Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe

Strawberries and Cream Cake is a dreamy dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. Moist, vanilla-kissed layers are lovingly enveloped with a luxuriously tangy cream cheese frosting and crowned with a fresh strawberry topping that’s equal parts pretty and irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for a special occasion or you just want to make an ordinary week truly sweet, this gorgeous cake promises flavor and fun from the very first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Strawberries and Cream Cake keeps things delightfully simple, yet every ingredient works a little magic in the finished dessert. Here’s why each one matters—nothing fussy, just the essentials for taste, texture, and color that will really wow!

• Fresh Strawberries: Deliver juicy, vibrant flavor and a pop of color on top of the cake, making every slice extra special.
• Cream Cheese: Brings rich tanginess to the frosting that balances all the sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes luxurious moisture to both the cake layers and the frosting for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy-yet-soft structure every layer cake needs.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake just right, letting the strawberries shine.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise into beautifully fluffy layers.
• Salt: Balances everything and sharpens the flavors.
• Eggs: Add richness, moisture, and help the cake rise evenly.
• Whole Milk: Ensures a soft, tender crumb and brings moisture to the batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake and frosting with warm, aromatic notes.
• Almond Extract (optional): Offers a subtle, nutty background flavor that makes the cake taste extra special.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and makes it fluffy and spreadable.
• Heavy Cream: Thins the frosting just enough for a silky-smooth finish.
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): Lend a fragrant color contrast and hint of freshness for garnishing.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. Prepping your pans now ensures the cake layers will release cleanly when it’s time to cool, and you’ll be ready to move seamlessly from mixing to baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step isn’t just about combining—they’ll distribute evenly in the batter and help the cake bake up light, fluffy, and evenly risen.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale, light, and fluffy. This process incorporates air for a cake that’s tender and full. Take your time creaming—it’s worth every extra minute!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. This builds flavor and emulsifies the batter for a cake that holds together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Starting and ending with the dry mixture, alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter-sugar-egg mixture. Mix gently, just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell like vanilla and sunshine!

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from steaming in the pan and keeps the crumb just right.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cakes cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and just enough heavy cream for a spreadable, fluffy frosting. This is the literal icing on the cake!

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the next cake layer and frost the top and sides. Don’t worry about perfection—the homemade look is absolutely charming here.

Step 10: Add Strawberries and Garnish

Generously pile sliced fresh strawberries over the top of the cake. Add a few mint leaves if you’d like a pop of fresh green. The sweet strawberry juices will mingle deliciously with the creamy frosting—truly the heart of Strawberries and Cream Cake!

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cake

Garnishes

A few well-chosen garnishes can make your Strawberries and Cream Cake truly spectacular on the table. Try a final dusting of powdered sugar for an ethereal finish, a handful of whole or halved strawberries for dramatic flair, or a few mint sprigs for fresh color and fragrance. Each element adds visual appeal and a little extra flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides light and fresh, as the cake itself is quite the centerpiece. A big bowl of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs beautifully with the tart berries and rich frosting. A pitcher of lemonade or chilled iced tea rounds out the occasion if you’re serving this cake at a summer gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, consider making individual mini cakes using a muffin tin, or even layering the cake and cream in clear glasses for a “deconstructed” Strawberries and Cream Cake parfait. You can also slice your cake into thin layers and turn it into a towering trifle with alternating layers of cake, cream cheese frosting, and strawberries—it’s a real showstopper for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover slices tightly or keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Strawberries and Cream Cake stays moist and flavorful for up to three days, though the berries may soften a little as time passes. For the freshest taste, add fresh strawberries just before serving.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before frosting. While cream cheese frosting and strawberries don’t freeze as well, you can whip up a fresh batch for assembly after thawing.

Reheating

Strawberries and Cream Cake doesn’t require reheating—it’s absolutely delicious served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take slices out of the fridge and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to lose their chill before enjoying, which lets the flavors and textures shine.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberries and Cream Cake?

Fresh strawberries are best for this cake’s topping, as they hold their shape and make for a beautiful presentation. If you only have frozen, thaw them thoroughly and blot excess moisture, but keep in mind they may be softer and a bit more runny.

What’s the secret to a super-moist cake?

Softened butter, real whole milk, and not overmixing your batter all help ensure your Strawberries and Cream Cake turns out wonderfully moist. Also, be sure not to overbake—the cake is done when a toothpick comes out with just a crumb or two.

Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract is optional, but it adds a subtle nutty note that complements the strawberries. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it and still enjoy a classic Strawberries and Cream Cake flavor profile.

How far ahead can I make Strawberries and Cream Cake?

You can bake the cake layers a day or even two ahead, then assemble and frost the cake closer to serving. Just store the unfrosted cake layers wrapped well at room temperature, and refrigerate any leftover frosted cake.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. Top each cupcake with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a slice of strawberry for the cutest mini Strawberries and Cream Cake treats.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a little celebration—no matter the day—Strawberries and Cream Cake is the perfect homemade treat to brighten your table and your spirits. There’s something truly magical about the combination of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and heaps of juicy strawberries. Gather your ingredients and share this joyful bake with friends and family—you might just start a new sweet tradition!

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