The Best Strawberry Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting
Are you ready to indulge in a slice of heaven? This strawberry cake recipe with cream cheese frosting is the kind of dessert that makes every occasion a little sweeter. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and complemented by the rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is not only simple to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or just craving something delightful, this easy strawberry cake recipe is perfect for any occasion.
A Slice of Tradition
Strawberry cake has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. This nostalgic dessert is particularly popular during the summer months when strawberries are in peak season. It brings back memories of backyard picnics and family gatherings. The vibrant pink hue from the strawberries instantly brightens any table, making it a fabulous centerpiece for gatherings. Plus, everyone loves the combination of fluffy cake paired with the creamy, tangy frosting—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
To whip up this best strawberry cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed fresh strawberries (about 1.5 cups whole strawberries)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on this delightful strawberry cake recipe!
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure that your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk them together until well combined.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the dry mixture, alternating with the milk and eggs. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the vanilla extract and mashed strawberries.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top of the frosting and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with additional sliced strawberries if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, make sure to use ripe, fresh strawberries. You can also use frozen strawberries if you’re out of season; just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.
- Add a Twist: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to your batter or frosting for a refreshing zing.
- Make it a Layer Cake: This recipe works beautifully for a layered cake. Simply add an extra layer of frosting between layers for additional sweetness!
Time to Bake!
Now that you know how to make this scrumptious strawberry cake recipe with cream cheese frosting, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress.
Try it and let us know how it turned out! Your taste buds will thank you! 🍓✨