There’s something magical about the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy frosting. This homemade strawberry cake recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor, freshness, and texture, topped with an irresistible cream cheese frosting. Plus, it’s completely customizable to your preferences. Let’s bake!
The Best Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cake recipe goes best with:
- Whipped cream or fresh berries on the side.
- Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or springtime celebrations.
Storing Your Strawberry Cake
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
Preparation time:
- Cake Batter prep. time = 20 minutes.
- Baking time = 30-35 mins approx.
- Frosting prep. time = 20 mins
- Assembling time = 20 mins
- Total Preparation time = 1 hour 30 minutes
* This strawberry cake recipe has been tested by me :). If there is something that might not suit your taste buds, you can definitely use a substitute ingredient for it!.
However I would recommend you to follow the recipe as it is to ensure the best results. Thank you!*
Table of Contents
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries give the best flavor.
Don’t Skip the Puree:
It ensures a moist cake with a burst of strawberry goodness.
Avoid Overmixing:
Overmixing leads to a dense cake.
Tips for Perfect Frosting
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter for a smooth consistency.
- Beat the frosting until fluffy but avoid overmixing to prevent it from becoming runny.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need for this Strawberry Cake Recipe
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Parchment paper for lining pans
- Cooling rack
Optional: Piping bags and decorative tips for frosting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking the Cake:
Set a timer to prevent drying out.
Frosting Too Soon:
Ensure the cake layers are completely cool.
Skipping the Parchment Paper:
This makes removing the cake much easier.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Cake Recipe
Fresh Strawberry Puree
- 450-500g fresh strawberries, washed and chopped
- Blend until smooth and set aside for use in the batter. This puree is the secret to bold strawberry flavor!
Dry Ingredients
- 2 & 3/4 cups (330g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree (prepared earlier)
- 4 large eggs (only whites are required), at room temperature
- 1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
Flavor Enhancers
- A drop of natural pink food coloring (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials
Ingredients for the Frosting
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Strawberry Cake
Preparing the Fresh Strawberry Puree
- Wash, and chop the strawberries.
- Blend them into a smooth puree using a food processor or blender.
- Heat the strawberry puree in a pan, over medium heat, to remove excess water.
Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- In a bowl/ stand mixer, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites slowly while the mixer is still beating the butter. Stir in vanilla.
Combining the Batter
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the strawberry puree gently to avoid overmixing.
- Add 2-3 drops of red food coloring if color seems light.
Baking the Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the batter evenly between greased and lined cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling the Cake
- Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a bowl, add the room temperature butter and cream cheese, and cream them up.
- Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, blending the sugar with the butter until a smooth frosting forms.
- Add in the strawberry puree and mix it into the frosting, until well combined.
- Add 1-2 drops of red food color if necessary.
Assembling and Frosting the Cake
Leveling the Layers
Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers for a professional look.
Applying the First Layer of Frosting
Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between the layers.
Decorating Tips
Use a piping bag to create swirls or borders. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an elegant touch.
FAQs
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh puree?
Yes, but fresh puree provides a better flavor and texture.
How do I make this cake ahead of time?
Bake the layers a day in advance and store them tightly wrapped until ready to frost.
Can I add other fruits to the batter?
Sure! Blueberries or raspberries pair beautifully with strawberries.
How do I achieve a vibrant pink color naturally?
Add a bit of beetroot puree or extra strawberry puree for a natural pink hue.
What’s the best way to transport this cake?
Use a cake carrier and refrigerate before traveling to keep it firm.
About me
Welcome to my blog! My name's Hurma and I really love cooking :). If you are also a cooking enthusiast who is looking for simple yet delicious recipes, then you've come to the right place!. At Good Kitchen you will find not only recipes, but also tips and tricks to improve your cooking and to ensure the best results.
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