There is something utterly magical about a Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that immediately transports you to sunny days and sweet summer memories. This cake is a celebration of strawberries in every bite—from the moist, tender crumb infused with puree and delicate freeze-dried strawberry crumbs to the luscious cream cheese frosting dotted with a fruity swirl of homemade strawberry jam. Whether it’s a special occasion or a heartfelt treat, this cake promises a burst of fruity freshness combined with the rich, tangy creaminess of the frosting that your taste buds will thank you for.
Ingredients You'll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the two types of flour that give the cake its soft yet sturdy structure, to the fresh strawberries that provide natural sweetness and vibrancy, these essentials come together to form a truly unforgettable dessert landscape.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone for a moist but firm cake texture.
- Cake flour: Helps keep the crumb exceptionally tender and light.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work hand in hand to give a fluffy rise.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness, enhancing flavors.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (ground): Intensifies strawberry flavor without extra moisture.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Contributes richness and softness.
- Oil (canola or vegetable): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- White granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a fine crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and richness.
- Lightly pureed strawberries: Infuse natural flavor and a hint of color.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Gives a tender crumb and slight tang.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: For the jam and cake topping, adding bursts of freshness.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the frosting, bringing a tangy, creamy finish.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Creates the smooth, luscious frosting texture.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This temperature sets the perfect environment for the cake to rise steadily and bake evenly. Spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with baking spray and line it with parchment paper to keep the cake from sticking, allowing for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This careful blending ensures even flavor distribution and baking reaction that’s critical for the fluffy strawberry cake texture.
Step 3: Puree the Strawberries
Quickly pulse fresh or frozen strawberries in a food processor until lightly pureed but still slightly chunky. This preserves that vibrant strawberry flavor while adding moisture, which brings this cake alive with freshness.
Step 4: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter, oil, and white granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes. This step not only blends the fats and sugar but also aerates the mixture, creating a light, fluffy base for your cake.
Step 5: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Strawberry Puree
Next, incorporate the eggs one by one, along with the vanilla extract and the lightly pureed strawberries. Mix just until combined on medium speed. These ingredients bring richness, moisture, and intense strawberry flavor to the batter.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add your dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Over-mixing here can affect the cake’s tenderness and crumb, so mix gently to maintain that perfect texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Scrape down the batter from the sides, pour it evenly into your prepared pan, and place it in the oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Strawberry Jam While the Cake Bakes
In a medium saucepan, combine fresh strawberries and white sugar over medium heat. As the strawberries soften, gently mash them to release their juices and cook until thickened, approximately 20 minutes. Let it cool completely—it will add a beautiful, flavorful swirl to the frosting.
Step 9: Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
Sift powdered sugar combined with more ground freeze-dried strawberries for added flavor and color. Beat butter until fluffy, add cream cheese and beat again until silky smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar mixture and vanilla, beating on high speed until creamy and luscious.
Step 10: Decorate Your Cake
Using a serrated knife, trim the top of the cooled cake to make it flat and even. Spread a generous layer of your strawberry cream cheese frosting all over the top. Dollop on the strawberry jam and use a spoon to swirl it gently into the frosting. Finish with fresh strawberries on top if you like—it makes for a stunning and inviting presentation.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry crumbs, or even edible flowers can elevate the look and flavor, making every slice irresistible. These garnishes add an extra dimension of freshness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to complement the cake’s fruity richness. A cup of fragrant herbal tea or a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cake layered with extra strawberry jam between slices, or even cut into small squares for a delightful party platter. You can also plate single slices with a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sophisticated touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep any leftover cake refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness—typically up to 3-4 days. This keeps the strawberry flavors vibrant and the cream cheese frosting perfectly creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake before frosting by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. For best results, thaw completely in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Since this cake is moist with delicate frosting, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it may affect the texture and creaminess of the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Lightly thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to avoid making the batter too wet. Frozen strawberries work wonderfully, especially when fresh aren't in season.
What does freeze-dried strawberry powder do in the recipe?
It adds concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture, enhancing the strawberry notes in the cake and frosting while keeping the textures just right.
Is this cake suitable for layering?
Yes, this Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe works beautifully as a layer cake. Just bake in round pans and assemble with frosting and jam between the layers for a stunning multi-layered dessert.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with whipped cream?
While whipped cream is lighter, it lacks the tang and richness of cream cheese frosting that complements strawberry flavor perfectly. However, you can serve the cake with whipped cream for a different, airy experience.
How long does this cake keep fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, the cake stays fresh and moist for up to 4 days. To enjoy peak flavor, try to consume it within this timeframe.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with your loved ones. Its vibrant strawberry essence paired with the creamy, tangy frosting makes each bite a celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor the wholesome, fruity love baked right into every slice. Trust me, this will become one of your favorite go-to cakes for any special moment or just an everyday indulgence.
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Fresh Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Cake is a delightful and moist dessert featuring a tender cake infused with real strawberries and freeze-dried strawberry powder for an intense flavor. Topped with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting swirled with homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, it’s a perfect treat for any occasion, bursting with fresh berry goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Cake flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 oz Freeze-dried strawberries, ground to a fine crumb
Cake Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 TBSP Canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 3 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup Lightly pureed strawberries (about half a container)
- ¾ cup Buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Strawberry Jam
- ½ cup White granulated sugar
- 2 cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 6 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup Freeze dried strawberries (1 oz ground to a fine crumb)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
Topping
- Fresh strawberries, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x9 inch baking pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. Spray the parchment again to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Set aside.
- Puree Strawberries: Using a food processor, wash and lightly puree the strawberries until they resemble chunky salsa texture.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, oil, and granulated sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and lightly pureed strawberries. Mix on medium speed until combined.
- Combine Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, alternated with the buttermilk, to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Make Strawberry Jam: While the cake bakes or ahead of time, combine strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, mashing the strawberries as they soften. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened, about 20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting Sugar Mix: In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar and stir in the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Beat Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter on high speed for 2 minutes. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add half of the strawberry powdered sugar mixture and mix on low until combined. Add the remaining sugar mixture and mix well. Add vanilla extract and beat on high speed until creamy.
- Decorate Cake: Use a serrated knife to trim a thin layer off the top of the cooled cake to level it. Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake. Dot small spoonfuls of strawberry jam on top and use a spoon to gently swirl it into the frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a tender crumb.
- If fresh strawberries are not in season, frozen strawberries can be used but thaw and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
- Freeze-dried strawberries add potent flavor without extra moisture, helping maintain the cake’s texture.
- Make the strawberry jam and frosting ahead to save time on decorating day.
- Serving size is approximately one square from a 9x9 inch cake, ideal for 16 servings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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