Delicious Strawberry Cake Recipe: Moist, Fluffy, and Easy to Make

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Strawberry Cake Recipe—light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, creating a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Unlike store-bought versions, this Strawberry Cake Recipe is made with real strawberries, no artificial flavors, and a creamy, naturally pink strawberry buttercream. It’s easy to make, even for beginners, and perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply treating yourself.

Follow this step-by-step guide to create a bakery-quality strawberry cake from scratch that will impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Recipe

1. Real Strawberry Flavor

Made with fresh, ripe strawberries, this cake has an authentic taste without artificial extracts.

2. Moist and Fluffy Texture

The perfect balance of wet and dry ingredients ensures a soft, tender crumb.

3. Creamy Strawberry Buttercream

Light, smooth, and naturally flavored, this frosting complements the cake perfectly.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Elegant enough for celebrations, yet simple enough for everyday indulgence.

5. Customizable & Beginner-Friendly

Easily adapt the recipe with yogurt for a lighter cake or add a jam layer for extra flavor.

Now that you know why this cake is special, let’s go over what you’ll need!

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake and the strawberry buttercream:

For the Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced

For the Strawberry Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (you can make this by blending fresh strawberries)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Baking Guide (Aligned with Images!)

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

(Image: Ingredients arranged in small bowls on a clean wooden or marble countertop.)
Before starting, measure and prepare all ingredients. Having everything ready will make your baking process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

(Image: A bowl with flour, baking powder, and salt being mixed together.)
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. This will help the cake rise perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

(Image: A stand mixer beating butter and sugar together until fluffy.)
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, fluffy cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

(Image: Cracked eggs being added one by one to the butter mixture.)
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle hint of warmth and depth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

(Image: Milk being poured into the cake batter while mixing.)
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Stir gently to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 6: Fold in Fresh Strawberries

(Image: Diced fresh strawberries being carefully folded into the batter with a spatula.)
Using a spatula, gently fold in the strawberries. These add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.

Step 7: Pour Batter into Cake Pan

(Image: Cake batter being spread evenly in a greased round pan.)
Grease a cake pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour in the batter and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

(Image: Cake baking in the oven, golden brown edges forming.)
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Completely

(Image: A cake cooling on a wire rack with steam rising.)
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. A cool cake ensures the frosting won’t melt!

Step 10: Make the Strawberry Buttercream

(Image: A mixing bowl with butter and powdered sugar being whipped to perfection.)
Beat the butter until creamy, then slowly add the powdered sugar. Mix in strawberry puree and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 11: Frost and Decorate

(Image: Frosting being spread smoothly over the cake with a spatula.)
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the strawberry buttercream generously over the top and sides. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.

Step 12: Slice and Enjoy!

Cut into thick slices and savor every bite! This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You Must Know about Strawberry Cake Recipe

Before you start, here are key tips to ensure your strawberry cake turns out light, moist, and delicious.

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen ones can add too much moisture.
• Measure ingredients correctly—spoon and level flour, and use room-temperature butter and eggs for better mixing.
• Mix carefully—cream butter and sugar well, but avoid overmixing the batter once flour is added to keep the cake soft.
• Bake at the right temperature—preheat to 350°F (175°C) and check doneness with a toothpick.
• Cool properly—let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack before frosting.

Now, let’s perfect the cooking process!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

• Prep the pans—grease and flour or use parchment paper for easy release.
• Cream butter & sugar well—beat until fluffy for a lighter cake.
• Bake evenly—divide batter equally, check at 25 minutes, and cover with foil if browning too fast.
• Frost like a pro—chill the cake before frosting for smoother application.
• Decorate beautifully—top with fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Next, let’s explore how to add your touch and store & reheat the cake properly.

Add Your Touch for Strawberry Cake Recipe

Personalizing your strawberry cake makes it even more special. Whether you prefer a twist on the classic recipe or want to adjust flavors to suit your taste, here are some ideas:

Flavor Variations

• Lemon Zest & Juice – A touch of lemon enhances the strawberry flavor.
• Almond Extract – A few drops add a nutty depth.
• Coconut Flakes – Mix into the batter or sprinkle on top for extra texture.

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Frosting Options

• Cream Cheese Frosting – A tangy contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
• Whipped Cream & Mascarpone – Light and airy for a less sweet finish.
• Chocolate Ganache – For a decadent variation.

Filling Ideas

• Strawberry Jam Layer – Adds moisture and intensifies flavor.
• Custard or Pastry Cream – A creamy surprise inside.
• Fresh Berry Mix – Blueberries and raspberries pair wonderfully.

Let’s move on to storing and reheating to keep your cake fresh and delicious!

Storing & Reheating for Strawberry Cake Recipe

Proper storage ensures your cake remains soft and flavorful.

Short-Term Storage

• At Room Temperature – Keep covered for up to 2 days.
• In the Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing Tips

• Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating for Best Texture

• Microwave – Heat slices for 10–15 seconds to soften.
• Oven – Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Strawberry Cake Recipe

Baking a perfect strawberry cake requires more than just following a recipe. Here are expert tips to ensure success every time.

Ingredient Tips

• Use fresh, ripe strawberries – The sweeter they are, the better your cake will taste. Macerate them in a little sugar if they’re slightly tart.
• Room temperature ingredients – Butter, eggs, and milk blend better when not cold, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix – Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense cake.

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Baking Tips

• Check for doneness early – Every oven varies, so start checking at 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
• Even cake layers – Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter equally between cake pans.
• Let it cool properly – Rushing to frost a warm cake leads to melting and sliding. Always cool completely.

Decoration & Serving

• For a pro look – Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting and pipe extra swirls for decoration.
• Pair with a drizzle – Melted white chocolate or a simple strawberry syrup can enhance the presentation.
• Best served fresh – While the cake can be stored, it tastes best within 24 hours of baking.

Now, let’s go over some frequently asked questions!

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.

2. What can I substitute for eggs?

Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg or 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water for a vegan option.

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3. Why is my cake dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing, expired baking powder, or cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Mix gently and check ingredient freshness.

4. Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and frost before serving for the best texture.

5. What’s the best way to transport a frosted cake?

Place it in a cake carrier and keep it cool to prevent the frosting from melting. If traveling long distances, freeze it slightly beforehand.

Conclusion

Strawberry cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors, soft textures, and pure indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because you love strawberries, this recipe delivers a cake that’s both stunning and delicious.

By following the step-by-step guide, using fresh ingredients, and applying the expert tips, you’ll create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Don’t forget to personalize it with your favorite fillings, frostings, or decorations to make it truly your own.

Now it’s time to grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the process of baking something wonderful. Whether you serve it with a cup of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply on its own, this strawberry cake is sure to impress.

Happy baking! And if you try this recipe, share your experience—we’d love to hear how it turned out! 🍓🎂😊