Save This viral strawberry cake brings together fluffy vanilla layers speckled with juicy strawberries and a smooth strawberry cream cheese frosting for a dessert that tastes of spring and pure nostalgia. I often make it when berries are blazing in season or as a show stopping treat for birthday parties it never lasts long. Every bite is a burst of fresh fruit crowned with tangy sweetness and a hint of vanilla.
The first time I baked this was for a friend’s potluck and people kept asking for the recipe all night. Now it is my go to whenever I want guaranteed smiles.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: ensures a soft tender crumb look for unbleached flour for a delicate texture
- Baking powder and baking soda: together give the cake its signature rise and fluffiness always check expiration for best leavening
- Salt: brightens all flavors use fine sea salt for even mixing
- Unsalted butter: adds rich flavor and soft texture bring it to room temperature so it creams easily
- Granulated sugar: provides sweetness and helps the cake brown choose fine white sugar to prevent grittiness
- Eggs: bind the cake and add moisture opt for room temperature for better blending
- Vegetable oil: keeps the cake extra moist use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the strawberry and cream notes pure vanilla is best for depth
- Buttermilk: tenderizes and elevates the cake’s tangy undertones shake carton before measuring
- Fresh strawberries: the star ingredient bright sweet berries give pockets of natural jamminess pick fragrant deeply colored fruit for the most flavor
- Cream cheese: forms the creamy tangy base of the frosting full fat for ultimate luxury
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting sift to prevent lumps
- Strawberry puree: infuses natural color and flavor blitz ripe berries for maximum impact
- A pinch of salt: balances the sweetness just a touch is enough
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan and line with parchment so the cake unmolds perfectly
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda and salt until everything is evenly distributed. This mix ensures every bite is balanced
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In your largest mixing bowl beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about two to three minutes until pale yellow and fluffy. This step traps air for a light cake
- Incorporate Eggs Oil and Vanilla:
- Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition so the batter does not split. Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla and mix until smooth and glossy
- Add Dry Mix and Buttermilk:
- Begin by adding half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Pour in all the buttermilk and beat until just combined. Add the rest of the dry mix gently mixing only until streaks disappear for best tenderness
- Fold in Strawberries:
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the diced strawberries distributing them throughout so every slice has bursts of fruit. Do not overmix to prevent a dense crumb
- Pan and Bake:
- Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan smoothing the top. Bake for thirty two to thirty six minutes until a toothpick slides out clean and the top springs back
- Cool Completely:
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack. This keeps the delicate crumb moist until frosting
- Make the Frosting:
- In a clean bowl beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and unified. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar then beat in pureed strawberries vanilla and a pinch of salt until fluffy and pink
- Frost and Serve:
- Spread the strawberry frosting over the cool cake in swoops and swirls. Slice and enjoy your beautiful homemade dessert
Save Strawberries are my favorite part because their scent fills the kitchen as the cake bakes. My kids are always ready to help mash the berries and sneak little spoonfuls before I have even started on the frosting.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator so the cream cheese frosting stays fresh and safe. I find flavor improves by the next day and the texture stays terrifically moist even after chilling. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
No buttermilk on hand Mix whole milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes. If strawberries are not in season you can use thawed frozen berries just drain very well and pat dry. For a slightly healthier spin you can substitute half the flour for white whole wheat though the cake will be a touch denser.
Serving Suggestions
This cake shines on its own but I love adding extra fresh strawberry slices on top for decoration. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect for summer parties or try a sprinkle of lemon zest to accent the real berry flavor. For birthdays add rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosting for a touch of fun.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Strawberry cakes like this one are a classic fixture at picnics and southern cookouts symbolizing the first flush of berry season. I think of it as the edible celebration of spring and summer. You can swap in raspberries or blueberries as they come into season for endless variations.
Seasonal Adaptations
For winter months roast strawberries before adding for deeper flavor Swap in citrus zest or extract for a brighter twist Add a spoonful of jam to the batter for an extra juicy cake
Success Stories
I have brought this strawberry cake to countless celebrations from family reunions to backyard barbecues. It always disappears quickly and I have met new friends by slipping recipe cards to anyone who asks. There is nothing like seeing pink frosted crumbs left behind on party plates as proof of a hit.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can bake the cake base ahead and freeze without frosting for up to a month. Wrap tightly in two layers of plastic and let thaw overnight in the fridge. Whip up frosting fresh right before serving for best texture and flavor.
Save This strawberry cake is celebration ready and so easy to customize for any occasion. Savor every bite and share the sweetness with your favorite people.