Ultimate Frosted Strawberry Cake Recipe For Any Occasion

We all know that strawberry cake holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere. In fact, it’s one of the most popular cake flavors out there, and for good reason. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration or simply craving a slice of heaven, this ultimate strawberry cake recipe is a must-have in your baking repertoire. It’s time to don your apron, sharpen your mixing skills, and prepare to astound your friends and family with a dessert that will leave them begging for more.

Strawberry cake

Oven – Preheat the oven to 325℉/ 165℃/ Gas Mark 3. Grease and line 2 x 8-inch round cake pans (or 3 x 7-inch cake pans) Dry ingredients – in a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – set aside Wet ingredients – In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment whip the whole eggs on medium for two minutes. Gradually start adding sugar one tablespoon at a time whipping constantly on medium speed. Once all the sugar is in; turn the mixer to medium-high and whip until light and fluffy – ribbon stage. Next, gradually add the oil followed by the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and pink food color. Combine – Next, add in the flour mixture making sure you have no lumps. Continue to use the whisk but do not overwhip at this time. Or you will lose all the volume in the eggs.

Bake – Divide the batter equally between the prepared baking pans. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.Pro tip – I like to use cake strips to ensure my layer cakes bake flat. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes then invert on a cooling rack and cool completely before you store or decorate.Pro tip – Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the freezer for an hour. This will make fewer crumbs when torting and leveling the cake.

Velvet American buttercream

Cream – In a bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream the butter until smooth. Add meringue powder, liquid creamer, and approximately two cups of powdered sugar. Mix on medium-low for a minute – scrap the bowl. Add the vanilla and the salt. Continue to mix for two minutes more until you have a light and sticky consistency.Pro tip – the meringue powder will add a bit of stickiness to the buttercream. Watch how to make this velvet American buttercream here Now, add the remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time. Followed by the butter one cube at a time. Once all the butter is in – run the mixer on medium-high for about 3 minutes until you have a light and fluffy buttercream that resembles the consistency of whipped cream.Pro tip – If the buttercream is too soft, you haven’t whipped enough. However, If the butter is melting chill the bowl for 10 minutes then whip again. (this can happen in warmer temperatures)

Assemble

Level – Using a bread knife or cake leveler cut the domes off the cake layers. Brush each layer with the cooled simple syrup. Stack – Place a cake layer on the cake board or cake stand. Top with a big dollop of buttercream – spread evenly using a straight-edge spatula. Then top the next cake layer on top followed by more buttercream and the last layer. Chill the cake for 15 minutesPro tip – Chilling the cake at this point will ensure the layers don’t move when you frost the outside. Though, if you leave the cake uncovered in the fridge for too long it can dry out. So, 10 minutes is all you need. Frost – Add more frosting on top and sides, use a bench scraper to smooth the sides, and an off-set spatula for the top.Pro tip – A straight-edge spatula for the top, an off-set spatula, and a bench scraper for the sides work better. Pipe – Put the remaining buttercream into a piping bag with a round piping tip and pipe borders around the top and bottom of the cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries.

Creative variations

One creative variation is to incorporate other fruits into the cake batter. By adding a handful of blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches, you can create a delightful medley of flavors and enhance the overall fruitiness of the cake. This variation not only adds visual interest with pops of vibrant colors but also introduces complementary flavors that perfectly complement the strawberry base. For those who enjoy a little tartness, consider adding a touch of lemon zest or fresh squeezed lemon juice to the batter. The brightness of the lemon not only cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries but also adds a refreshing twist to the cake. You can also experiment with other citrus flavors like orange or lime to create your own unique citrus-strawberry combination. If you’re a fan of rich and creamy desserts, why not try incorporating a layer of cream cheese or whipped cream between the cake layers? This variation not only adds a luxurious creaminess to the texture but also balances out the sweetness of the strawberry frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese or the lightness of the whipped cream creates a delightful contrast that will surely impress your guests. For a little crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pecans to the batter or sprinkling them on top of the frosting. The added texture not only provides a pleasant surprise with every bite but also complements the softness of the cake and the smoothness of the frosting. Nuts can add a delightful depth of flavor and create a more intricate taste profile for your strawberry cake.

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