Name: Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed) (450g); 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g); 2½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (227g); 2 cups granulated sugar (400g); 4 large egg whites (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk (room temperature) (120ml); ½ cup fresh strawberry puree (120ml); Pink food coloring (optional); 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) (227g); 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) (227g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 6 to 7 cups powdered sugar (sifted) (720g-840g); ¼ cup fresh strawberry puree

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a burst of summer all at once, then this Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, tender cake layered with fresh strawberry essence and generously slathered in a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting that’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a day you want to make sweeter, this cake will become your new favorite — trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to bake it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a cooking scene; the left side captures a bright red, smooth sauce being poured from a blender into a worn copper pot with a golden handle on a gas stove, and the right side shows the pot from above with the red sauce being stirred by a wooden spoon, creating a soft swirl texture on the surface of the sauce. The stove and background feature a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this delicious cake is easier than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the brightness of fresh strawberries to the creamy richness of cream cheese, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more.

Fresh or frozen strawberries (1 pound): The heart of our cake, bringing natural sweetness and that signature fresh flavor.
All-purpose flour (2¾ cups): Provides the perfect structure and light crumb.
Baking powder (2½ teaspoons): Gives the cake a gentle rise for its soft, airy texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with baking powder to help the cake rise just right.
Unsalted butter (1 cup for cake + 1 cup for frosting): Adds richness and moisture, giving a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens without overpowering, letting strawberry notes shine.
Large egg whites (4): Lighten the batter, helping create that fluffy texture.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for cake + 1 teaspoon for frosting): Adds complexity and warmth to both cake and frosting.
Whole milk (½ cup): Brings moisture and helps achieve perfect batter consistency.
Fresh strawberry puree (½ cup for cake + ¼ cup for frosting): Concentrated strawberry flavor for both layers and frosting for maximum yum.
Pink food coloring (optional): For a gorgeous, inviting cake that’ll turn heads.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): The star ingredient in the frosting that adds tanginess and creaminess.
Powdered sugar (6 to 7 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to creamy perfection.

How to Make Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Start by hulling your strawberries and blending them until smooth. Then, simmer the puree over medium heat, stirring often, until it reduces by about half. This step intensifies the strawberry flavor, turning it into a rich, syrupy base perfect for both the cake batter and the frosting. Let it cool completely before you move on.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your two 9-inch cake pans ready by buttering them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. Mix your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda—in a big bowl. In another bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add sugar and whip it into a fluffy cloud of sweetness. Gently fold in the egg whites and vanilla, then alternate adding the dry ingredients with milk and your cooled strawberry reduction. If you want that pretty pink tint, a drop or two of food coloring will do the trick. Divide the batter evenly into the pans.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Bake your cakes for about 30 minutes or until springy to the touch and just pulling away from the sides of the pans. Once out of the oven, let the cakes rest for 20 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting step ensures they’re sturdy enough to handle without crumbling.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Lower your mixer speed and gradually add powdered sugar alternating with strawberry puree, scraping the bowl occasionally. When all ingredients are incorporated, increase the speed and whip until fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting feels too stiff, a splash of puree or milk will smooth it right out.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your cake stand and spread about a cup of the frosting evenly on top. Carefully place the second layer on, and then cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting. Now’s your moment to get creative—decorate with extra strawberries if you like. Keep it covered and enjoy within five days for the best flavor and freshness.

How to Serve Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A pink, two-layer cake with thick, swirled frosting covers the whole cake, sitting on a clear glass cake stand. The frosting has a creamy, slightly textured look with visible bits of strawberry. Three fresh strawberries rest on top of the cake. A single slice is placed on a white plate with small floral designs and gold edges, showing two layers of soft pink cake separated by a layer of the same pink frosting. A fresh strawberry sits on top of the slice. The setting includes a gold fork on a pink cloth, a cup of coffee in a white cup with colorful flowers, and a bowl of fresh strawberries, all arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simple beauty of this cake shines through with the perfect garnish. Fresh sliced strawberries, whole berries, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar add an elegant finishing touch and a burst of fruity appeal. A few mint leaves can also bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with light, refreshing sides to complement its sweetness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream works wonders. For drinks, think sparkling rosé or a cold glass of lemonade to balance the creamy richness of the frosting and the strawberry’s natural tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get playful? Serve individual slices topped with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or scattered crushed pistachios for a textural surprise. Or cut mini versions as pretty cupcakes with the same luscious frosting crowned with a tiny fresh strawberry on top. This Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lends itself beautifully to all sorts of festive displays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cake fresh and moist, store it at room temperature in an airtight container, covered well to prevent drying out. It stays delicious for up to five days, making it perfect for gathering leftovers or making ahead for parties.

Freezing

If you want to make this cake in advance, you can freeze the cooled layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw them fully in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling. The frosting itself freezes best after applying to the cake to maintain its texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer, removing it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving brings back that perfect softness and lets the flavors glow.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before making the puree. Keep in mind that cooking them down to a reduction might take a bit longer, but the flavor will remain vibrant and delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries on hand?

Frozen strawberries are a fantastic substitute, especially when fresh ones are out of season. The key is to let the puree reduce properly to intensify the flavor and avoid too much moisture in the batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free baking, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for cakes. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of traditional flour.

How do I make sure my cake layers stay moist?

The strawberry puree adds natural moisture to your cake, but be careful not to overbake. Testing with a toothpick for just a few crumbs is the best way to ensure moist, tender layers instead of a dry cake.

Can I use a different frosting if I don’t like cream cheese?

While the cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake, you can substitute with a classic buttercream or whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter or less tangy option. Just be mindful it will change the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s more than just a dessert — it’s an experience filled with love, ripe berries, and a homemade touch that makes every slice feel like a celebration. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try, whether it’s for a birthday, a sunny afternoon, or just because you deserve something wonderful. Once you do, you’ll know exactly why it’s such a beloved classic in my kitchen!