Description
The Strawberry Dream Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, fluffy cake infused with fresh strawberries and layered with a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make yet impressive dessert is perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons, combining fresh fruit flavor with a luscious texture to delight every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Layers
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberry slices or whole berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Wash and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries, then puree them in a blender until smooth. This puree will be gently folded into the cake batter, adding natural strawberry flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process traps air, essential for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture with the strawberry puree to the butter-sugar mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold after each addition to maintain airiness.
- Bake the Layers: Divide the batter evenly between three greased 8-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy. Add heavy cream or milk as needed for spreadability.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then repeat for remaining layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides smoothly. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries for extra wow-factor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure batter emulsifies properly.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and airy.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Fresh strawberries are key for brightness and moisture.
- If frosting is too soft, chill for 10–15 minutes before spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: strawberry cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, fresh strawberries, birthday cake, moist cake