If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with fresh, fruity flavor and creamy sweetness, I can't recommend this Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough. Imagine three moist and tender layers infused with roasted strawberry puree, stacked high and wrapped in the creamiest strawberry cream cheese frosting you've ever tasted. It's a perfect celebration of strawberries in both texture and taste, guaranteed to make any occasion feel extra special and to have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and containers on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients. The largest bowl at the bottom right contains bright red strawberry halves with a shiny texture. To the left, a medium bowl is filled with light beige flour that has a rough, powdery surface. Above that is a small bowl with fine white sugar granules. Next to it, an egg with a smooth, brown shell sits directly on the surface. Above the strawberries is a clear measuring cup with white milk. At the bottom center is a rectangular stick of pale yellow butter in its wrapper. Near the butter, there is a small glass bowl with a thick light brown liquid, and two smaller glass bowls hold a white powder and white salt granules. The setup is neat and bright, suggesting baking ingredients arranged for easy use. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this strawberry cake is easier than you might think, and each one plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh strawberries to cream cheese and just the right amount of sugar, these ingredients come together beautifully.

Sliced strawberries (1 ½ cups): Fresh for roasting and pureeing, they bring intense strawberry flavor and natural sweetness.

Granulated sugar (4 teaspoons): Adds sweetness to the strawberries during roasting to enhance their natural juices.
Kosher salt (pinch, plus 1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in the cake layers and frosting.
Red food coloring gel (3 drops, optional): A small touch for that beautiful pink hue that makes this cake visually irresistible.

All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups / 357g): Provides structure to the cake’s tender crumb.
Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Creates the lift and fluffiness in every bite.
Unsalted butter (1 cup for cake, plus 10 tablespoons for frosting): Adds rich flavor and moisture, helping the cake remain soft and the frosting luxuriously creamy.

Granulated sugar (2 ½ cups for cake): Sweetens the cake batter perfectly for that delectable dessert experience.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for cake, 1 teaspoon for frosting): Deepens the flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
Milk (⅔ cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender, ensuring perfect crumb texture.

Large egg whites (6): Lighten the batter for a delicate, airy cake.
Reserved strawberry puree (½ cup): Infuses the batter with real strawberry essence and delightful pink color.
Cream cheese (10 ounces): The star in the frosting, bringing creamy tang and smoothness.

Powdered sugar (4 cups): Creates the perfect sweetness and texture in the frosting.
Pinch of kosher salt (frosting): Enhances the overall flavor, cutting through the sweetness.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds extra silkiness and helps achieve a luscious frosting consistency.

Freeze-dried strawberries (½ cup): Ground into powder for an intense strawberry burst in the frosting without extra moisture.

How to Make Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Strawberry Puree

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Combine your sliced strawberries, sugar, and salt in a small baking dish, then roast them for 15 minutes. This roasting step intensifies the strawberry flavor wonderfully. Once roasted, blend everything in a food processor until smooth. Be sure to reserve exactly half a cup of this puree, which we’ll later fold into the cake batter for that vibrant strawberry essence.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Keep your oven temperature steady at 350 degrees F because it’s time to bake! Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans to make layering easier. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl—this ensures a tender crumb without any lumps.

In your mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. In a separate cup, whisk together the milk, egg whites, and reserved strawberry puree. Then, carefully incorporate the dry ingredients and the wet strawberry mixture into your creamed butter mixture, alternating between the two until you have a smooth batter. Don’t forget to scrape down your bowl to get every bit mixed well!

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for around 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto racks to cool completely. Patience here means a perfect cake texture.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is what takes the cake from delicious to unforgettable. First, pulverize your freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or spice grinder—this step packs in extra strawberry oomph.

Using a clean mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth to avoid lumps, then add the butter and combine until silky. Gradually add the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla, and heavy cream (if using) and whip for a full two minutes to get that airy, fluffy texture. Finally, stir in the strawberry powder for that fresh, vibrant flavor.

Step 4: Optional - Create Strawberry Decorations

If you want to impress even more, you can turn some of your frosting into tiny strawberry shapes! Divide a portion of the frosting and tint it with red food coloring; pipe heart shapes onto parchment paper. Tint a smaller amount with green food coloring and pipe this as strawberry tops. Once set, these little accents beautifully adorn your finished cake.

Step 5: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your platter or board. Spread a thin, even layer of frosting over it, then repeat with the other layers. After stacking all three layers, apply a thin crumb coat and chill the cake for 20 minutes. This step locks in crumbs and makes the final frosting layer look smooth and professional. Once chilled, cover the cake in the remaining frosting, smooth it out, and decorate with your strawberry frosting shapes or some cheerful sprinkles if you prefer to keep it classic.

How to Serve Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A round cake with two layers is covered in smooth pink frosting all over, with small red cherry decorations scattered evenly on the top and around the sides. The cake sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Around the cake, there are fresh strawberries and a white plate with a spoon that has a wooden handle. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with bright yellow tulips and green leaves. Sunlight lights up the scene, creating soft shadows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh sliced strawberries on top or alongside the cake slices enhances that fresh, natural strawberry flavor and adds a pretty burst of color. Sprinkle a little freeze-dried strawberry powder or even some edible flower petals for a whimsical look that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This layer cake pairs delightfully with light accompaniments. Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to complement its richness. For a breakfast treat, a cup of chilled Champagne or sparkling rosé also balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe up a notch by serving it individually in clear glass dessert plates or trifle cups layered with fresh berries and more frosting. You can also pipe decorative frosting swirls on top for an elegant finish perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting means it should be enjoyed within three to four days. The moisture of the cake and frosting blend beautifully when chilled, making each slice taste as good as the first.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or freeze it in a sturdy container. For best results, freeze the cake layers separately without frosting, then thaw and frost when ready to serve. This keeps the texture fresh and prevents freezer burn.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If your slices feel too cold, just let them sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to enjoy the full creaminess of that strawberry cream cheese frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the roasted strawberry puree?

Yes! While fresh strawberries are ideal, frozen ones work well too. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before roasting for the best concentration of flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake without the red food coloring?

Absolutely! The natural pink tint from the strawberries shines through nicely on its own. The food coloring is purely optional for a more vibrant look but will not affect the deliciousness.

How do I prevent the cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature but not too soft. Also, measure the powdered sugar carefully and consider adding the heavy cream gradually for that perfect fluffy consistency without overdoing it.

Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or another non-dairy milk in equal amounts. This substitution won’t alter the texture much and keeps the cake moist while accommodating dietary preferences.

How long does it take to roast the strawberries?

The roasting process takes about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. This step is essential to deepen the strawberry flavor by concentrating their juices and caramelizing their natural sugars.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a labor of love that pays off in every moist, flavorful bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just treating yourself and loved ones, this cake brings happiness to the table. Give it a try and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes when you want to impress with something sweet, fresh, and utterly delightful.

Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Strawberry Layer Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe