META: Try this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for an easy and delicious treat that’s perfect for everyday occasions.
Ever stared at your fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike? This Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the answer to your weeknight dessert prayers! With its light texture and delightful strawberry flavor, it’s comforting yet easy to whip up after a long day. Plus, it’s a hit with everyone, making it perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Why This Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Actually Works
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh strawberry puree adds vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
- Simple ingredients make it a breeze to bake.
- Perfectly balanced, creamy cream cheese frosting complements the cake.
- Quick prep time makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a beautiful color. Be sure to choose ripe, juicy ones for the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for the frosting; it adds richness. Use full-fat for a creamier texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your cake. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
Full Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Pro Tip: The scent of butter and flour means a perfect base for your cake.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Pro Tip: Look for a pale yellow color; this means air is incorporated for a lighter cake.
Step 3: Add the eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pro Tip: Ensure each egg is fully combined for smooth batter.
Step 4: Incorporate strawberry puree
Stir in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Pro Tip: Taste the batter; it should have a sweet, fruity flavor already!
Step 5: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pro Tip: Make sure there are no lumps for a uniform texture.
Step 6: Combine mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined. Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 7: Divide batter
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Pro Tip: Tap the pans lightly to remove any air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pro Tip: The cakes should spring back when lightly touched.
Step 9: Cool the cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Pro Tip: You don’t want to frost warm cake; let it cool completely to avoid melting the frosting.
Step 10: Make the frosting
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Pro Tip: The frosting should be creamy and easy to spread.
Step 11: Add powdered sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy. Pro Tip: Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary!
Step 12: Frost the cake
Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake. Pro Tip: Use a spatula to create swirls for a homemade look.
Step 13: Garnish
Garnish with fresh strawberries on top. Serve and enjoy! Pro Tip: The fresh strawberries make for a stunning presentation.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Check your oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent results.
- A light touch is key when folding in ingredients to keep the cake fluffy.
- This cake is best served the same day, but can be made ahead and stored.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat on busy weeknights!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unfrosted layers wrapped tightly. Just thaw before frosting and serving.
Easy Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a rich twist on the original recipe.
- Easy Strawberry Shortcake: Make individual layered servings using biscuit bases instead of cake. This easy variation is perfect for gatherings.
- Strawberry Cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: For a lighter frosting option, substitute whipped cream for half of the cream cheese. This provides a fluffy texture and is perfect for summer parties. Check out this recipe for a fun dessert option!
Common Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them before pureeing.
How do I make my cake layers even?
You can weigh your batter for equal layers or measure it accurately with a measuring cup.
What is the best way to frost the cake?
Use a spatula for smoothing and spreading. You can also pipe it on for decorative touches!
How long does this cake last?
This cake lasts about four days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
Ready to Make Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Now that you have this easy, delicious recipe for Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s time to get baking! If you try it, leave a rating below — and save this to Pinterest so you can find it again easily.
Conclusion
When you’re looking for a fun, delicious dessert, try out this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for your next gathering! You can also explore other recipes such as this homemade strawberry cake recipe, which features a delightful cream cheese frosting, and a whipped version that is light and fluffy. If you prefer a layered cake, consider making this strawberry layer cake that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t forget that you can also find an excellent strawberry cake recipe here for a perfect balance of flavors. Lastly, check out this fresh strawberry cake for a refreshing twist that embodies summer. Happy baking!
Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Substitutable with gluten-free blend.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cups milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for creaminess.
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries for garnish For a stunning presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
- 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.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries on top. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Substitutable with gluten-free blend.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cups milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for creaminess.
- 0.25 cups unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries for garnish. For a stunning presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the fresh strawberry puree and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
- 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.
Frosting
- For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until creamy.
Assembly
- Once the cakes are cool, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries on top. Serve and enjoy!
