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The Ultimate Fresh Strawberry Layer Cake From Scratch with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist slice of 3-layer strawberry cake with whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberries on top.
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Bake the best strawberry cake ever! This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful layer cake bursting with fresh strawberries and topped with rich cream cheese frosting. It is the ultimate homemade dessert for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced fresh strawberries, tossed in 1 tablespoon flour (to prevent sinking)
  • 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree until combined.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries that were tossed in flour.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  11. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until incorporated.
  12. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed for a smoother consistency.
  13. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  15. Garnish the top with fresh strawberries before serving.

Notes

  • For the best fresh strawberry flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries in your puree and diced pieces.
  • Ensure all your cold ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, butter) are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • If you want a pink strawberry cake, you can add 1-2 drops of red or pink food coloring to the batter and frosting.
  • This cake is perfect for summer strawberry desserts or any celebration cake recipes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/strawberry-cake-recipe-ultimate-fresh-layer-cake/