Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe

There is nothing quite as delightful as a fresh, fruity dessert that screams spring and sunshine, and this Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe hits the spot perfectly. This cake is a celebration of juicy strawberries folded into a tender, moist crumb and topped with the creamiest, most flavorful strawberry frosting you can imagine. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy family gathering, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. It’s a joyful combination of classic cake textures with that unmistakable burst of fresh strawberry flavor that truly makes it unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key, but don’t worry—this recipe keeps it simple and wholesome. Each component plays a vital role in building a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and balanced, while the frosting layers on that luscious, fresh strawberry goodness.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a light, crumbly cake texture.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for giving the cake its perfect rise and fluffiness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to both cake and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering the strawberry notes.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Fresh strawberries, pureed: The star ingredient adding real fruity freshness to both the cake batter and frosting.
• Whole milk (or buttermilk): Keeps the cake tender and moist with a slight tang if using buttermilk.
• Vegetable oil: Adds extra moisture to keep each bite soft and luscious.
• Powdered sugar: For creating that fluffy, smooth frosting that spreads easily.
• Pinch of salt: Rounded flavor in the frosting.
• Heavy cream: Adjusts frosting consistency to your preference, making it silky and spreadable.

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and dust them with flour or simply line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure a smooth release of the cakes later on. This preparation step helps your beautiful strawberry cakes come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, so every slice rises beautifully and has the light, tender crumb you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—about three minutes. This process incorporates air, an essential passport to a light cake, and helps dissolve the sugar so it integrates seamlessly into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds structure and flavor depth, creating a velvety batter that’s about to become a star.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Strawberry Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine your fresh strawberry puree, milk, and vegetable oil. This trio is the magic behind the moist, flavorful crumb and that fresh strawberry essence throughout the cake. Gradually add this mixture into the butter and sugar blend, beating until smooth and even.

Step 6: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Slowly add the dry ingredient mix into your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix — you want a uniform batter but a tender final texture. Overmixing can make the cake tough, and nobody wants that!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The cakes will develop a lovely golden tone and a subtle strawberry aroma that’s absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is key here because you want the frosting to glide on smoothly without melting or sliding off.

Step 9: Make the Strawberry Frosting

While the cakes cool, whip up the frosting starting with the softened butter beaten until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Then stir in more fresh strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—this frosting is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and creamy sweetness.

Step 10: Adjust Frosting Consistency

If your frosting feels too thick to spread easily, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach that perfect silky texture. You want it luscious enough to pipe or spread effortlessly without dripping off the sides.

Step 11: Assemble Your Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, generously spread the frosting over the top, then place the second cake layer on top. Finish by frosting the tops and sides with the remaining strawberry frosting. Make it as neat or as whimsical as you like!

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Your Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe is now ready to dazzle your taste buds. Slice it up, grab a fork, and get ready for the perfect balance of sweet, strawberry freshness and rich texture. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A few fresh strawberry halves or even some finely chopped mint leaves on top can take your cake to the next level visually and add a refreshing contrast. Edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming touch perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the strawberry flavor. Fresh berries or a side of lemon curd can provide a tangy balance to the sweet, indulgent frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for some texture. You could also transform this recipe into cupcakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins and frosting each for a perfectly portable treat. It’s a versatile recipe that looks as delightful on the table as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cake covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration is best to keep the frosting fresh, but bring slices to room temperature before serving so they soften up perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before frosting. You can also freeze the frosted cake, but be sure it’s well sealed and thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the best taste, serve the cake at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating so the frosting doesn’t melt; warm enough to release those fresh strawberry notes beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but thaw and drain them well before pureeing to avoid excess liquid in the batter and frosting, which might affect the texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free blend, and ensure your leavening agents are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the frosting without butter?

Butter provides richness and structure, but you can try cream cheese or coconut oil as alternatives for different flavor profiles. Keep in mind the texture and consistency will vary.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the cake stays fresh for up to 4 days. The strawberry frosting keeps it moist and flavorful during this time.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the frosting?

You can substitute milk or even a dairy-free milk alternative, though the frosting might be a bit thinner. Add it gradually to maintain a spreadable consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking a cake that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a homemade frosting that’s both silky and sweet. This Strawberry Cake with Homemade Strawberry Frosting Recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create pure joy in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and maybe even enjoy a slice (or two) just for yourself. Once you taste it, I promise it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection.

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