Name: Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency); 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Nothing signals a celebration quite like a Strawberries and Cream Cake. With layers of tender, buttery cake, luscious tangy cream cheese frosting, and a crown of glistening strawberries, this dessert is the ultimate showstopper for spring and summer gatherings. Each bite is a harmony of flavors and textures—the soft sponge, the silky frosting, and bursts of juicy berry come together in pure bliss. Whether you’re sharing with family or delighting friends, this Strawberries and Cream Cake always turns an ordinary day into something a little more magical.

Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable ingredients—each one plays an important role in building the cake’s classic flavors. Don’t be tempted to swap or skimp: high-quality basics create the freshest flavor, tender crumb, and irresistible finish that the Strawberries and Cream Cake is loved for.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for soft, tender cake layers with a forgiving texture.
Granulated Sugar: Ensures subtle sweetness and helps the batter bake up nice and golden.
Baking Powder: Gives your cake a beautiful lift and fluffiness.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens every flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and that undeniably luscious crumb.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add necessary structure.
Whole Milk: Moistens the batter, resulting in a cake that feels delicate on the tongue.
Vanilla Extract: The secret to warmth and aroma in both cake and frosting.
Almond Extract (optional): For a faint nutty depth that brings extra character to your cake.
Cream Cheese (softened): The tangy star in your frosting; it balances the sugary components.
Powdered Sugar: Melts smoothly into the frosting without any grittiness.
Heavy Cream: Adds just enough silkiness to make your frosting fluffy and spreadable.
Fresh Strawberries: Nature’s jewel, topping your cake with juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh Mint Leaves (optional): Gives an herbal aroma and a pretty pop of green on top.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Begin by setting the scene: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get those 9-inch round cake pans ready with a slick of butter and a dusting of flour or parchment paper. This tiny prep step guarantees that your cakes will slide out gracefully later. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt—this evens out the leavening so your cakes bake up uniformly. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it’s pale and fluffy—a sign you’re trapping in tiny air bubbles for tenderness. Beat in the eggs, one by one, and add your vanilla (plus almond extract if you’re indulging in that little something extra). Now, gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to your butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. This gentle back-and-forth keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing. Split the batter between your pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the layers in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake layers are cooling, it’s time to whip up the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is completely smooth—no lumps here, please! Next, add powdered sugar gradually, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition so your frosting stays silky. Mix in vanilla extract for extra flavor, then add heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is light and spreadable. The goal is fluffiness that holds its shape, ready to embrace each layer of cake.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Here’s where your Strawberries and Cream Cake starts to come alive—assembly! Place the first cake layer on a wide serving platter. Spoon on a generous portion of frosting, spreading right to the edges. Arrange half of your sliced strawberries over this layer; go for even scatter or a pretty spiral, whichever feels more you. Gently add the next cake layer on top, taking care not to press too hard, and then cover the top and sides with your remaining frosting. Finish by layering the rest of your strawberries, either artfully in concentric circles or with joyful abandon. The natural shine of those berries will make your Strawberry and Cream Cake positively glow.

Step 4: Chill, Garnish, and Serve

To bring the whole creation together, chill your decorated cake for at least 30 minutes. This sets the frosting and lets those flavors happily mingle. Just before serving, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a splash of color and a hint of refreshing aroma. Slice and share while the cake is slightly cool—the chill amplifies both the creamy tang and the fruit’s freshness.

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Cake

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation, finish your Strawberries and Cream Cake with whole or halved strawberries tucked amongst the sliced ones, and a few sprigs of fresh mint. The mint provides a refreshing scent and a pop of green that really makes the berries shine. Dusting the cake with a whisper of powdered sugar adds a delicate, festive touch.

Side Dishes

While this cake is absolutely gorgeous solo, it pairs nicely with simple accompaniments. A dollop of unsweetened whipped cream lets each forkful melt in your mouth, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent treat. For those who love a bit of contrast, a small cup of espresso or a fruity herbal tea highlights the cake’s sweetness and brings it all together.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Strawberries and Cream Cake in mini-cake pans for adorable individual servings—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at birthdays and showers! Or, slice it into squares and serve on a tiered cake stand for a playful twist on tradition. You could even layer everything into mason jars for a charming picnic-ready dessert. However you serve it, let those strawberries be the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with slices left over (lucky you!), simply cover the Strawberries and Cream Cake tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay just as moist and flavorful for up to three days. The berries may soften a bit, but the cake only gets more delicious as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the unfrosted cake layers if you want to prep ahead. Wrap each completely cooled layer in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling. Freezing the fully assembled cake isn’t recommended because the fresh strawberries won’t withstand it well, but frosting and cake layers freeze beautifully on their own.

Reheating

For the best experience, serve Strawberries and Cream Cake chilled or at room temperature. If you’d like to take the chill off refrigerated leftovers, let a slice sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fruit soggy and the frosting separate—this cake is best enjoyed as is!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While frozen strawberries will work in a pinch, they release extra moisture and tend to become a bit mushy when thawed. For the prettiest, juiciest results, always choose fresh, ripe strawberries for your Strawberries and Cream Cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Just double-check that your baking powder and any other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Generously greasing and flouring your cake pans—or lining them with parchment paper—makes it easy to release the layers intact. Allow the cakes to cool briefly in the pans before turning them onto a wire rack.

Can I prepare the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and cool the cake layers a day or two in advance. Wrap them tightly and store at room temperature. When you’re ready to assemble, simply make the frosting and proceed as directed for your Strawberries and Cream Cake.

What can I do if my frosting is too runny or too stiff?

If your frosting is runny, add extra powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until it thickens up. If it’s too stiff, blend in a tablespoon of heavy cream until you reach a perfect, fluffy consistency that spreads easily.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Strawberries and Cream Cake is ready to deliver a little springtime joy to any occasion. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to recipe for celebrations big and small—give it a try, share a slice, and watch the smiles bloom around your table!

Strawberries and Cream Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 9-inch cake (12 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful dessert with this Strawberries and Cream Cake recipe. Moist layers of vanilla-almond cake are sandwiched with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite!

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans. Mix dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and extracts, then mix in dry ingredients and milk. Bake and cool cakes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Adjust consistency with heavy cream.
Assemble the Cake: Layer cake, frosting, and strawberries. Top with second cake layer and frost. Decorate with strawberries.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with mint leaves, chill, and serve.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American