Name: Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled; 2 and 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour (spooned & leveled); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar; 5 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (80g) full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120g/ml) whole milk, at room temperature; 1/2 cup reduced strawberry puree (from puree step); Optional: 1–2 drops red or pink food coloring; 1 cup (about 25g) freeze-dried strawberries; 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 Tablespoon whole milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 54 reviews

If you are searching for a truly delightful, fresh, and impossibly moist strawberry dessert, then this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to become your new best friend. What sets this cake apart is the magic of reducing fresh strawberry puree down gently and blending it right into the tender white cake batter, infusing every bite with a natural burst of juicy sweetness. Topped with a luscious frosting made from freeze-dried strawberries and cream cheese, this cake balances flavors and textures perfectly, promising a memorable treat whether for special occasions or simply because strawberries and cake are always a winning combo. I can’t wait to walk you through every step so you can experience this strawberry sensation at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl holds a thick, smooth light pink batter with tiny darker pink specks swirled gently inside and a wooden spatula with a pale pink silicone head resting in it. Behind it, a smaller clear glass measuring cup contains a rich, deep red thick mixture with the same spatula partially dipped in it. Nearby, a set of metal measuring spoons is placed on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Luckily, the ingredients for this gorgeous Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are straightforward, fresh, and pantry-friendly. Each one plays an essential role in bringing balance to the cake’s light crumb, delicate strawberry flavor, and that irresistible creamy frosting.

Fresh strawberries (1 pound): The star ingredient that provides vibrant color and natural sweetness for the puree.
Cake flour (2 and 1/2 cups): Creates a light, tender crumb that’s perfect for a soft cake.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cake a gentle rise for fluffiness.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to provide perfect texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup): Adds rich flavor and moistness with a silky texture.
Granulated sugar (1 and 3/4 cups): Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering.
Egg whites (5 large): Lighten the structure and aid in lift.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/3 cup): Contributes tang and moistness to the cake texture.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the cake’s aroma and complements strawberry notes.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture for tender crumb.
Reduced strawberry puree (1/2 cup): Concentrated fresh strawberry flavor infused directly into the batter.
Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup for frosting): Ground into powder to add a burst of true strawberry flavor in the creamy frosting.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): The rich base for the smooth frosting with a tangy creaminess.
Additional unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softens the cream cheese for velvety frosting.
Confectioners’ sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and balances the frosting texture perfectly.
Whole milk (1 tablespoon): Adjusts frosting consistency for spreadability.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the strawberry cream cheese frosting with aromatic notes.
Pinch of salt: Cuts through sweetness and rounds out flavors in the frosting.
Optional pink or red food coloring: Deepens the lovely pink hue of the cake if desired.

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

Step 1: Make the Reduced Strawberry Puree

Start by rinsing and hulling 1 pound of fresh strawberries. Puree them until smooth, then gently simmer the puree over medium-low heat. Reduce it patiently until you have concentrated, thickened strawberry essence — about half a cup. This step takes time but sets the foundation for that unforgettable strawberry punch. I recommend making this part a day or two ahead to ensure it’s completely cool and ready to enrich your cake batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds, then grease again. This trick helps the delicate cake layers release cleanly once baked, making your assembly a breeze. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and get ready for the fun part.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the cake flour with baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will create the perfect structure for your cake’s light crumb. Setting this aside early helps streamline the mixing process when you combine everything later.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—roughly 3 minutes. This step is essential to incorporate air for that beautiful tender cake crumb. Then add egg whites one at a time, beating until combined after each addition, ensuring a smooth, pale batter.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Vanilla

Beat in the sour cream or Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and subtle tang, balancing out the sweetness and enriching the texture. Your batter should start to look creamy and luscious.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients, Milk, and Strawberry Puree

With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredient mixture gradually, alternating with whole milk. The key here is gentle mixing—not overworking the batter—to keep it tender. Once combined, fold in your cooled reduced strawberry puree, adding the optional food coloring if you want a deeper pink. The puree melts invisibly into the batter while packing a punch of vibrant flavor.

Step 7: Bake and Cool Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for about 24 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans for an hour before removing and peeling off the parchment. Cooling fully before frosting is critical to avoid melting your frosting.

Step 8: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Process freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder and sift out any chunks for smoothness. Beat cream cheese and butter together until silky, then add confectioners’ sugar, strawberry powder, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until perfectly creamy and dreamy. Refrigerate the frosting for an hour before frosting your cake—it helps it thicken just right for spreading.

Step 9: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Level off the cake tops for an even stack, discard or save those crumbs for a fun snack. Spread a generous layer of frosting on the first cake, top with the second upside-down, then apply a thin crumb coat all over. Chill to set, then finish frosting fully for that gorgeous finish. Refrigerate again for clean slices and to let the flavor meld.

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

A two-layer pink cake sits on a round white marble cake stand with a wooden base, covered in smooth, light pink frosting that thickly coats the top and sides with a slightly whipped texture. The middle layer has a bright pink creamy filling visible between the two light pink sponge cake layers. Two fresh red strawberries with green leaves are placed on top of the cake as decoration. A red and white checkered cloth is gathered beneath the cake stand on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your cake’s fresh vibe with a sprinkle of fresh sliced strawberries on top or some edible flowers for a pretty pop of color. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole freeze-dried strawberries scattered atop can add stunning touches that invite everyone to dig in immediately.

Side Dishes

This strawberry cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a fresh berry salad. These sides add complementary textures and flavors that highlight the cake’s fruity essence without overshadowing it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try presenting this cake in a rustic style on a wooden cake stand for a garden party feel or get adventurous with a strawberry-themed dessert table layered with complementary treats like strawberry macarons or shortbread cookies. Even serving it as stunning individual mini cakes or cupcakes can make it a fun, crowd-pleasing surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Properly wrapped, this cake stays divine for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or keep in an airtight cake carrier to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors. Remember to let slices come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked cake layers and the assembled, frosted cake. Wrap each cake layer or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cake can last for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended for the assembled cake. Instead, let it naturally warm up after removing from the fridge. If you frost cupcakes or small slices, a few seconds in the microwave can revive their softness, but be careful not to melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the strawberry puree?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well but may take longer to reduce during the simmering step. Thaw them first for best results, and proceed as usual for the concentrated puree.

What if I don’t have cake flour — can I substitute all-purpose flour?

While cake flour creates the ideal light texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour combined with a bit of cornstarch as a makeshift cake flour to keep your cake tender.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Absolutely! The reduced strawberry puree naturally imparts a lovely pink hue to your cake. Food coloring is purely optional to intensify the color.

How do freeze-dried strawberries affect the frosting?

Freeze-dried strawberries add concentrated real strawberry flavor and a pretty pink tint without adding moisture that could make the frosting runny — perfect for a stable yet flavorful frosting.

Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?

Yes! Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes. The frosting amount is enough for about 14 to 15 cupcakes, making it a perfectly portable version of this delicious cake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Homemade Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—it truly feels like a little slice of strawberry heaven with every bite. It’s a recipe that’s approachable enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough to bring out for celebrations. Once you taste that perfectly balanced, luscious cake layered with dreamy frosting and bursting with strawberry flavor, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it in your baking repertoire. Happy baking and happy tasting!