Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Imagine biting into a perfectly moist, tender strawberry cake that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor, topped with a luxuriously smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. The Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is exactly that delightful treat, combining the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a fluffy, dreamy frosting that complements the cake beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sensational dessert, this recipe promises a show-stopping cake that feels both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the essentials right is key to making any recipe shine, and this one is no exception. These ingredients come together simply but play important roles in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and stunning color.

• 32 oz (908 g) fresh strawberries, hulled: The star ingredient providing the fresh, vibrant strawberry taste and natural sweetness.
• 2 1/2 cups (280 g) cake flour: Offers a tender crumb and light texture essential for a soft cake.
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
• 1/4 tsp baking soda: Works with baking powder to create lift and slight browning.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
• 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the crumb.
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering.
• 6 large egg whites, at room temperature: Provide structure and lighten the batter for a delicate result.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature: Adds tang and tenderness while helping with leavening.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) strawberry reduction from above: Packed with concentrated strawberry essence, infusing the batter.
• 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the creamy base for the frosting.
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, cold: Adds tangy richness and silky texture to the frosting.
• 2 1/4 cups (292 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and firms up the frosting.
• 1 cup (25 g) freeze dried strawberries: Ground to add intense berry flavor and pretty pink flecks into the frosting.
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry reduction (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s fruitiness and moisture.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk: Used in the strawberry cream filling for luscious sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Whipped for fluffy lightness in the strawberry cream filling.
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) strawberry reduction (for cream filling): Brings fresh strawberry zing to the filling.

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Reduction

Start by turning those fresh hulled strawberries into a thick, luscious reduction. Puree the berries in a food processor until smooth, then simmer the puree gently on medium heat for about an hour until it reduces down to roughly 1 cup. This concentrated strawberry powerhouse is the secret ingredient that will fill the cake batter, frosting, and cream with incredible strawberry flavor. Plus, you can make it a few days ahead and keep it refrigerated, which is perfect for planning ahead.

Step 2: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper to guarantee an easy cake release once baked. This step ensures your beautiful cake comes out perfectly shaped without any sticking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. These dry ingredients provide the structure and rise while balancing the flavors. Sifting or whisking ahead helps keep the cake tender and light.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until pale and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for lightness in your cake.

Step 5: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

Next, add the egg whites one by one along with the vanilla extract, beating on medium speed. The egg whites lighten the batter, making it airy and delicate, while the vanilla infuses a sweet aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Step 6: Mix in Buttermilk and Strawberry Reduction

Pour in the buttermilk and half a cup of your cooled strawberry reduction. Beat until just combined. The tangy buttermilk balances sweetness and helps tenderize the cake crumb, while the strawberry reduction intensifies that fresh berry flavor.

Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients using low speed. Be gentle and mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake wonderfully soft.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 43 to 46 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The house will soon be filled with an irresistible strawberry scent!

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out with the parchment paper and allow it to cool completely before frosting. Patience here rewards you with a flawless frosting finish without melting.

Step 10: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a mixer, beat softened butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Then add cold cream cheese and continue beating until smooth and airy. The frosting’s silky texture is essential for spreading and flavor.

Step 11: Add Powdered Sugar

Sift powdered sugar gradually into the bowl to avoid lumps and mix on low to medium speed until fully combined, balancing sweetness with the tang of cream cheese.

Step 12: Mix in Freeze-Dried Strawberries and Strawberry Reduction

Crush freeze-dried strawberries to a powder and add them with strawberry reduction to the frosting. This infuses intense strawberry flavor and a hint of lovely pink color, making the frosting extra special.

Step 13: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling

Whisk together strawberry reduction and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. This forms the base of a creamy, sweet filling that complements the cake perfectly.

Step 14: Whip Heavy Cream

Whip the heavy cream on high speed until firm peaks form. This whipped cream lightens the filling and adds a luxurious texture.

Step 15: Fold Whipped Cream into Strawberry Mixture

Gently fold together the whipped cream and strawberry mixture until uniform and fluffy. This filling will be piped into the cake for delightful bursts of creamy strawberry in every bite.

Step 16: Prepare the Cake for Filling

Once fully cooled, transfer the cake to a serving plate and use a wooden stick or spoon handle to poke evenly spaced holes across the surface. These holes allow the strawberry cream to nestle inside, giving every slice an extra surprise of flavor.

Step 17: Pipe Strawberry Cream into Cake

Fill a piping bag with the strawberry cream and carefully fill each hole in the cake. This adds moistness and a beautiful burst of sweet strawberry cream throughout the cake.

Step 18: Frost the Cake

Spread a thick, luscious layer of your strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. The frosting should be generous for a decadent finish everyone will love.

Step 19: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a gorgeous texture and bright color, then add fresh strawberries if you like. Now your Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is ready to impress and delight with every bite.

How to Serve Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder are perfect garnishes that add texture and a pop of color. You can even add mint leaves for a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light citrus sorbet. Fresh berries on the side keep the strawberry theme going while balancing the richness of the cream cheese frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or arrange small individual portions in pretty jars topped with extra cream. This will make your presentation stand out whether for a party or cozy family dessert time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake tightly wrapped or covered in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese frosting, it stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying a slice whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

The cake can be frozen without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost fresh before serving to keep it tasting fresh and delicious.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cream cheese frosted cake, it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve the texture and flavor. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries offer the best vibrant flavor and texture for the reduction, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water in your reduction.

Is it necessary to use egg whites only?

Yes, using only egg whites keeps the cake lighter and airier. The fat from whole eggs would make the cake denser, while egg whites provide structure with less richness for this recipe.

Can I make the strawberry reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! The strawberry reduction can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great time saver and allows the flavors to deepen.

How do freeze-dried strawberries affect the frosting?

Freeze-dried strawberries add a concentrated, intense strawberry flavor without adding moisture, and give the frosting a lovely pink hue and subtle texture contrast.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 3/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This will mimic buttermilk’s acidity and tenderness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. From the homemade strawberry reduction to the delicate cake layers and rich luscious frosting, every step builds flavor and texture that’s guaranteed to delight. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because, this recipe feels like a heartfelt gift to yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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