Irresistibly Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe

There’s something special about a strawberry cake that just makes people smile. It’s the perfect treat for almost any occasion, and who doesn’t love that sweet, fruity flavor? If you’ve never made a strawberry cake from scratch, this is the perfect place to start. It’s easier than you think, and the results are worth every bite.

This site includes affiliate links; you can check the disclosure for more details.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the ingredients. This list is simple, and you probably have most of these at home already. If not, a quick trip to the store will cover it.

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups puréed fresh strawberries

Using fresh strawberries is the key to getting that natural, vibrant flavor in your cake. No need for artificial flavorings or colors here. You can use frozen strawberries if they’re out of season, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this cake is simple, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious strawberry cake in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the milk and flour mixture: Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the strawberry purée: Gently fold the puréed strawberries into the batter. You want to keep the batter light and fluffy, so don’t overmix.
7. Divide the batter between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

And there you have it, a light, fluffy strawberry cake that’s bursting with flavor. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Let’s talk about frosting.

Frosting Ideas for Strawberry Cake

A good strawberry cake deserves a fantastic frosting. Here are a few simple ideas to take your cake to the next level.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is a classic for a reason. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. To make it, all you need is:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Simply beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract. You can add a bit of strawberry puree for color and extra flavor, too.

Whipped Cream Frosting

For something lighter, whipped cream frosting is a great choice. It’s especially good if you’re serving the cake on a warm day. Here’s what you need:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whip the cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add the sugar and vanilla. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Spread it on your cake for a fluffy, light-as-air finish.

Strawberry Buttercream

For strawberry lovers, you can’t go wrong with strawberry buttercream. It’s easy to make and adds a bold, fruity flavor. You’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup strawberry purée
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Beat the butter until creamy, then slowly add the powdered sugar. Stir in the strawberry purée and vanilla, and continue mixing until smooth.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Cake

Strawberry cake is a versatile dessert. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a summer barbecue, or just because you’re craving something sweet, it works for almost any occasion. Here are a few fun ways to serve it:

• Top with fresh strawberries: Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the frosting for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
• Serve with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream is the perfect pairing for this cake.
• Drizzle with chocolate: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Strawberries and chocolate are a match made in heaven.
• Layer with whipped cream: If you’re feeling fancy, cut the cake into layers and alternate with whipped cream and sliced strawberries in between. It’ll look impressive and taste even better.

Where to Serve

When it comes to when to make strawberry cake, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas:

• Birthdays: Strawberry cake is a fun twist on the classic birthday cake. It’s colorful, festive, and a hit with both kids and adults.
• Spring gatherings: Fresh strawberries come into season in the spring, making this cake a perfect dessert for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any springtime party.
• Summer barbecues: What could be more refreshing after a day in the sun than a light, fruity dessert? This cake is a crowd-pleaser for summer events.

And of course, it’s also great for just because moments. Sometimes you don’t need a special occasion to bake a cake.

Gifting Strawberry Cake

Strawberry cake makes a thoughtful and unique gift. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a potluck or celebrating a friend’s special day, here are a few ways to make your cake a memorable gift:

• Use a pretty cake box: Presentation is everything. Invest in a nice cake box, or use a cake stand with a lid if you’re delivering it locally.
• Wrap slices individually: If you’re gifting the cake to multiple people, consider cutting it into slices and wrapping each one in parchment paper. Tie them with ribbon for a sweet touch.
• Pair with a handwritten note: Include a note with a simple message. Something like “Made with love” or “Enjoy this sweet treat” adds a personal touch.

No matter how you present it, homemade cake is always appreciated. It’s a delicious way to show someone you care.

Storing Leftover Strawberry Cake

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), it’s important to store your strawberry cake properly to keep it fresh. Here’s how to do it:

• Room temperature: If you’re planning to eat the cake within 1–2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Keep it covered in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Just make sure to cover it well. The frosting will firm up, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze strawberry cake! Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry cake is one of those desserts that’s easy to love. It’s light, flavorful, and full of fresh strawberry goodness. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just a weekday treat, this recipe is sure to please. And with simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can bake this cake at home.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, try making a strawberry cake. It’s sure to brighten up your day, and maybe someone else’s, too!