavor and vibrant color.
• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake body but still keeps it light when carefully measured.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A combo of both helps create the ideal rise and tender crumb.
• Butter & Vegetable Oil: Butter brings richness and flavor, while oil keeps your cake moist for days.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and jam, and encourages those fluffy, golden layers.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs ensure your batter emulsifies evenly for structure and softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Underlines every other flavor and makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
• Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of tang and extra moisture—feel free to sub with Greek yogurt for a twist.
• Buttermilk: Not only adds even more tenderness, but its acidity helps your cake rise beautifully. (Quick trick: milk + vinegar works in a pinch!)
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the homemade strawberry jam—you’ll taste the difference.
• Cream Cheese: This gives the frosting a velvety smoothness and lovely tang that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for achieving that cloud-like, pipeable cream cheese frosting.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Cake is just how easy it is to play with the flavors and ingredients depending on what you have (or your dietary needs). Don’t be afraid to add your own flair—there are so many delicious ways to customize it!

• Swap in Raspberries or Mixed Berries: Out of strawberries? Try using raspberries or a mix of your favorite berries in the puree and jam.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour—the recipe is surprisingly forgiving!
• Jam Shortcut: If you’re in a pinch for time, use good-quality store-bought strawberry jam for the filling. No one will judge (and it’s still delicious).
• Strawberry Lemonade Cake: Add extra lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright, tangy twist that pairs so perfectly with strawberries.
• Lighter Frosting: Swap the cream cheese frosting for stabilized whipped cream for a slightly less rich, super-fluffy finish, especially in the summertime.

How to Make Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree

Start with vibrant, ripe strawberries (fresh or frozen both work!). Blend them until completely smooth, then simmer the puree in a saucepan until it reduces. This thickened puree is where the cake’s dreamy pink color and boldly fruity flavor begin—and reducing it intensifies the strawberry essence.

Step 2: Prep the Cake Pans and Dry Mix

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and get three 8-inch cake pans ready. Grease and line each with parchment for easy release. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt so your leaveners are evenly distributed—no dry pockets, just pure cake magic!

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Sugar & Oil

Using a mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then blend in sugar and oil until everything’s light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of your bowl—this extra step makes sure every bit is combined, giving you that perfect Strawberry Cake crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Strawberry Goodness

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then pour in the vanilla, sour cream, and that luscious strawberry puree you made earlier. This is also your moment for a dash of food coloring, if you want an extra pop of pink! Your kitchen will already be smelling irresistible.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With your mixer on low or using a spatula, alternate adding your dry mixture and buttermilk to the bowl—start and end with the dry for the best structure. Mix gently and only until just combined for a tender cake that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Divide the Strawberry Cake batter evenly between the pans and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean—about 35 minutes. Cool the cakes for 10 minutes in the pans before flipping onto a rack, and let cool completely to lock in maximum moisture.

Step 7: Make the Homemade Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan, simmer chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until dark, thick, and jammy. Let it cool completely—this fresh, tart filling is the swoon-worthy secret between each cake layer.

Step 8: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

For the ultimate finishing touch, beat softened butter with cream cheese, gradually add in powdered sugar, then swirl in more strawberry puree. The result is a spreadable, slightly tangy, berry-packed frosting that holds its shape and flavor on every slice.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Stack up your cooled cakes, spreading a thin layer of Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and a ring of frosting to hold in a scoop of jam on each layer. Finish with the top layer, spread frosting all over, and chill briefly for a neat crumb coat. Then, cover in pretty swoops of frosting and crown with halved strawberries for that dreamy, bakery-worthy look!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

Classic halved strawberries are always beautiful, but feel free to sprinkle on a handful of edible flowers, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. For a little sparkle, gild the edges with freeze-dried strawberry dust—it’s a stunning, playful touch!

Side Dishes

Strawberry Cake pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dollop of freshly whipped cream, or even a tart berry sorbet. For brunch, serve with a fruity mimosa or a refreshing lemonade for the ultimate celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For something extra special, slice your Strawberry Cake into petite squares for an elegant dessert platter, or layer cubes of cake, jam, and cream cheese frosting in parfait glasses for a whimsical twist. Mini cupcakes or cake jars also travel beautifully for picnics or parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays deliciously moist for up to 4 days—just make sure to press a layer of plastic wrap against any exposed cake for maximum freshness.

Freezing

This cake is freezer-friendly! For best results, freeze the cake layers (unfrosted) individually wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. To freeze a decorated cake, first remove any fresh strawberries, then wrap tightly and place in an airtight container before freezing.

Reheating

There’s no need to “reheat” Strawberry Cake, but if enjoying from the fridge or freezer, let slices come fully to room temperature—about 30-60 minutes—so the frosting softens and flavors bloom. The cake is at its best when not ice-cold!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a homemade Strawberry Cake to brighten up any table or gathering—this is a recipe that makes people smile. I hope you give it a try, savor every pink-frosted slice, and share it with someone special. You might just start a new sweet tradition!

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