Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Name: Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting | Sweet & Simple
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces strawberries, reduced to thick puree; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup milk; Pink food coloring (optional); 1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries; 16 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone cheese; 2¼ cups cold heavy whipping cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup powdered sugar

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There’s something magical about slicing into a soft pink cake that smells like summer. This strawberry cake with strawberry frosting tastes like sunshine after rain sweet, fresh, and creamy in every bite. Whether it’s for a birthday, a spring brunch, or just because, this cake always brings smiles (and second helpings).

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake

Real Strawberry Flavor in Every Bite

Every layer is bursting with real strawberry puree. You’ll simmer down fresh berries until thick and glossy, then fold them into the batter for a flavor that tastes like you picked them yourself. No artificial syrups just pure fruit goodness.

Soft, Moist, Tender Cake Texture

The mix of sour cream, oil, and butter keeps the crumb light yet rich. As a result, each slice stays tender for days. Even after chilling, the texture feels like a bakery cake made fresh that morning.

Fluffy, Naturally Pink Strawberry Frosting

This frosting looks and tastes dreamy light, airy, and slightly tangy. The secret is whipping cold cream and cream cheese with strawberry powder for a vibrant blush color and fresh berry taste without heaviness.

Beginner-Friendly, Reliable Baking Method

You don’t need fancy tools here. Just bowls, a whisk, and a little patience. The method is straightforward, and even new bakers can expect bakery-level results on the first try.

Slice of strawberry cake with strawberry frosting on plate with fork — Soft, fluffy strawberry cake slice with creamy frosting and fresh berry flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Cake Ingredients

16 ounces strawberries, reduced to a thick puree
½ cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup milk
Pink food coloring (optional)

Strawberry Frosting Ingredients

1 ounce freeze-dried strawberries
16 ounces cold full-fat cream cheese or mascarpone cheese
2¼ cups cold heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup powdered sugar

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

Try adding lemon zest for a bright twist. You can replace half the strawberries with raspberries for a tart flavor. Greek yogurt works well instead of sour cream if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Reduction

Puree the strawberries in a blender, then simmer them gently until thickened and reduced to about ¾ cup. Cool completely before using. This step deepens the berry flavor and prevents excess moisture in your cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Whisk oil, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix in sugar until smooth. Stir in your cooled strawberry reduction and, if you like, a touch of pink food coloring for extra color.

Step 3: Divide, Bake, and Cool the Layers

In another bowl, mix flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Alternate adding this dry mix and milk to your wet ingredients. Pour the batter into three greased 8-inch pans. Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely before trimming or frosting.

How to Make the Strawberry Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder

Grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. It’s what gives the frosting its bright pink hue and natural berry kick.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese and Cream

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly pour in cold heavy cream while beating on medium speed until you reach soft peaks.

Step 3: Incorporate Strawberry Flavor and Whip to Stiff Peaks

Add the strawberry powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip until stiff peaks form and the frosting looks light and airy. Keep it chilled until ready to use.

How to Assemble the Cake Like a Pro

Level and Prep Each Cake Layer

Trim the tops to create flat surfaces. This helps your layers stack evenly and prevents leaning.

Add Filling and Stack Evenly

Spread a generous scoop of frosting between each layer. Press gently so everything holds together.

Apply a Crumb Coat and Final Frosting

Spread a thin layer to lock in crumbs, chill briefly, then cover with your final smooth coat.

Garnish with Fresh Strawberries (Optional)

Top with sliced or whole strawberries for a natural finish. The pop of red against the pale pink frosting looks beautiful.

Whole strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and fresh strawberries — A smooth, creamy strawberry cake topped with fresh berries and fluffy pink frosting.

Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Cake

Preventing Overmixing

Mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing toughens the crumb and reduces that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

Enhancing Color Without Overdoing It

If you want a deeper pink, use a drop of gel food coloring, not liquid. A little goes a long way.

Working With Completely Cooled Layers

Warm cake layers melt frosting. Always let them cool fully before decorating.

Preparing Frosting at the Right Time

Make frosting right before using so it stays fluffy and stable while spreading.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Notes

How to Store Leftover Cake

Refrigerate the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing Individual Slices

Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Making the Strawberry Reduction in Advance

You can prepare the reduction up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Occasions

This cake shines at birthdays, baby showers, or any spring celebration. Its soft pink color feels romantic and cheerful.

Flavor Pairings and Presentation Ideas

Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A tall glass of cold milk or sparkling lemonade makes a perfect pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use frosting for strawberry shortcake?

Yes! This strawberry frosting adds a light, creamy texture to shortcakes too. Just chill it slightly before spreading.

Can I put strawberries in cake batter?

You can, but chop them finely and coat with flour to prevent sinking. The puree already gives plenty of flavor and color.

How to make strawberry flavoured icing for cake?

Blend freeze-dried strawberries into powder and mix into whipped cream cheese frosting. It gives natural flavor and color.

How to make a strawberry frost?

A strawberry frost is just chilled frosting made with real strawberries or strawberry powder, whipped until fluffy.

More Such Recipes

Three-layer strawberry cake with strawberry frosting and sliced view — A soft, three-layer strawberry cake with creamy pink frosting and fresh strawberries on top.

Conclusion

This strawberry cake with strawberry frosting is everything you want in a homemade dessert fresh, soft, and full of love. With each bite, you taste the season’s sweetness in real strawberry form. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to celebration cake. For more baking inspiration and kitchen joy, visit me on Pinterest or join our baking stories on Facebook.

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