Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s equal parts showstopper and comfort food, this Strawberries and Cream Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, buttery cake layers, each bite infused with subtle vanilla and almond, generously slathered with tangy cream cheese frosting, and crowned with a cascade of juicy, ruby-red strawberries. This cake bursts with freshness and nostalgia, making it just as perfect for a birthday celebration as for a cozy Sunday afternoon treat. With a handful of classic ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that looks like it came straight out of a bakery window—and tastes even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Strawberries and Cream Cake is how it comes together from such accessible, everyday ingredients. Each item plays its own delicious part, from ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth crumb to creating that luscious whipped frosting and vibrantly sweet topping.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cake while keeping it tender and light.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cake and brings out the natural flavors of the strawberries.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cake its lovely lift and fluffiness.
• Salt: Balances all the sweet elements and deepens flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds irresistible richness and keeps both the cake and the frosting ultra-creamy.
• Large Eggs: Bind the batter for a perfect, moist crumb every time.
• Whole Milk: Ensures the cake is soft and moist—don’t skip the full-fat version for this one!
• Vanilla Extract: Offers a warm, bakery-style flavor that shines in both cake and frosting.
• Almond Extract (optional): Gives a subtle, nutty fragrance that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy backbone of that decadent frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting to fluffy perfection.
• Heavy Cream: Lightens the frosting, making it spreadable and luxurious.
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show—bring sweetness, color, and unmistakable freshness to every layer.
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): Give a pop of color and a breath of freshness to your final presentation.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a little time to grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mixture is the foundation for a fluffy, well-risen cake.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light, pale, and fluffy—this step cannot be rushed! Creaming well will create those tender cake layers that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. These extracts bring out all the buttery, sweet flavors and enhance the strawberries in the finished cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Bake

Gently add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Always begin and end with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined—over-mixing means a tougher cake! Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes, then flip them out onto racks and let cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

It’s frosting time! Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Add the powdered sugar gradually and keep beating—you want a thick but fluffy consistency. Mix in vanilla extract, and if your frosting feels a bit stiff, blend in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream till you get that dreamy, spreadable texture.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake and Add Strawberries

Place one completely cooled cake layer on your platter and swoop a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Lay half the strawberries in a pretty layer, then add the second cake round. Frost the top and sides, making a billowy, cloud-like coating. Finish with the rest of the sliced strawberries arranged on top—go for a pattern, or scatter them for a casual, rustic vibe.

Step 7: Garnish and Chill

Need a little extra wow factor? Tuck some fresh mint around the top or sides. Then, pop your Strawberries and Cream Cake into the fridge for at least half an hour, allowing the flavors to cozy up together and making for perfectly neat slices.

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cake

Garnishes

The visual magic of Strawberries and Cream Cake truly happens with the finishing touches. A scatter of glistening strawberries across the top creates a burst of color, and a few sprigs of fresh mint not only look gorgeous but add a surprising freshness. For an extra sparkle, a gentle dusting of powdered sugar just before serving feels instantly special.

Side Dishes

This cake already shines on its own, but if you want to round out your dessert table, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream pairs perfectly with each slice. A fresh berry salad or a few tart raspberries on the side also balance the cake’s sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic garden-party vibe, serve big slices alongside small glasses of sparkling lemonade or iced tea. Going elegant? Assemble mini Strawberries and Cream Cake parfaits in glass jars using cubes of cake, dabs of frosting, and layers of berries. They make adorable, individual desserts for a crowd and look delightful on any buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have extra Strawberries and Cream Cake, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavors may actually deepen and meld together during this time. Make sure the strawberries remain on top, as storing them within layers can cause the cake to become soggy.

Freezing

While this cake tastes best fresh, you can freeze the naked cake layers (un-frosted and strawberry-free) tightly wrapped for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing them to room temperature and assembling. Cream cheese frosting and fresh berries don’t freeze well, so add those just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For this cake, reheating isn’t usually needed—it’s at its best served cold or at room temperature. If you like a slightly warmer cake layer (say, for a winter treat), microwave a slice on a low setting for just 10-15 seconds, but be mindful this may soften the frosting and strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for both taste and appearance, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen berries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well so they don’t add too much moisture to the cake or bleed into the frosting.

Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes. Top each cupcake with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a strawberry slice for perfect mini Strawberries and Cream Cakes.

Can I make Strawberries and Cream Cake ahead of time?

Yes, and in fact, it often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled! Assemble and frost the cake, then refrigerate in a cake carrier overnight. Add the strawberries and any delicate garnishes just before serving for the freshest look.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pans?

Generously grease and flour your pans, or line them with parchment paper circles for extra insurance. Letting the cakes cool for 10 minutes before removing also helps prevent sticking or breakage.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?

If cream cheese isn’t available, a good-quality mascarpone will work beautifully, or even a whipped buttercream if you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about Strawberries and Cream Cake—it manages to be both nostalgic and spectacularly elegant in every bite. If you’re ready to wow your family and friends, or just treat yourself to something fabulous, don’t wait to try this recipe. Happy baking!

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