Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the scent of fresh strawberries filled the air, invoking those sun-drenched summer afternoons of my childhood. This Strawberries and Cream Cake is my go-to recipe for basking in nostalgia while delighting friends and family with something truly special. With its luscious layers of creamy frosting and vibrant strawberries, this cake is not only a showstopper for any occasion, but it’s also delightfully easy to whip up at home. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt of store-bought desserts, this cake offers a lightness that balances the richness of cream, making it a must-try. So, are you ready to create a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Why Is This Cake So Irresistible? Simplicity in Preparation: You’ll be delighted to know that making this Strawberries and Cream Cake is effortless, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal time. Light and Fluffy Texture: The cake’s airy layers combined with rich, creamy frosting create a texture that melts in your mouth, making each bite a delightful experience. Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries shines through, providing a refreshing burst that perfectly complements the luxurious cream. Versatile as Can Be: Feel free to switch up the strawberries for other berries or add a twist of lemon zest to the frosting — this recipe adapts beautifully to your flavor preferences! Perfect for Gatherings: This showstopper cake is guaranteed to impress your guests at any celebration, from summer parties to holiday feasts. Pair it with some refreshing sparkling water or lemonade for that ultimate summer vibe! Dive into this delightful recipe and discover why it has become a family favorite! Consider checking out our Moist Strawberry Shortcake for more strawberry inspirations! Strawberries and Cream Cake Ingredients For the Cake Layers Fresh Strawberries – Adds sweetness and juiciness; ensure they are ripe for the best flavor. Cake Flour – Provides lightness and structure to the cake; can substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture. Sugar – Sweetens the cake and frosting; adjust to taste. Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. Eggs – Binds ingredients and helps the cake rise; room temperature eggs whip better for a fluffier texture. For the Frosting Heavy Cream – Used for making the frosting smooth and creamy; can substitute with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; use pure extract for the best taste. Indulge in this Strawberries and Cream Cake and treat your loved ones with a dessert that feels just as special as it tastes! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberries and Cream Cake Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3–5 minutes using a hand mixer. Add in 3 room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Gradually sift in 2 cups of cake flour along with a pinch of salt, alternating with ½ cup of milk, until the batter is smooth and creamy. Step 2: Bake the Cake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for an even bake. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges pull slightly away from the pan. Step 3: Cool the Cakes Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cakes onto wire racks to cool completely, allowing the steam to escape and preventing sogginess. The cakes should be at room temperature before you start frosting—this ensures a smooth application and prevents melting the cream. Step 4: Make the Frosting In a clean mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with ¼ cup of sugar. Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, usually taking around 3–5 minutes. The frosting will be smooth and creamy, perfect for layering and decorating your Strawberries and Cream Cake. Step 5: Assemble the Cake Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate, generously spread a layer of whipped frosting on top, and add a lovely layer of sliced fresh strawberries. Carefully position the second cake layer on top of the strawberries, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream. Make sure to cover all exposed edges to seal in the strawberries and create a beautiful presentation. Step 6: Decoration To finish your stunning Strawberries and Cream Cake, garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries, artfully arranged for an inviting look. You can leave some strawberries whole or slice them for added flair. This decoration not only enhances the aesthetics but also emphasizes the freshness and sweetness of the fruit, making the cake irresistible for any gathering. How to Store and Freeze Strawberries and Cream Cake Fridge: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: If you want to save it for later, freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: For a cozy dessert experience, you can enjoy the cake chilled or let it come to room temperature before indulging. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the texture intact. Serving Tips: For best flavor, add fresh strawberries right before serving to maintain their vibrancy on the Strawberries and Cream Cake. What to Serve with Strawberries and Cream Cake Experience a colorful bouquet of flavors as you create a delightful fusion of tastes and textures to enhance your dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the lightness of the cake and enhances its lovely strawberry flavor. Sparkling Water with Mint: A refreshing, effervescent drink that complements the sweetness of the cake while adding a touch of herbal brightness. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds zing and freshness, balancing the rich frosting and providing a joyful crunch in every bite. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Elevate your dessert table with additional chocolatey goodness, delighting your guests’ taste buds with decadent textures and flavors. Lemonade: The tartness of chilled lemonade cuts through the richness of the cake, offering a refreshing contrast that feels perfect on a hot day. Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, this tropical twist adds a delicious lightness while harmonizing beautifully with the vibrant strawberries. Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor make for a wonderful dipping companion, further enhancing your dessert experience with each sip of coffee or tea. Champagne or Prosecco: Celebrate special moments with the bubbly effervescence of champagne, creating joyous and festive memories with every slice enjoyed. Chocolate Ganache: A decadent drizzle of warm chocolate ganache over individual slices adds an indulgent touch that elevates your serving game to the next level. Strawberries and Cream Cake Variations Feel free to get creative and customize this delicious cake in ways that excite your taste buds! Mixed Berries: Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorites for a colorful twist. Citrus Splash: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, zesty flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness. Chocolate Indulgence: Layer in some chocolate ganache between cake layers for a decadent chocolate-strawberry experience. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free without losing its light texture. Dairy-Free Delight: Use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a tropical twist that keeps the frosting rich and fluffy. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate some toasted almond or hazelnut flour into the cake batter for a nutty crunch that elevates the flavor profile. Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the frosting for a subtle yet delightful flavor enhancement. Layers of Fun: Create a tiered cake with additional layers and fillings like cream cheese frosting or different fruit fillings for a sophisticated touch. Whenever you’re in the mood for a special dessert, these variations will help keep things exciting! And if you’re loving the flavor of strawberries, don’t forget to check out our Moist Strawberry Shortcake for another scrumptious way to enjoy them! Make Ahead Options These Strawberries and Cream Cake components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time and be ready for any occasion! You can bake the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance; just cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate to keep them fresh. The frosting can also be prepared a day ahead—store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble the cake by frosting the layers and adding fresh strawberries just before enjoying. This way, your cake will remain just as delicious and vibrant, bringing a delightful taste of summer without any last-minute fuss! Expert Tips for Strawberries and Cream Cake Chill Your Cream: Ensure that your heavy cream is very cold before whipping for the best volume and texture in your frosting. Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature eggs in your batter; they incorporate better and help achieve a light and fluffy cake. Gentle Mixing: Avoid over-mixing the batter once you add the flour; gentle folding keeps the cake airy and prevents it from becoming dense. Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and juiciness; they make a big difference in the overall taste of your Strawberries and Cream Cake. Decorate Last Minute: Garnish with fresh strawberries just before serving to prevent them from making the frosting soggy—this ensures each slice looks perfect and inviting! Bake Even Layers: Distribute your cake batter evenly between the pans for even baking; check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best strawberries? Absolutely! For the best flavor, select strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant with no dark spots or mushy areas. Ripe strawberries will offer the sweetest taste and juiciness, making your Strawberries and Cream Cake truly delightful. How should I store leftover cake? Very! Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness while keeping the cake moist. Just remember to enjoy it within that timeframe for the best taste! Can I freeze my Strawberries and Cream Cake? Of course! If you’d like to freeze the cake, I recommend slicing it into individual pieces. Place each slice in an airtight container, ensuring they’re well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer the slices to the fridge overnight before enjoying them again. What should I do if my frosting won’t whip? Sometimes this happens! Make sure your heavy cream is cold; this is crucial for achieving those lovely stiff peaks. If it’s still not whipping, check that your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease, as this can hinder the whipping process. If all else fails, you can add a little powdered sugar to stabilize the cream. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Yes! You can make this Strawberries and Cream Cake dairy-free by using whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the frosting. Simply chill a can of coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solid cream, and whip with sweetener and vanilla extract to taste. It creates a luscious alternative without losing the creamy texture! Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and add the fresh strawberries only on the day of serving to keep them as vibrant and fresh as possible. They truly complete the experience! Enjoy your baking adventure with this delightful treat! Strawberries and Cream Cake: A Dreamy Summer Delight This Strawberries and Cream Cake is a nostalgic, easy-to-make dessert perfect for summer gatherings, featuring layers of creamy frosting and fresh strawberries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake Layers1 cup Unsalted butter, softened Use unsalted for better control over salt levels1.5 cups Sugar Adjust to taste3 Room temperature eggs Whip better for a fluffier texture2 cups Cake flour Can substitute with all-purpose flour for a denser texture0.5 cups MilkPinch of salt1 pint Fresh strawberries Ensure they are ripe for the best flavorFor the Frosting1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with whipped coconut cream for dairy-free1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Use pure extract for the best taste0.25 cups Sugar Equipment Mixing bowlhand mixer9-inch cake pansspatulaWire racks Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBeat softened unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time and incorporate well.Sift in cake flour and a pinch of salt, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth and creamy.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and divide the batter evenly.Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for about 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks.Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting, and layer with fresh strawberries. Top with second cake layer and frost the sides and top.Garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure heavy cream is very cold before whipping. Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation. Decorate just before serving to maintain freshness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
