There’s just something magical about a homemade strawberry cake. The rich, fruity aroma fills your kitchen, the soft, moist texture melts in your mouth, and that luscious frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of cake that makes you want to grab a fork before it even cools down! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this strawberry cake is a must-try. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with every bite!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cake with Frosting
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or simply because you deserve a treat, this cake fits every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile You can enjoy this cake plain, with frosting, or even with a scoop of ice cream on the side. It’s perfect for any event, from casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this cake won’t break the bank. Plus, you can use fresh or frozen strawberries, making it great for any season.
Quick and Easy No need for fancy techniques or special equipment. This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together effortlessly.
Customizable Want to add chocolate chips or a hint of citrus zest? Go for it! This recipe is easy to tweak based on your preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Strawberry Cake with Frosting
Here’s the magic of this cake—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is absolutely dreamy. Let’s break it down:
Strawberries The star of the show! Fresh or frozen strawberries bring in that natural, fruity sweetness. Pureeing them enhances the flavor even more.
Flour The base of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure it correctly for the best results.
Sugar Sweetens the cake just enough to complement the tartness of the strawberries without overpowering them.
Butter Adds richness and moisture, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
Eggs Help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its perfect structure.
Baking Powder The leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Milk Enhances the texture, keeping the cake moist and delicious.
Vanilla Extract A small touch that makes a big difference, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
Salt Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Frosting A creamy, dreamy finish that takes this cake to the next level. Whether you prefer classic buttercream or a light whipped frosting, it ties everything together beautifully.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to the right temperature. This ensures even baking and helps the cake rise perfectly.
Prepare the Strawberries
If using fresh strawberries, hull and puree them until smooth. If using frozen ones, thaw and blend them before using.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in the batter.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender, airy cake.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, mix in the eggs, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch.
Combine Everything
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir in the strawberry puree, mixing until just combined.
Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Frost and Serve
Spread your favorite frosting over the cooled cake, garnish with fresh strawberries if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8-10 slices
Calories per serving Approximately 300
Preparation Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Frosting
This cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. A drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. Fresh berries on top for a burst of freshness. A cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
Additional Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture. Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. For extra strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract. If using frozen strawberries, make sure to drain excess liquid before blending. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Yes! Just thaw and drain them before pureeing to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best frosting for this cake? A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
How do I store leftovers? Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make cupcakes instead? Yes! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
Can I add chocolate chips? Definitely! Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
What can I use instead of milk? You can substitute it with almond milk, coconut milk, or buttermilk.
Why did my cake turn out dense? Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Be sure to measure accurately and mix gently.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Frost before serving for the freshest taste.
Can I use a different fruit? Sure! While strawberries are the highlight, raspberries or blueberries would also work well.
Conclusion
There you have it—a strawberry cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat! Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. With its fresh strawberry flavor, moist texture, and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, grab those strawberries, and let’s get baking!
Print
Strawberry Cake with Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist Strawberry Cake with Frosting is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. A perfect dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, pureed strawberries, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, pureed strawberries, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake. Place the second cake on top and frost the entire cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or sprinkles, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use store-bought strawberry puree or fresh strawberries.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few extra tablespoons of strawberry puree to the frosting.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg