Strawberry cake is one of those desserts that just makes people happy. It’s sweet, full of fresh berry flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. But let’s be real—some strawberry cakes turn out dry, others taste way too artificial, and some just don’t have that perfect soft, moist texture. If you’ve ever been disappointed by a strawberry cake recipe, don’t worry—I’ve got everything you need to make one that’s absolutely delicious.
This post is packed with tips, tricks, and plenty of strawberry cake recipes to try. Whether you’re looking for an easy homemade strawberry cake, the best-ever strawberry cake, or a strawberry sheet cake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, I’ll cover it all. You’ll find ideas for:
- Strawberry cakes made from scratch – Because fresh ingredients make all the difference.
- Strawberry cake with frosting – From classic buttercream to dreamy cream cheese icing.
- Moist strawberry cake recipes – Say goodbye to dry cake forever.
- Strawberry desserts that are beginner-friendly – No complicated steps, just simple, tasty cakes.
If you love fresh strawberries, you’re in for a treat. We’ll talk about the best ways to add real strawberry flavor to your cake, how to keep it soft and moist, and why homemade strawberry icing is worth the extra effort.
And of course, there are plenty of ways to make your cake look as good as it tastes. Whether you want a two-layer beauty, a simple sheet cake, or a cute 6-inch strawberry cake, you’ll find a recipe that works for you. If you love saving ideas, don’t forget to check Pinterest for even more inspiration. Let’s get started!
![strawberry cake recipe](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6-cake-1024x574.webp)
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Best Ever Strawberry Cake
Strawberry cake is one of those desserts that feels like a treat every time. When you get it right, it’s light, fluffy, and packed with real strawberry flavor. But the best-ever strawberry cake isn’t just about throwing some berries into the batter. It’s about balance. Too much liquid from the berries can make the cake heavy. Not enough, and you lose that signature strawberry taste.
Here’s what makes a great strawberry cake:
- Real strawberries – Fresh or freeze-dried berries give the best flavor. Strawberry extract or gelatin can help boost it, but nothing beats real fruit.
- The right moisture – Adding strawberry puree, sour cream, or even buttermilk can help keep the cake from drying out.
- Good structure – Cakes with too much moisture can turn dense. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose can make a big difference.
- The perfect frosting – Strawberry cake pairs well with a variety of frostings, from classic buttercream to light whipped cream.
A homemade strawberry cake made with real ingredients is worth the effort. If you’re looking for the best strawberry cake, focus on fresh flavors and the right balance of ingredients. The result? A cake that’s moist, soft, and bursting with that perfect strawberry sweetness.
![slice of cake](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3-slice-1024x574.webp)
Easy Homemade Strawberry Cake
If you’re new to baking, don’t worry. You don’t have to be a professional to make a great strawberry cake. Some of the best strawberry cake recipes are simple and beginner-friendly.
Here are a few ways to make a delicious homemade strawberry cake without too much fuss:
- Box mix upgrade – Start with a vanilla or white cake mix, then add strawberry puree, extra vanilla, and a little sour cream for added moisture.
- One-bowl method – Look for recipes that require minimal steps, like mixing wet and dry ingredients separately and then combining them.
- Use strawberry jam – Instead of fresh strawberries, strawberry jam can add concentrated flavor without extra moisture.
- Skip fancy layers – A single-layer or sheet cake is much easier than a tiered cake but just as delicious.
Making a strawberry cake from scratch can be simple. Stick to easy techniques, use good ingredients, and you’ll have a cake that tastes like it came from a bakery.
![pink frosting](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2-icing-1024x574.webp)
Favorite Frostings
No cake is complete without frosting. But when it comes to a strawberry cake, the frosting can make or break it. Some frostings are too heavy, while others are too sweet. The goal is to find one that complements the cake without overpowering it.
Here are some great frosting options for a strawberry cake recipe:
- Strawberry buttercream – A classic choice, made with butter, powdered sugar, and fresh strawberry puree.
- Cream cheese frosting – Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped cream frosting – Light and airy, perfect if you want something less sweet.
- White chocolate ganache – A rich and elegant option that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Strawberry cake with cream frosting is a dream combo. Whether you go with a thick buttercream or a fluffy whipped topping, the right frosting can take your cake to the next level.
Best Moist Strawberry Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever had a strawberry cake that tasted dry, you know how disappointing it can be. The best moist strawberry cake recipe comes down to using the right ingredients and techniques.
Here’s how to make sure your cake turns out soft and moist every time:
- Use real strawberries – Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries add the best flavor.
- Add moisture boosters – Sour cream, buttermilk, or yogurt help keep the cake soft.
- Avoid overmixing – Stir the batter until just combined to keep the cake light.
- Watch the bake time – Overbaking dries out the cake. Check it a few minutes early to be safe.
A strawberry cake moist enough to stay soft for days is possible with the right tricks. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a cake that stays fresh and flavorful.
![strawberry cake recipe](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/4-strawberry-cake-1024x574.webp)
Homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe
This strawberry cake recipe is packed with real strawberries, both in the batter and in the frosting. The cake itself is soft, moist, and full of fresh strawberry flavor, while the homemade strawberry icing is creamy and just sweet enough. No artificial flavors here—just fresh, juicy strawberries in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted)
- 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
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup strawberry puree (blend fresh strawberries until smooth)
For the Strawberry Icing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk, if needed)
- Pinch of salt
Strawberry Cake Recipe Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk and sour cream.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree and chopped fresh strawberries. The batter will be slightly pink, but you can add a drop of food coloring if you want a stronger color.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Icing:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth.
- If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream (one tablespoon at a time) until you reach the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, then beat the frosting on high for 2 minutes to make it fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry icing on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
- Garnish with extra fresh strawberries if desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
This strawberry cake recipe is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and has the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. It’s the best strawberry cake for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. And that homemade strawberry icing? You’ll want to eat it straight from the spoon!
![sheet cake](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1-sheet-cake-1024x574.webp)
Strawberry Sheet Cake
Sometimes, you just need a no-fuss dessert that still tastes amazing. That’s where a strawberry sheet cake comes in. No layers, no tricky assembly—just a simple, delicious cake that’s easy to make and even easier to serve. If you’re feeding a crowd or just want something quick, this is the way to go.
Why choose a sheet cake over a regular round cake?
- Less prep work – No need to level cake layers, stack them, or worry about them sliding around. Just bake it, frost it, and you’re done.
- Great for big groups – Whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or a backyard cookout, a sheet cake can be sliced into plenty of servings.
- Easier to frost – Frosting a flat cake is so much easier than trying to get the sides of a round cake smooth. Plus, you can spread on the icing straight from the bowl—no piping bags required.
- Simple storage – No cake stand needed. Just cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It stays fresh for days.
- Less mess – Sheet cakes are easy to cut, serve, and eat. No need for fancy cake knives or extra plates.
Want to make sure your strawberry sheet cake recipe turns out perfectly? Use real strawberry puree in the batter for fresh, natural flavor. A mix of sour cream and buttermilk will keep it soft and moist. And when it comes to frosting, go with homemade strawberry icing—it’s smooth, creamy, and ties everything together.
Strawberry desserts don’t have to be complicated. A sheet cake is proof that simple can still be delicious. If you need a crowd-pleaser, this is it!
![strawberry cake recipe](https://i0.wp.com/insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6-cake.webp?fit=250%2C140&ssl=1)
Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting
InsiderMama.comIngredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh strawberries finely chopped
- ½ cup strawberry puree blend fresh strawberries until smooth
For the Strawberry Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, if needed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the strawberry puree and finely chopped fresh strawberries until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour in the strawberry puree and vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
- If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Add a pinch of salt and beat the frosting on high for 2 minutes to make it fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining icing.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
![strawberry cake on a cake stand](https://insidermama.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5-strawberry-cake-1024x574.webp)
Final Thoughts
Strawberry cake is a dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making a strawberry cake from scratch, using a few shortcuts, or trying a strawberry sheet cake for a crowd, there’s a recipe for everyone. The key to a great cake? Real strawberries, the right moisture balance, and a frosting that brings it all together.
Here’s what we covered:
- The best moist strawberry cake recipe – Using fresh strawberries, sour cream, and the right mixing techniques makes all the difference.
- Different cake styles – Two-layer cakes for celebrations, easy homemade strawberry cakes for beginners, and sheet cakes for simple serving.
- Frosting options – Strawberry buttercream, cream cheese frosting, and even light whipped toppings.
- Storage tips – Keeping your cake fresh in the fridge and making it ahead for special occasions.
If you’ve ever had a strawberry cake turn out dry or lacking in flavor, now you know how to fix it. Using strawberry puree, fresh strawberry pieces, and the right mix of ingredients makes a cake that’s soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
No matter your skill level, there’s a strawberry cake recipe that’s easy enough to follow and delicious enough to impress. Whether you want a fancy cake or a simple one-pan bake, you’re covered.
For more inspiration, Pinterest is full of creative decorating ideas, baking hacks, and new ways to enjoy strawberry desserts. If you love baking, this is definitely one cake to add to your recipe collection. So grab some fresh strawberries, pick your favorite recipe, and get baking!