Discover the joy of baking with this delightful Strawberry Layer Cake that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and perfectly moist layers. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a show-stopping dessert that’s light, fluffy, and richly satisfying. Learn the secret to a moist, delicious Strawberry Layer Cake with easy steps and tips for baking the perfect dessert every time, making it the ideal centerpiece for any celebration or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

irresistibly moist layers: Achieve a perfectly soft cake that melts in your mouth with our simple ingredient blend and baking techniques.
fresh strawberry flavor: Made with real strawberries, this cake bursts with natural sweetness and a vibrant pink hue.
easy to customize: Whether you want a classic cream cheese frosting or a whipped topping, this recipe adapts beautifully.
beginner-friendly steps: Clear, concise instructions ensure baking success without any stress or confusion.
crowd-pleasing dessert: Its beautiful presentation and balanced sweetness make it a hit at family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Layer Cake plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these essentials allows the strawberries to shine through while providing the ideal crumb and moisture.

all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the cake layers.
granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
baking powder: The leavening agent that lifts the cake for lightness.
salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the batter.
unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to the cake’s tender texture.
eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure, while creating a fluffy result.
buttermilk: Reacts with baking powder to make the cake soft and moist with a slight tang.
pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warm, aromatic notes.
fresh strawberries: The star of the cake—pureed to infuse natural color and flavor into the batter.
powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, silky frosting or glaze.
cream cheese or whipped cream: Options for luscious frosting that pairs perfectly with strawberry’s brightness.

Variations for Strawberry Layer Cake

Feel free to personalize this Strawberry Layer Cake to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. The recipe’s flexibility allows for easy swaps and tasty twists that bring new life to this classic dessert.

vegan version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and cream alternatives for a dairy-free cake.
gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend without xanthan gum for a tender and safe cake.
chocolate strawberry cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate twist that complements the berry flavor.
strawberry mousse filling: Replace traditional frosting with a light, airy mousse made from fresh strawberries.
flavored frosting: Incorporate lemon zest or almond extract into the frosting for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking. Puree the fresh strawberries until smooth, then set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove lumps and evenly distributes the leavening agents, ensuring your cake rises uniformly and has a fine crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is key for providing structure and an airy texture in your strawberry layer cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract for warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the pureed strawberries gently to keep the batter light and even in color.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble

Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream over one cake layer. Place the second cake on top and cover with more frosting, decorating with fresh strawberries if desired for that gorgeous finish.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Layer Cake

room temperature ingredients: Using butter, eggs, and buttermilk at room temperature ensures smoother batter and better rise.
don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cake tender and prevents a dense texture.
measure flour carefully: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dry, heavy cake.
check doneness early: Start checking your cake 5 minutes before the minimum bake time to prevent overbaking.
cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake causes melting and a messy finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Layer Cake

Garnishes

Top the cake with fresh strawberry slices, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or a fresh fruit salad to complement the cake’s flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual cake slices in clear glass cups layered with extra whipped cream and strawberries for an elegant parfait-style dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Layer Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

If your cake is refrigerated or frozen, bring it to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the cake or melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Layer Cake?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid overly wet batter.

What frosting pairs best with Strawberry Layer Cake?

Cream cheese frosting is a classic complement, but whipped cream or vanilla buttercream also work beautifully depending on your taste preference.

How long does the Strawberry Layer Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives and choose a dairy-free frosting to suit your dietary needs.

Can I prepare the Strawberry Layer Cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in the fridge. Frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Layer Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and simple baking made extraordinary. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every moist, flavorful bite with your loved ones.

Strawberry Layer Cake

Print Recipe

A moist and fluffy Strawberry Layer Cake bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, made from real strawberries and simple ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, this beginner-friendly recipe guides you step-by-step to create a light, tender cake with customizable frosting options such as cream cheese or whipped cream. Ideal as a show-stopping dessert or a delightful sweet treat.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free or Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Strawberries

1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed

Frosting Options

2 cups cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting) or 2 cups whipped cream (for whipped topping)
1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting or glaze)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. Puree fresh strawberries until smooth and set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy to build an airy texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in pure vanilla extract for added aroma and flavor.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold in pureed strawberries to maintain a light batter and even pink color.
Bake Your Cake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Frost and Assemble: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream over one cake layer. Place second layer on top and cover with more frosting. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) for a smoother batter and better rise.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and avoid dense texture.
Measure flour carefully by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off to prevent a dry, heavy cake.
Check cake doneness starting 5 minutes before minimum baking time to avoid overbaking.
Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and a messy finish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 25 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: strawberry cake, layer cake, fresh strawberries, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, moist cake, berry dessert, celebration cake, easy baking